4D3N Yangtze River Cruise: Chongqing to Yichang by Century Cruise

If you’re craving a scenic adventure through China’s most iconic river, the Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang with Century Cruises offers a stylish, culturally enriching way to do it. This 4-day journey combines luxurious onboard comfort with some of the most famous sights along the river, including the mighty Three Gorges and historic sites like Fengdu Ghost City.

What makes this trip particularly appealing? First, the sleek, 5-star ships such as Century Oasis, Century Victory, or Century Glory promise a comfortable and refined experience. Second, the cruise’s well-organized excursions bring you close to local culture and scenery, with knowledgeable guides enhancing the experience. And third, the all-inclusive meals and accommodation make the journey hassle-free, so you can focus on enjoying the views and the stories behind them.

A possible consideration? The scheduling of excursions can change depending on river conditions, which might mean some adjustments to your planned visits. Also, the tour is priced at $768 per person, which is a fair deal but worth weighing against other options depending on your expectations for luxury and extras.

This cruise is an excellent choice for travelers who want a combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and comfort. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, appreciate guided tours, and seek a memorable way to experience the Three Gorges without the hassle of independent travel.

Key Points

• Luxury Ships: The cruise features three modern, well-equipped ships — Century Oasis, Century Victory, and Century Glory — ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Inclusive Meals & Excursions: Food and three onshore excursions are included, providing value and opportunity for cultural enrichment.
• Scenic Highlights: You’ll explore the three famous Gorges — Qutang, Wu, and Xiling — along with optional visits to Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, and the Three Gorges Dam.
• Professional Guides: Bilingual guides (Chinese and English) enhance your understanding of the sites and history.
• Flexible Schedule: The itinerary is well-paced, with ample time for rest and sightseeing, though excursions may vary.
• Group Size & Price: With a max of 15 travelers, you get a more intimate experience. The $768 price offers good value for the quality and inclusions.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Embarking in Chongqing: Day 1

The adventure kicks off at Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier. You’ll have the exact boarding details in Chinese and English — a relief for those unfamiliar with local language barriers. Boarding time is between 18:30 and 21:00, with departure at 21:30. The cruise offers free luggage handling, which is a small but appreciated perk after a day of travel.

Once onboard, the safety briefing and Captain’s Welcome Reception set the tone for a relaxed, upscale journey. The fact that the cruise departs late in the evening allows you to enjoy the vibrant Chongqing nightscape from the water, a spectacle that’s particularly memorable for first-timers.

Day 2: Fengdu Ghost City and Cultural Touches

Your first onshore stop is Fengdu Ghost City, a site with over 1,900 years of stories behind its statues and architecture. As one reviewer pointed out, “It’s meaningful to know Chinese culture and beliefs, showing the reward and punishment of spirits.” It’s a peaceful, contemplative stop that offers insight into local mythology and traditional practices.

After the visit, you can choose to relax on deck or join the optional Feng Yan San Guo Show (cost extra). This open-air performance depicting the Three Kingdoms era is highly recommended by travelers who want a lively cultural experience, though it’s an optional add-on.

Day 3: The Magnificent Gorges and Shennv Stream

This is where the cruise truly showcases the Three Gorges — the shortest but most dramatic part of the river. The Qutang Gorge is often described as grand and imposing, while Wu Gorge impresses with its fog-shrouded peaks and natural galleries. One reviewer marveled at the “lofty, misty peaks,” which evoke a picture-perfect landscape.

The highlight of the day is the Shennong Stream excursion. You’ll take a small boat along this crystal-clear tributary, passing mossy rocks and ancient coffins, with the sounds of Tujia folk songs adding to the atmosphere. As one traveler noted, “The songs of the Tujia people left a deep impression,” emphasizing how local culture is woven into the experience.

An optional stop here is White Emperor City, often called the City of Poems. It’s a great addition for history buffs looking to add a layer of literary and historical context, although it’s an optional tour.

Day 4: The Final Stop at the Three Gorges Dam

Disembarking at Maoping pier in Yichang, you’ll visit the world’s largest hydroelectric project — the Three Gorges Dam. The guided tour provides insight into its scale and significance, with some travelers mentioning it as a “must-see” highlight.

From there, the shuttle takes you to downtown Yichang, ready for your onward journey. An optional experience, the Ship Lift, is available but costs extra; it’s a marvel of engineering that many travelers find worthwhile.

What You’ll Love About This Cruise

Spectacular Views & Natural Beauty: The cruise allows you to fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Three Gorges, with many travelers mentioning the “stunning scenery” and “beautiful vistas.” The combination of boat comfort and open deck space makes it easy to soak in the landscape.

Cultural Insights & Local Lore: Guides are praised for their knowledge, often sharing stories and legends that bring the sites to life. The visits to Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City add layers of understanding about local traditions.

Comfort & Convenience: With modern ships built in recent years, your cabins are described as spacious and well-maintained. Various reviews mention the comfortable bedding, functional amenities, and friendly staff, making it a relaxing journey.

Well-Organized Excursions: The included tours are thoughtfully scheduled, with enough time for sightseeing without feeling rushed. Being part of a small group (max 15) means more personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.

Practical Tips & Considerations

Price & Value: At $768 per person, the cruise offers good value considering the luxurious ships, guided tours, and all meals included. Travelers have mentioned that upgrading to suites is possible and might be worth considering for extra comfort.

Timing & Scheduling: The tour departs in the evening, so plan your arrival in Chongqing accordingly. The schedule can vary depending on river conditions, so flexibility might be necessary if excursions are rescheduled.

Included & Optional Activities: While the core experience is comprehensive, some highlights like the Feng Yan San Guo Show and Ship Lift cost extra. If these are high on your list, budget accordingly.

Who Is It For? This cruise works best for those who enjoy relaxed touring, scenic landscapes, and cultural storytelling. It’s suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small groups seeking a blend of comfort and adventure, but not ideal if you prefer independent exploration or a more rugged experience.

Final Thoughts

This 4-day Yangtze River cruise with Century Cruises offers a well-rounded, comfortable way to experience one of China’s most iconic waterscapes. From the impressive gorges to the cultural sites, every element is designed to enrich your understanding of Chinese history and natural beauty, all while enjoying top-tier onboard amenities.

Travelers who value expert guides, stunning scenery, and thoughtful organization will find this cruise a worthwhile investment. It promises memorable moments, relaxing days, and a chance to see the Yangtze’s grandeur up close, all without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

If you’re after a scenic, culturally insightful cruise that balances luxury with authenticity, this trip checks many boxes — especially if you’re a small-group traveler who appreciates personalized service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cruise?
Your fare covers 3 nights of cruise accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), professional bilingual guides, luggage handling, and three onshore excursions.

Can I book a single room?
Yes, but there’s a 75% surcharge if you prefer a solo cabin, which usually consists of two beds. The tour does not allow sharing a cabin above the upper floor if you’re traveling alone.

What ships are used for this cruise?
The cruise is operated on three modern ships: Century Oasis, Century Victory, and Century Glory. The specific ship varies depending on the departure day.

Are the excursions flexible?
While the itinerary includes specific sites, the actual excursions may change based on river conditions. The final three sites will be confirmed before your trip.

Is there an option to upgrade my cabin?
Yes, suite-level rooms are available, but you should contact the provider beforehand to check availability and additional costs.

What is the best time to take this cruise?
The tour operates with a specific weekly schedule, with departures on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially if you prefer specific departure days.

Do I need to arrange transportation to the start point?
Transportation from Chongqing airport or hotel to the pier is not included but can be arranged at an extra charge. The meeting point is at Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier, with detailed directions provided upon booking.

In summary, this cruise offers a well-priced, scenic, and culturally rich way to discover the Yangtze River’s most famous sights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another view, it delivers a comfortable, insightful, and visually stunning experience that’s hard to beat for the price.