A Three Gorges cruise itinerary typically combines natural wonders, cultural heritage, and modern engineering marvels. Below are common stops (varies by cruise route):
I. Iconic Natural & Cultural Sites
- Fengdu Ghost City
- Highlights: A historic site famed for its "Underworld" folklore. Offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River.
- Access: Hike or take a cable car up the hill. Some cruises include guided shore tours.
- Baidicheng (White Emperor City, Fengjie, Chongqing)
- Highlights: Inspiration for the poetic line "Departing Baidicheng amid dawn’s rosy clouds." A Three Kingdoms-era relic overlooking Kuimen Gate, the entrance to Qutang Gorge.
- Must-see: Kuimen Gate featured on the 10 RMB banknote (5th edition).
- Lesser Three Gorges / Shennong Stream
- Highlights: Transfer to smaller boats to explore tributary gorges with emerald waters, hanging coffins, and wild macaques.
- Note: Routes may alternate between Lesser Three Gorges (Wushan) and Shennong Stream (Badong) depending on water levels.
- Wu Gorge & Goddess Peak
- Experience: Cruise slowly through the gorge while admiring the Twelve Peaks from the deck. Onboard guides share myths about the Goddess Peak.
- Three Gorges Dam (Yichang, Hubei)
- Highlights: The world’s largest hydroelectric project. Visit the Tanziling Observation Deck for a full dam and lock view.
- Tips: Mandatory shuttle bus transfer; strict security (drones prohibited).
II. Additional Potential Stops
- Shibao Village (Stone Treasure Fortress, Zhongxian, Chongqing)
- Highlights: A crimson wooden fortress perched on a riverside cliff, dubbed the "Pearl of the Yangtze."
- Zhang Fei Temple (Yunyang, Chongqing)
- Highlights: Ancient temple honoring the Three Kingdoms general Zhang Fei, housing historic stone inscriptions.
- Qu Yuan’s Hometown (Zigui, Hubei)
- Cultural link: Learn about the legendary poet Qu Yuan. Some cruises host Dragon Boat Festival activities.
- Yueyang Tower/Yueyang Chenglingji (Extended Wuhan Routes)
- Note: A few extended itineraries include this stop to visit the iconic tower overlooking Dongting Lake.
III. Key Considerations
- Route variations: Chongqing→Yichang (4D3N) covers the most highlights; longer routes (e.g., Wuhan/Shanghai) have fewer stops.
- Optional excursions: Some sites (e.g., Baidicheng, Shibao Village) may require extra fees. Confirm inclusions with your cruise ticket.
- Seasonal adjustments: Low water (winter) or floods may alter stops (e.g., Maoping Port replaces Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Dock).
- Shore logistics: Transfers via bus/boat are common. Seniors should opt for flatter walking routes.
IV. Choosing Your Cruise
- Luxury cruises (e.g., Yangzi Explorer, Century Cruises): Access lesser-known sites with in-depth guided tours.
- Budget-friendly cruises: Focus on classic sights with faster-paced itineraries.
- Themed cruises: Specialized routes (e.g., "Poetry & Painting of the Three Gorges" or Three Kingdoms history) feature culturally linked stops.
Always check your cruise company’s detailed itinerary and select a route matching your interests!
Shore Excursions for Some Cruises
| Cruises |
**Chongqing-**Yichan |
Yichang-Chongqing |
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| President Series |
Stone Treasure Fortress, Shennong Stream, Three Gorge Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Shennong Stream, Fengdu Ghost City |
| --- |
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| Victoria Series |
Fengdu Ghost City, Shenong Stream, Three Gorges Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Lesser Three Gorges, Fengdu Ghost City |
| --- |
--- |
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| *Yangtze River Overseas Series |
Fengdu Ghost City, Lesser Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Shennong Stream, Fengdu Ghost City |
| --- |
--- |
-- |
| East Queen |
Fengdu Ghost City, Shenong Stream, Three Gorges Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Shennong Stream, Fengdu Ghost City |
| --- |
--- |
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| Longteng Series |
Fengdu Ghost City, Shenong Stream, Three Gorges Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Shennong Stream, Fengdu Ghost City |
| --- |
--- |
--- |
| New Century |
Stone Treasure Fortress, Shennv Stream, Three Gorge Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Shennv Stream, Stone Treasure Fortress |
| --- |
--- |
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| Oriental Emperor |
Fengdu Ghost City, Shenong Stream, Three Gorges Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Lesser Three Gorges, Fengdu Ghost City |
| --- |
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| Yangtze Princess Series |
Fengdu Ghost City, Shennv Stream, Three Gorge Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Shennv Stream, Fengdu Ghost City |
| --- |
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| Yangtze Gold Series |
Fengdu Ghost City, Lesser Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam |
Three Gorges Dame, Lesser Three Gorges, Fengdu Ghost City |
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