Yangtze Three Gorges River Cruise, President Cruise Boat 8

Departure from Chongqing

Begin the Yangtze River cruise boarding the President Cruise Boat 8 between 17:00-21:00 from Chongqing pier. Settle into the cabin for an estimated departure around 21:00.

Night on board the boat.

Cruise on the Yangtze

For early risers, kick off the day with a Tai Chi session at 06:45. Breakfast will follow around 07:00 with a short welcome, orientation on the boat, and the cruising schedule briefing.

Optional: the first stop (around 170km/105 miles from Chongqing) at around 09:00 will provide some insights into the mysterious “Ghost City” city of Fengdu. Learn about the legend of two local civil servants who became diligent adherents to the teachings and practices of Taoism, ultimately obtaining the status of ‘immortals.’ Also take note of the arresting sculptures in the temples on Mingshan Mountain, accessible by foot or cable-car.

Flooded in 2009 by the rising waters caused by the Three Gorges Dam project, the town is now located on the other bank of the river.

For those who prefer to not take this short tour, it is possible to stay on board the vessel.

The boat will leave around 11:30. Lunch on board.

The second stop on the Yangtze River cruise is anticipated for around 14:00: Shibaozhai (precious stone fortress): an impressive 56 metre high, 12-floor wooden pagoda, built during the Qing Dynasty, sitting imposingly over a steep cliff.

The boat leaves at 16:00 and dinner will be served at 17:00, accompanied by a talk from the captain.

From 20:00 on, take advantage of the very extensive list of activities available during the cruise: singing, dancing, traditional clothing displays, tea ceremonies, reflexology (must be booked in advance), a games room, and much more. For those who would prefer some relaxation, enjoy some downtime in the cabin quarters, watch a film, or make use of the on-board library featuring works on Chinese culture, medicine, calligraphy, and painting.

Night on board.

Cruise on the Yangtze

Day 3 of the Yangtze River cruise marks the visit to the region’s iconic Three Gorges. At around 09:00, the boat arrives at Qutang Gorge, the shortest (8km) and narrowest amongst the gorges, but equally the most spectacular, with its breathtaking high peaks over 1200 metres (3900 feet) high. The entrance to the gorge, nicknamed Kuimen, used to be considered the most dangerous pass in the world.

The passage through the second gorge should begin at around 10:30. The Wu Gorge, the deepest of the three, stretches over around 40km (25 miles) and is bordered by 12 majestic peaks.

After lunch we will make a stop to change vessels in order to sail up the Shennong River, one of the Yangtze’s tributaries (13:00 to 17:00). On this stretch of the cruise you can enjoy its calm, well-preserved shores, while being soothed by the chants of the Tujia people, still populous in the region (today numbering around 8 million).

This is also the perfect opportunity to see “Cliff Coffins”, an ancient practice attributed to the Bo people, cousins of the Tujia.

Back on the “President”, enter into the west part of the Xiling Gorge, the final and longest gorge (around 80km/50 miles). During the journey, pay a visit to the Huangting Temple, a stunning structure built during the period of the Three Kingdoms.

A goodbye dinner will be served at 6PM; enjoy a final evening meal while passing through the gorge, finishing around 19:00. Although not as beautiful as the first two gorges, it is nonetheless an excellent place to view Chinese river commerce.

Arrive at the Three Gorges Dam at around 20:00.

Overnight on board.

Arrival in Yichang

Breakfast will be served at 06:45. Disembark at 07:00 for the visit to the Three Gorges Dam, a gigantic project that began in 1994 and was completed in 2009. The dam splits the Xiling Gorge in two: at 2.3km (1.5 miles) in length, over 185 metres (600 feet) high, 18 metres (60ft) wide at the top and 130 metres (425ft) at the base, the dam creates an immense reservoir over 600km (370 miles) in length! The “world’s biggest barrage” currently generates a massive quantity of hydroelectricity (over 2 million watts, accounting for around 10% of China’s total capacity) and increases the navigability between the coast and the interior of the country.

After the visit, transfer to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for departure.