Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights

Three gorges, one slow ride. This Yichang to Chongqing upstream cruise takes you through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge with guided shore stops and a boat guide to help you stay on track.

I like the mix of long river views and short excursions that give you context on what you are seeing. I also like that meals are built in, which makes the $599 price feel more like an all-in trip than a menu of extras.

One thing to consider: cabin quality can vary by the exact ship assigned, and some past reports raised red flags about damp, smelly rooms on an older vessel. If comfort matters to you, confirm your boat name before settling in and inspect the cabin right after boarding.

Key things to know before you book

• Upstream gorges time: You sail through three major gorges across multiple days, not just one quick pass.
• A boat guide is included: You get onboard support for questions and day-to-day flow.
• Three shore excursions are included: Plus optional upgrades that can change based on daily plans.
• Meals are part of the package: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included, while drinks are not.
• Max 50 travelers: It stays small enough to feel manageable during excursions.
• Ship assignment matters: Some departures have strong service and comfortable rooms, while others have reported older, damp cabins on a specific vessel.

Upstream Yangtze: what you will actually see from the water

Doing this cruise upstream from Yichang to Chongqing means you are moving through the Three Gorges in a slow, river-first rhythm. Over the course of the trip, you will pass the three headline sections by name, Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Qutang Gorge, so you are not just staring at water, hoping something happens.

What makes the gorges feel real is how the views change through the day. You are not racing from stop to stop. Instead, you get extended sailing time, then land for a couple hours, then back onboard again. That pacing is why this route works so well for people who love nature and want a calmer pace than fast tour buses.

Price and value: where the $599 really goes

At $599 per person, this is priced like a mid-range cruise with a lot included. You are getting accommodation for 5 days and 4 nights, a boat guide, and three shore excursions, plus meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

The big value play is that you avoid the constant purchase decisions that hit many China tours. Since meals are included, you can focus on logistics and sightseeing instead of budgeting every meal day by day. Drinks are not included, so if you like bottled water, beer, or coffee, expect those to be extra.

Getting to the dock: the Sanxia Tourist Center shuttle window

The start point is Sanxia Tourist Center (with a free shuttle option to the dock). The shuttle runs from 17:00 to 19:00, and the tour start time is listed as 19:00 boarding begins at Yichang Maoping Wharf.

My practical advice: do not wait until the last moment to gather your paperwork. With river cruises, you want time for check-in and getting your bearings. If you are arriving late, you risk missing the shuttle window and adding stress right as the trip starts.

Cabins and onboard comfort: the ship quality factor you should check

This cruise includes half twin cabin per person. Beyond that, the cabin experience can depend heavily on the exact ship you are assigned. In the feedback I was given with this route, strong service and comfortable rooms showed up on newer boats for some departures, while other reports flagged an older vessel with damp, smelly cabins and limited comfort.

Here is the “do this, not that” version:

• Before you unpack, ask what ship name you are on.
• Once in your cabin, check for dampness or strong odors immediately.
• If something feels off, raise it early with staff while the situation is easiest to fix.

Even when ships differ, one theme stays consistent: the crew’s attitude is a major part of the experience. When the staff is organized and friendly, the cruise feels smooth even if your shore excursion involves a bit of walking and changing plans.

Meals on board: what is included, and what you pay extra for

You are scheduled for meals throughout the cruise: breakfast four times, lunch three times, and dinner three times. That coverage matters because the Three Gorges days can be long, especially when you add shore trips.

Drinks are not included, so meals are not a full open bar situation. If you are the type who snacks constantly between meals, you may want to plan for that in your budget.

One small comfort tip that comes from how cruises like this operate: use the included meals to reset. After a gorge day, you will likely appreciate having a proper sit-down meal before you head to a public deck for scenery.

Xiling Gorge days: scenery time plus a scenic resort stop

As the cruise settles into the river route, Xiling Gorge becomes your big visual moment. You will move into Xiling Gorge after the day’s earlier visit window, and you also have a stop at Xiling Gorge Scenic Resort where you are again in included admission territory.

What I like about this setup is that it gives you both angles: you get time sailing where the scenery stretches out, then you step onto land where you can see the area from another perspective. If you enjoy scenic viewpoints and short walks, this kind of stop works better than a “see it from one spot, leave immediately” pattern.

The only caution is time and expectations. Some days feel very scenic on the water, while others feel more like a “walk, see, return” rhythm. Either way, you are still moving at a cruise pace, not a fast day trip pace.

Three Gorges Dam visit: big engineering with an easy pace

One of the clearest “why this cruise is worth it” moments is the Three Gorges Dam Project excursion. You get buffet breakfast, then the dam visit, then buffet lunch, all while onboard timing keeps things coordinated.

This is the kind of attraction where you do not need an in-depth lecture to appreciate it, because the scale hits you quickly. The added value here is that you are seeing it as part of a river story, not as a standalone museum day.

There is also an optional upgrade you may be able to choose: the Ship Lift. The listing notes this is optional and that included components can change, so check what is offered onboard each day. If you like engineering and want a more action-focused experience, the ship lift is the option to consider.

Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge: sailing, then quick nature detours

On the next long sailing day, you will pass through Wu Gorge and then Qutang Gorge. Between those sailing segments, you get a shore detour into nature-adjacent scenery, with an included excursion to either The Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream.

That “choose one, keep the rest” structure is smart. You still get that sense of the gorges beyond the famous names, but you do not lose the cruise’s main rhythm. If you care about nature, this is often the part that feels the most personal, because water and cliffs start to look different when you get a chance to walk and watch from near the route.

There is also an optional stop tied to the day’s schedule: White Emperor City. If you want more on-shore cultural or scenic structure, this is the kind of add-on that can break up a full day of sailing.

Fengdu County and the Ghost City choice

On day four, you reach Fengdu County for another included excursion. The listed options for the included visit are either Yuhuang Shengdi (Jade Emperor Sanctuary) or Shibao Village or Shuanggui Mount.

That’s a useful flexibility point. If you lean more toward temples and spiritual sites, Jade Emperor Sanctuary is the direction to look for. If you prefer viewpoints or village atmosphere, Shibao Village or Shuanggui Mount might fit better.

There is also an optional add-on associated with this day: the Ghost City, which is explicitly excluded from the included portion. There is also a built-in alternative that can keep you onboard, depending on how the day plays out: you may have entertainment on the cruise if you skip the extra.

One practical warning: places tied to seasonal crowds can get busy. If you do choose an optional site, go with the mindset that you may need patience in lines and tight walkways.

Captain’s Farewell Dinner, then Chongqing Chaotianmen

Cruise days often have a satisfying emotional beat at the end, and this one includes a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on the final full day. It is typically where the group energy feels most relaxed, since you already saw the major highlights.

Then you finish in Chongqing at Chaotianmen Wharf. Disembarkation is listed for 08:30, and your tour ends there. If you have onward travel planned the same day, I strongly suggest building in buffer time. River schedules can run tight, and getting off the ship plus clearing final processes takes longer than you expect.

Small group size and the boat guide effect

This cruise caps at 50 travelers, which is not huge. That matters when you do shore excursions because it reduces the herd effect. You are more likely to be able to find the right group quickly when staff asks you to assemble.

The boat guide included feature is also more valuable than it sounds. On a route like this, small changes happen. The listing also notes the itinerary on the boat may update while boarding, so having a guide to help you understand daily timing is a real quality-of-life upgrade.

Should you book this Yichang to Chongqing cruise?

I’d book it if you want a relaxing Three Gorges experience with built-in shore trips, meals, and a boat guide, and you are okay with optional add-ons that can vary day to day. It is a strong value at $599, especially because so much is included compared with pay-as-you-go sightseeing.

I would pause and do one extra check before you commit if you are sensitive to cabin comfort. Ask which exact ship you are assigned, because you have enough signal from past feedback to know cabin condition can vary. If you confirm the vessel looks right for you, this is the kind of cruise that can feel like the calm, scenic centerpiece of a China trip.

FAQ

How long is the Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing?

It runs for 5 days and 4 nights.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts in Yichang at Maoping Wharf (with meeting at Sanxia Tourist Center) and ends in Chongqing at Chaotianmen Wharf.

What time do I need to meet to begin boarding?

The start time is listed as 7:00 pm, with boarding beginning at 19:00 at Yichang Maoping Wharf.

What is included in the price?

Accommodation for 4 nights (half twin cabin per person), a boat guide, three shore excursions, service charge, and meals listed as 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

Are drinks included with meals?

No. Drinks are not included, while meals are included as scheduled.

Are there optional excursions?

Yes. Some options are listed as optional, such as the Ship Lift, White Emperor City, Ghost City, and choices tied to Fengdu County. The included excursion elements can also be subject to change based on onboard information.

Is there any refund if I cancel?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid is not refunded.