Our guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area at Chongqing Airport. You will have a close view of the lovely pandas in Chongqing Zoo and then visit the Residence of General Joseph W. Stilwell if time allows. Afterwards, we will transfer you to board the deluxe New Century cruise ship. Your memorable Yangtze River tour will begin as the ship starts sailing at 21:30. The Yangtze River is not only the longest river in China but also the longest one in Asia. As same as the Yellow River, it is also reputed to be the Mother River of China. It runs through China like a huge winding dragon.

Meals: No meals
Accommodation: Century Diamond, Century Sky or Century Sun - Deluxe Suite

This morning you will have a Safety, Orientation & River Briefing to learn the geography & river lore of China. After lunch, disembark at Shibaozhai. You will have a shore excursion there, which is reputed as one of the eight world fantastic architecture. According to a legend that it is originated from a multicolored stone left by Nv Wa (a goddess in Chinese mythology) when she was mending the Sky. Therefore, it is called "Shibao", means "precious stone" in Chinese. Around 20:00, the Captain's Welcome Party which presents Chinese folk dancing and music performances will invite all the guests to participate. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the passage with Qutang Gorge, the shortest and the grandest of the Three Gorges. View the exquisite peaks and grotesquely shaped rocks. Then pass the Wu Gorge to see its famous lofty and misty peaks. Among the Three Gorges, Wu Gorge which is in the middle is the most beautiful one because of its elegant and graceful views. Also known as Da Xia (Large Gorge), Wu Gorge starts from the estuary of Daning River (Wushan County, Chongqing) in the west and ends at Guandukou (Badong County, Hubei) in the east, altogether 40 kilometers. Passing through Wu Gorge by the cruise, it is like putting yourself in a gallery which has the biggest stage in the world. You will disembark at Badong for an excursion to Shennong Stream. A pea-boat floating along the verdant Shennong Stream is scheduled for you, which can be quite a different experience. As the whole junk adventure will last about 3 to 4 hours, you will have lunch a little bit late in the afternoon. We suggest you have a big breakfast today or bring some snacks with you. When you disembark for the excursion, you can also buy some fruits from the vendors along the way. In the evening, an exciting farewell party will be waiting for you. Besides some performances made by the cruise staff, you can also volunteer to show your talents by singing, dancing or playing musical instruments. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast you will visit the Three Gorges Dam, the most magnificent hydroelectric project in the world. Then get back to your ship and continue sailing into western section of the Xiling Gorge, the last part of the downstream cruise. It was once the most dangerous part of the river because of the numerous reefs, riffles, decharges and rocks. But after years of rectification and improvement on the riverway, and the built of the Gezhou Dam, the current became gently and mildly. At around 12:00, the cruse will arrive at Yichang. Our local guide will get on board to meet you. You will have lunch in Yichang City and then if time allows visit Yichang Museum. Finally our guide and driver will accompany you to the airport for your onward flight.

Our suggestion: Yichang Sanxia Airport is about 40 kilometers away from the city center. It may take at least 50 minutes driving there. After finishing the visit and lunch in Yichang, we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Here we would like to suggest you book a return flight departing after 16:00 so that you will not be too rushed during the trip.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch

Yangtze Upstrem Itinerary (from Yichang to Chongqing)
If you prefer to take the upstream itinerary (Yichang - Chongqing), please contact our travel consultant. The quotation keeps the same with the downstream cruise.