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Embark on a captivating journey of discovery as you explore the enchanting sights and sounds of the Yangtze River on Yangzi Explorer’s exclusive sightseeing excursions. Delve into the heart of china’s rich cultural tapestry as you visit historic cities steeped in centuries of tradition. From the vibrant metropolis of Chongging to the pure serenity of a private lookout in the Wu Gorge, each stop along the river bank offers a glimpse into the country’s storied past. lmmerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of local markets, where vendors peddle exotic spices and traditional handicrafts, or wander through ancient temples and pagodas adorned with intricate carvings and ornate architecture
Welcome aboard Yangzi Explorer.
This afternoon, board Yangzi Explorer for your cruise downstream to Yichang. You will be met at Chongqing Airport or Railway Station and transferred to the cruise ship. After you’ve settled into your cabin you can join your fellow guests in the Explorer Bar for the Captain’s Welcome Reception. The large windows allow you to enjoy the night-time cityscape of Chongqing.
16:00-19:00 Embark the cruise ship at Chaotianmen Dock in Chongqing.
19:00-21:00 Embarkation buffet dinner
20:30-21:00 Safety Briefing in the Explorer Bar
Est. 21:30 Captain’s Welcome Reception in the Explorer Bar
Insider Tips: If you arrive in Chongqing on ship departure date, please arrive before 14:00.
Special Notice: According to the river water level, the boarding location may change to Fengdu Port for safety concern. Under this situation, the cruise line will arrange a cruise shuttle transfer from Chongqing downtown to Fengdu port. There will be advance notice of the change at least 1 day prior to departure if this change happens.
Start your morning with a traditional Tai Chi lesson, led by our Tai Chi Master and work up an appetite for the buffet breakfast.
This morning, visit the Fuling 816 nuclear engineering site. Hidden in the Wuling Mountains of Fuling, the 816 Underground Nuclear Project is the world’s largest known man-made military cave. 58 years ago, more than 60,000 constructors, came to Jianzishan, an uninhabited place among mountains and forest, to start work on a top-secret construction of a monumental scale. The work continued for 17 years and was nearly completed when the government decided to suspend it, before any nuclear material could be produced. Now as the secrets of military caves are revealed, you will be able to look at the true face of 816 project hidden for almost 60 years.
Alternatively, you can choose to visit to the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum and local market. The museum will take you some 148 feet under water to admire the river bed and the intricate ancient rock carvings left there since AD 763 in Tang Dynasty. Learn about the Yangtze river, it’s flora and fauna, while enjoying this fascinating museum. Your next stop will be the local market, where you will gain insight into the region’s rich culinary culture. This is a daily market where farmers meet to buy and sell a variety of goods, ranging from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat, and of course a whole array of pickles – which Fuling is famous for.
Return to the ship for a-la-carte lunch, followed by an afternoon at your leisure.
Secure VIP seats at the Beacon of Three Kingdoms show, an epic performance that blends history, myth, and stunning visual effects around the lore of The Three Kingdoms, or enjoy a serene stroll through Zhongzhou Old Alley, where the past and present of local life blend seamlessly.
The Beacon of Three Kingdoms is a large-scale live performance and a cultural feast with the Three Gorges Harbor as the stage, the culture of the Three Kingdoms as the theme, and the spirit of loyalty and righteousness as the soul.
Based on the famous 14th-century novel ‘The Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, the story is a mix of history and legend. The dreamlike performance includes horseback battles, light and water effects, 3D holographic projects and fireworks.
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam has submerged hundreds of kilometers of towns and cities along the Yangtze River, yet Zhongxian has preserved the charm of old. Though parts of the historic city are beneath the river, the area still embodies the spirit of Ba and Yu and protects the primitive customs of the Three Gorges.
Efforts to safeguard Zhongzhou Alley ensure the survival of ancient architecture, from mottled bricks to venerable tiles, while old shops remain central to community life. At the same time, this heritage coexists with burgeoning creative industries, adapted to local needs and conditions.
Today, we sail across Qutang Gorges in the morning glow. Qutang Gorge, also known as Kui Gorges and Ba Gorge, is the first gorge of the Three Gorges of Yangtze River. Admire the splendor of the green peaks and tranquility of the river on the Explorer Deck.
After breakfast, join the morning tour to explore Wushan. You have two options to choose from.
Embark on the Yangzi Explorer Trail, named after Yangzi Explorer, stroll among the cliffs at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, and admire the Goddess Peak and the Yangtze River. Going deeper, you will reach the private lookout of Yangzi Explorer. The 12 peaks of Wushan will be right in front of you. A champagne reception awaits you here, exclusive to Yangzi Explorer passengers.
A 45-minute light hiking option is also available en route, wandering through the mountain villages of Wu Gorge & gaining insight into local traditions and the natural beauty of the region with a local guide.
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the serene waters of the Daning River, known as the Lesser Three Gorges, a breathtaking tributary of the Yangtze River nestled in Wushan. Your experience begins with a scenic ferry ride, followed by an intimate small boat excursion deeper into the enchanting Madu River. As you glide through this magnificent riverine gorge, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic limestone cliffs, you’ll be captivated by the remnants of ancient settlements, including the remarkable hanging coffins resting high on the cliff faces – a powerful testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Following your morning adventure, return to the ship for a delightful lunch, then enjoy passing Wu Gorge, the most beautiful gorge among the Three Gorges. Characterized by majestic peaks crowned by lush forests, Wu Gorge is said to be celestial. Legend has it that Yao Ji loved this area so much that she and her 12 attendants were transformed into the graceful peaks you can see here along the river.
In the evening, experience a marvel of modern engineering as the Yangzi Explorer navigates through the world’s largest and most technologically advanced ship lift, the Three Gorges Ship Lift. This lift boasts a lift capacity of 15,500 tons and a vertical lift height of 113 meters, equivalent to a 40-story building.
Yangzi Explorer is one of the select few vessels that can journey through this impressive structure on its own, taking away the need of booking additional excursion. Enjoy this unique spectacle comfortably from your cabin on board.
※ Please be aware that the passage is subject to weather conditions and water levels, which may affect the transit. Additionally, the ship lift will undergo annual maintenance at the end of August, during which time the ship lift will be closed for approx. 35 days.
Enjoy a tea or coffee this morning and you can continue to practice your Thai Chi.
This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam, the Great Steel Wall on the Yangtze River.
Spanning 2,335 meters in length and 181 meters in height, the dam is the largest and most expensive engineering project in the world. While the dam’s 32 generators produce enough clean energy to reduce China’s reliance on coal, the project has also caused much controversy. During construction, 13 cities, 140 towns, 1,352 villages, over 600 industrial factories and more than 1,200 archaeological projects have been submerged and 1.2 million people resettled.
Our exclusive itinerary will include a visit to the River Closure Park & Three Gorges Project Museum, which was newly open to public in August 2022.
Lunch will be served at Juweng Restaurant, featuring a selection of Yichang’s finest local dishes. After lunch, the Yangzi Explorer will arrange your transfer to Yichang Airport or Yichang East Railway Station.
Insider Tips: If you leave Yichang on disembarkation date, please book a train departing after 15:00, or a flight departing after 17:00.
Cruise itinerary is subject to change due to weather, water level, navigation and seasonal conditions. Viewing of Xiling Gorge from the cruise ships may not always be available in daylight hours, depending on river and traffic conditions, and time of the year.
Included meals as noted in itinerary: (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner
