Stretching over 3,000 miles from the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea, the Yangtze River is more than Asia’s longest river — it’s the lifeblood of China. Along its banks, ancient civilisations emerged, dynasties rose and fell, and a nation took shape through centuries of culture and change.
Today, cruising the Yangtze offers a rare opportunity to see China from a new perspective. As you drift past misty mountains, dramatic gorges and riverside villages, the pace slows and the scenery tells its own story — one shaped by nature, history and tradition.
Cruise upstream from Yichang to Chongqing from mid-March to mid-November, and witness the beauty and spirit of China unfold with every mile.
Arrive at Yichang airport or railway station where you'll be met and transferred by private vehicle to Maoping Docks. Board your Yangtze River cruise ship around 6pm, beginning an unforgettable four-night journey upstream through some of China's most breathtaking scenery.
Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam, and marvel at this incredible feat of engineering. Disembark the ship and take a scenic 45-minute drive (please note that the coach is not permitted to take photo stops) to the viewing area above the ship locks, where you will be able to appreciate the immense scale of this monumental project. Explore a small museum and a lookout point for further insight into its construction and impact on the region. This excursion includes approximately one hour of walking. Return to the ship and cruise through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. Additional shore excursions may include the Three Gorges Dam Lift, visit to the Tribe of the Three Gorges or to the Hometown of Qu Yuan.
Transfer to smaller vessels for a relaxing 1.5-hour excursion through the Shennong Stream gorges. Though narrower than the Three Gorges, these dramatic waterways offer equally as impressive scenery. There is no walking involved on this shore excursion, however you will need to get on and off the boat without assistance. Later, as the cruise ship continues upstream, prepare for breathtaking vistas as you pass through Wu and Qutang gorges. Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, with forest-covered mountains and towering cliffs, while Qutang Gorge, the shortest and narrowest, captivates with its sheer rock faces and dramatic landscapes. Depending on local river conditions, you may travel along the gorges of Goddess Stream instead of Shennong Stream. Additional shore excursions may include White Emperor City and a 'Return to the Three Gorges' show.
Continue cruising along the mighty Yangtze River. Relax onboard or disembark to explore the Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park, a reconstructed park featuring ancestral homes, the historic Tianfo Temple, and Huichuan Gate, all rescued from the submerged areas of the Three Gorges Dam. Sightseeing is on foot at a leisurely pace, taking approximately 1-2 hours. Depending on local river conditions and the cruise programme, you may visit Shibaozhai or Mt Shuanggui instead. Additional shore excursions may include Fengdu's 'Ghost City'.
Check out of your cabin early this morning and disembark in Chongqing around 9am. There are around 200 steps from the cruise dock to the coach parking. Transfer to the airport or railway station by private vehicle, for your onward journey.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.
George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.Mr and Mrs Brown
"Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.
Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.Mr Andrew Charles
From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.
The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!Mr Edward Ayling
This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.
Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when neededMrs Carrick
Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!
Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.Mrs Diane Foley
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All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
