Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise Tour with Wulong Karst

Upon arrival in Chongqing, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace. Jiefangbei CBD, the bustling commercial center of Chongqing, is a perfect spot to start. Here, you can enjoy dinner or snacks, indulge in shopping, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere while people-watching in this dynamic part of the city.

After breakfast, begin your Chongqing city tour at Ciqikou Old Town, known as the “epitome of Chongqing,” with its traditional streets, cultural shops, and local snacks. Next, visit Mountain City Lane (Shancheng Budao), a historic walkway showcasing traditional Bayu-style architecture and the city’s rich history. Guided by a professional English-speaking guide, uncover the unique lifestyle of its past residents and savor peppercorn ice cream.

Head to Liziba Metro Station to witness the iconic sight of a train passing through an 11-story apartment block, a unique urban marvel. Then, visit Eling Park, offering panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline and rivers.

End your day at Hongya Cave, where Ba and Shu-style wooden houses glow beautifully at night. Explore its lively shops, sample local snacks, and enjoy the vibrant riverside atmosphere.

In the morning, drive about 2.5 hours to Wulong Karst to visit the Three Natural Bridges (Tian Keng San Qiao), exceptionally tall natural arches connected by long stretches of deep, unroofed caves. Descend into the valley using the sightseeing elevator and enjoy a hike through Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge, and Heilong Bridge. Later, visit Longshuixia Gap (Di feng), a stunning gorge with dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy a 2-kilometer walk through this natural oxygen bar. Stay overnight in Wulong.

In the morning, drive about 1 hour to Fairy Mountain, known as the “Switzerland of the Orient,” featuring alpine meadows, forest seas, marvelous peaks, and snowy fields. Then, drive 1 hour to Furong Cave, a magnificent underground karst wonder with nearly 70 types of cave formations, recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Follow a raised pathway to explore approximately 2 kilometers of the cave, illuminated with multicolored lights. Afterward, return to Chongqing and be dropped off at Chongqing Pier to embark your luxury Yangtze River Cruise. Boarding time is between 16:30 and 21:00, with your unforgettable journey along the Yangtze River beginning at 21:30.

P.S. The itinerary for the Yangtze River Cruise may vary depending on the specific cruise line and ship you choose.

Morning take a shore excursion to Mountain Shuanggui near Fengdu. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda. Continue the cruise on Yangtze River. Dinner and Supper are offered on board. 

Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 
Depending on the river conditions, there is an optional shore excursion to Fengdu ghost city, Fengdu is an ancient town where you can experience the world of the afterlife in Chinese ghost folktales. Wreathed with numerous statues and interspersed by temples, the whole scenic area is a treasure house of art that combines the culture of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. 

The highlights of the Yangtze River Cruise is coming today as you will travel through the Three Gorges to view its picturesque scenery. Composed of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, the Three Gorges has a total length of approximately 120 km. (75 mi.). Along with the steep cliffs and torrential river, you may also be immersed by the abundant historical relics and cultural sites while sailing through the gorges.

Based on the season and your requirement, have a short cruise to the Little Three Gorges or take a pea-boat floating along the verdant Shennong Streams as you sail on to the border between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. Rip currents, lofty peaks and mountains, gorgeous Karst caves and beautiful waterfalls will always accompany you on the way. 

Disembark this morning and take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the grandest hydroelectric project in the world, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. The dam is designed to provide a huge source of hydropower for China and control the flood. After morning sightseeing, You will be provided a motor coach transfer to nearby Yichang by Cruise company. Upon arrival at Yichang, our Yichang local guide or driver will greeted and assisted you to Yichang airport/train station for departure. Wish you have a pleasant journey home, and WindhorseTour is ready to help adjust this tour in any way to better suite your personal travel needs.

Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 

An additional optional shore excursion is also available (preceding the Three Gorges Dam tour) through the recently- completed unique ship lock with a ship lift, the world’s largest.