Five days on the Yangtze feels like time travel. This Yichang-to-Chongqing upstream cruise stitches together the Three Gorges drama (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling) with onboard comfort, plus a boat guide and three shore excursions that keep you from guessing. The big caution is that ship quality and cabin feel can vary a lot—some departures have been reported as damp and musty, so you’ll want to check your exact vessel and cabin situation.

For the price—$599 per person—you’re not just paying for views. You’re covering 4 nights of accommodation, meals (breakfast 4 times, lunch 3 times, dinner 3 times), and included sites like the Three Gorges Dam and Fengdu County. With a group capped at 50 and a boat guide on hand, this can be a strong value if you care more about the river experience than luxury.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Upstream route (Yichang to Chongqing): You move through the Three Gorges on a classic stretch of the Yangtze, finishing in Chongqing at Chaotianmen Wharf.
• Boat guide included: You’re not left to figure everything out alone when schedules or shore visits change.
• Three major shore stops: Three Gorges Dam area, a lesser-three-gorges or Shennong Stream-style stop, and Fengdu County.
• Plenty of included meals: Buffet breakfasts and included lunches/dinners remove most day-to-day planning.
• Optional excursions cost extra: Ship Lift, White Emperor City, and Ghost City are listed as optional (and Ghost City is explicitly excluded).
• Quality can swing by ship: Cabins and ship condition aren’t consistently described the same way across sailings.

Why This Upstream Cruise Makes Sense on the Yangtze

The Yangtze doesn’t feel like a fast “see it and rush off” trip. It feels slow—deliberately slow—which is exactly what you want when you’re traveling in a gorge environment where views can change minute by minute. With the upstream direction, you get multiple gorge segments in the same overall journey, instead of hopping between different day tours.

I also like that this cruise builds in structure. You’re not stuck only on the boat; you get scheduled time on land for the Three Gorges Dam area and Fengdu County, plus a third shore excursion focused on smaller gorge scenery (options vary by day and onboard updates). And because a boat guide is included, it’s easier to ask questions if you’re unsure about timing, meeting points, or what’s changing.

One more point: this kind of cruise works best when you’re not trying to pack every hour with plans. If you enjoy watching river life from the upper deck with a drink, letting the day unfold, and turning sightseeing into a backdrop, this format fits you well.

Price and Value: What $599 Per Person Really Covers

At $599 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled. You get half-twin accommodation per person for 4 nights, plus a boat guide, three shore excursions, and the standard meal plan: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. Service charges are also included.

That matters because meals and guided sightseeing can add up quickly on their own, especially if you’re trying to avoid tourist-spot chaos in a big city like Chongqing. Here, most of the “hard planning” is handled: you’re fed, you’re transported within the cruise flow, and major sights are already scheduled.

The tradeoff is that not everything is paid for. Drinks are not included, and the listed add-ons (like Ship Lift and other optional excursions) can create extra costs. So your real budget depends on how many optional things you say yes to.

Getting On Board at Yichang: Maoping Wharf, Shuttle Time, and First Impressions

Your day starts at Maoping Wharf in Yichang, with embarkation beginning at 19:00. If you want an easier arrival rhythm, you can use the free shuttle bus from Sanxia Tourist Center between 17:00 and 19:00, which helps if you’re not staying right by the dock.

It’s smart to treat the first evening as a “get oriented” period. You’ll likely spend time checking in, settling into your cabin, and learning the onboard routine. Because your included activities ramp up on the next day (starting with the dam area), how smooth that first evening is can set the tone for the whole cruise.

Also note this is a mobile ticket experience, and you should expect a confirmation window of within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Bring the details you’re asked for at booking (passport info) so there are no last-minute snags.

Day 2 at the Three Gorges Dam and Into Xiling Gorge

Day 2 is a big “wow” day. You start with buffet breakfast, then head to the Three Gorges Dam Project for an included excursion. There’s also an optional Excursion to Ship Lift, so you can choose whether you want the extra visit.

After that, you’ll have buffet lunch and then you start moving back toward the scenic highlight: you enter Xiling Gorge. The time here is about taking in the gorge environment from the water—exactly why people choose this route in the first place.

What I appreciate about placing the dam stop early is that it gives context for what you’re seeing. Once you’ve visited the dam area, the river journey doesn’t feel like random scenery anymore. It feels like a system you’re traveling through.

One practical note: the included excursion is listed as subject to change. That doesn’t mean it’s a mess—it means you should check the updated onboard information once you’re settled, since river schedules and shore operations can shift.

Day 3: Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge, and the Choice Between Smaller Gorge Stops

Day 3 keeps the pace of scenery high while giving you some variety on land. After buffet breakfast, you’ll sail through Wu Gorge. Then comes the included excursion to The Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream (the exact one depends on the day and onboard schedule).

You then get buffet lunch and sail through Qutang Gorge later in the day. There’s also an optional Excursion to White Emperor City, which can add culture and a different kind of viewpoint if that interests you.

Here’s the key way to think about this day: you’re getting two gorge segments from the boat, plus one land stop that breaks up the day. If you love scenery but don’t want your feet to go unused, this balance is a good fit.

And because optional items exist, you can tune the day to your style. If you want more walking and landmarks, add White Emperor City. If you’d rather keep the day lighter, skip it and focus on the gorge passages.

Day 4 in Fengdu County: Jade Emperor Sanctuary vs Shibao Village vs Mount Stops

Day 4 shifts from gorges into a more cultural and myth-adjacent stop: Fengdu County. After buffet breakfast, you’ll take an included excursion to one of the listed options: Yuhuang Shengdi (Jade Emperor Sanctuary) or Shibao Village or Shuanggui Mount.

Lunch is included (buffet), and then you have time to either join optional programming or enjoy the cruise itself. Ghost City is listed as optional but explicitly excluded, so if someone tells you it’s “included,” that’s a mismatch you’ll want to clarify onboard.

The standout thing about this day is that it changes the mood. Instead of just water-and-rock scenery, you get a focused excursion that’s more about place, story, and local sites. It can be a nice contrast if you’ve spent the last couple of days mostly watching gorge views slide by.

You also end the day with Captain’s Farewell Dinner, which is included. That’s your built-in “everyone relax together” moment—useful if you want an easy social rhythm without planning anything.

Day 5: Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock and the End of the Cruise

Your final morning begins with buffet breakfast and then you disembark at Chongqing Chaotianmen Wharf starting around 08:30. This is a straightforward ending: you’ll finish the tour and transition to whatever comes next in your Chongqing plans.

What you should keep in mind is that disembark timing can shape your next steps. If you’re heading to another city the same day, you’ll want to build in buffer time. If you’re staying in Chongqing, treat this like a move-day where you’ll likely spend the morning transitioning, not running a complicated itinerary.

Cabins, Food, and Service: Where the Experience Can Be Great (or Mixed)

This is the part where I think you should pay attention. Across this route, cabin and ship experience has been described very differently depending on the exact vessel.

Some sailings have been praised for excellent service, friendly staff, and comfortable cabins. For example, one group described a newer ship feeling with comfortable rooms, good food, and English translation support during excursions. Another sailing noted a top deck bar setup for watching the scenery.

On the flip side, there are also hard negative reports about older ships: one departure on Yangtze Gold 5 was described as damp, mouldy, and smelly, with very limited sun deck comfort. Another similar complaint said the ship felt very old and unpleasant, and that even an upgrade didn’t fix the underlying issue.

So what should you do with that information? Ask for clarity on your exact ship and your cabin location before you assume everything will feel fresh. If you’re sensitive to damp odors or room humidity, don’t take chances. Since the tour lists accommodation as half-twin cabins, you also want to confirm bed setup and cabin features when you receive your final details.

Food is another mixed area. Many guests described the onboard dining as very good or excellent, while at least a few reported food quality as poor. The good news for most people is that you get a structured meal plan (buffet breakfasts plus included lunches and dinners), so you’re not scrambling for meals. The potential downside is that “included” doesn’t guarantee “everyone will love it.”

Included Shore Excursions vs Optional Add-Ons: How to Budget Your Time

This cruise is built around included experiences plus a few optional opportunities. Your included shore visits cover major highlights: Three Gorges Dam, a smaller gorge scenery stop (Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream), and Fengdu County (with one of three site options). Those are the core days where you’ll feel like the cruise is doing real work for you—not just drifting.

Optional add-ons listed include Ship Lift, White Emperor City, and Ghost City (Ghost City is specifically excluded). These are where costs can creep up. If you’re watching your total spending, I’d treat optional excursions as choices you make after you see how your first two days feel.

Also remember drinks aren’t included. It’s an easy detail to overlook because meals are covered, but once you start buying water, tea, or other beverages onboard, your budget can shift fast.

Group Size, Updates, and the Boat Guide Advantage

This cruise caps at 50 travelers, which tends to keep the experience from feeling like a moving stadium. It also means meetings and group coordination are likely easier than on mega-bus tours.

A real advantage is the included boat guide. You’ll encounter daily changes—especially since the included excursion on one of the days is noted as subject to change. When that happens, having someone onboard to help you understand what’s happening can save you time and stress.

And if you’re relying on translation support, keep your expectations flexible. Some departures have been described as offering English help during the cruise and excursions, but you shouldn’t assume that’s identical every sailing. The safest approach is to plan to use the boat guide as your main channel for questions.

Should You Book This Yichang to Chongqing Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a classic Yangtze Three Gorges experience with major sights handled, included meals, and an onboard boat guide to keep things organized. It’s also a solid value if $599 fits your budget and you’re comfortable with the idea that you’ll spend time cruising between ports instead of constantly hopping around.

I’d be cautious if cabin comfort matters a lot to you—because the ship condition stories can be extreme in either direction. If you can, confirm the exact vessel and cabin before you pay the emotional price of arriving on a ship that feels damp or unpleasant.

If your priority is scenery, you like a structured multi-day river flow, and you’ll manage optional add-ons carefully, this upstream cruise can be a very satisfying way to experience the Yangtze.

FAQ

How long is the Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing?

It runs for about 5 days and 4 nights.

Where does the cruise start and where does it end?

It starts at Yichang Maoping Wharf and ends at Chongqing Chaotianmen Wharf.

What time does embarkation begin on the first day?

Embarkation begins at 19:00 (7:00 pm). There’s also a free shuttle from Sanxia Tourist Center from 17:00 to 19:00.

What’s included in the price?

Accommodation (half-twin cabin per person), a boat guide, three shore excursions, service charge, and meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

Are there optional excursions during the cruise?

Yes. Optional items can include the Ship Lift, White Emperor City, and there’s mention of Ghost City as an optional activity but it’s not included.

Do I need to provide my passport details when booking?

Yes. The booking requires passport name, number, expiry, and country for all participants.

Is this cruise refundable?

No. It is listed as non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

You Might Also Enjoy

Private Beijing 3-Day TourShanghai: Xintiandi, CCP Museum and French Concession TourBeijing: Hutong Culinary Walking Tour with 15+ TastingsHalf-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai