Description

Want to explore the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze Three Gorges without spending too much vacation time?

Our 3 day yangtze river cruise chongqing china is the most popular choice for first-time overseas visitors to the Three Gorges.

You can check out our detailed yangtze river cruise itinerary here, covering ancient town night views, intangible cultural heritage shows, gorge landscapes and world-famous water projects at a gentle pace.

Most tourists always inquire about 3 day yangtze river cruise chongqing best price.

We offer clear, budget-friendly quotations according to travel seasons and cabin categories.

If you hope to combine city sightseeing with Yangtze river cruising, browse our Chongqing 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary and Chongqing 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary.

You can find all travel tips, dining recommendations and scenic spot plans via Things to do in Chongqing.

Day 1: Chongqing → Changshou → Wanzhou | Board the Luxury Yangtze Cruise

Meal Arrangement

No regular meals are included today.

You can buy local Chongqing snacks along the route.

Accommodation

Standard double cabin on 5-star Yangtze River cruise ship

Daily Schedule

11:30 – 12:00

Gather at Chaotianmen Square in downtown Chongqing.

Take an air-conditioned coach and head to Changshou District.

Visit: Changshou Ancient Town (Minimum 50 minutes)

This thousand-year-old ancient town stays away from the busy downtown area.

It well preserves traditional Sichuan courtyards and bluestone alleys.

It used to be a vital rest station for ancient travelling merchants.

Teahouses, handcraft stores and local snack shops line the whole street.

Wandering around lets you enjoy slow Chinese small-town life.

Ancient architecture creates perfect shooting scenes for all travellers to experience authentic Ba-Yu local culture.

18:00 Arrive in Wanzhou City

Visit: Tianshengcheng Cultural & Tourism Street (Minimum 30 minutes)

It is widely known as the Hongyadong of Northeast Chongqing.

The whole block is built along mountain cliffs with layered ancient pavilions.

Once the night lights turn on, mountains, rivers and ancient buildings blend together.

The stunning night scenery makes it a top spot for photos and social media sharing.

20:00 – 21:00 Free Show: Intangible Cultural Heritage Acrobatics Extraordinary Skills (Minimum 30 minutes)

This performance belongs to Three Gorges regional intangible cultural heritage.

It includes traditional acrobatics, contortion stunts, high-altitude acts, Sichuan Opera face-changing and interactive magic shows.

Artists deliver challenging folk skills in a lively way.

They will invite audiences on stage for close interaction, letting you feel the charm of traditional Chinese art personally.

⚠️ Important Reminder

This show is a free bonus part of our yangtze river cruise itinerary.

No cash refund will be offered if the show gets cancelled due to theatre shutdown, bad weather or other uncontrollable incidents.

21:30

Check in and board the cruise ship at Wanzhou Passenger Terminal.

You can walk on the deck to admire the Yangtze riverside night views and enjoy the relaxing cruise vibe in advance.

Day 2: Wanzhou → Fengjie → Badong | Full Day Cruising on Yangtze River

Meal Arrangement

Three buffet meals are included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation

Standard double cabin on 5-star Yangtze River cruise ship

06:40 – 07:40 Cruise Buffet Breakfast

Both Chinese and Western food options are prepared, fitting eating habits of global tourists.

07:50 – 11:00 Shore Excursion: Baidi City Scenic Area (Minimum 90 minutes)

Baidi City stands on an islet right at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, surrounded entirely by Yangtze River water.

It is the most famous historical landmark across the Three Gorges.

Numerous ancient poets wrote timeless poems here, and many classic Three Kingdoms historical stories took place here.

Most famously, Kuimen Gorge here is printed on the reverse side of China’s 10-yuan banknote.

Nearly every visitor takes photos here, overlooking the grand panoramic view of Qutang Gorge.

11:00 – 11:30 Sail through Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge is the shortest yet most imposing gorge among the Three Yangtze Gorges.

Steep thousand-meter cliffs stand on both river banks, narrowing the waterway sharply.

When you stand on the deck, towering mountains come into sight, bringing you an impressive visual shock.

12:00 – 13:00 Cruise Buffet Lunch

14:00 – 15:00 Sail through Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge gains its reputation for peaceful and gorgeous scenery.

Twelve rolling peaks stretch along the winding gorge, wrapped in mist all year round.

A romantic ancient goddess legend spreads here, and the whole view looks just like a flowing Chinese ink landscape painting.

15:30 – 18:00 Optional Small Boat Trip: Shennong Stream Scenic Area

(Optional Fee: 290 CNY per person)

Shennong Stream lies deep inside Wu Gorge’s primitive valley, with clear emerald water and thick primeval forests on both sides.

You will ride a traditional Tujia wooden boat drifting gently along the stream, far away from crowded tourist areas.

You can appreciate untouched valley scenery and witness daily lives of local Tujia ethnic residents for a peaceful retreat.

18:30 – 19:30 Cruise Buffet Dinner

Stroll on the deck at night and enjoy quiet Yangtze river views.

Day 3: Arrive in Yichang & End the Tour | Choose Route A or Route B

Meal Arrangement

Only cruise buffet breakfast is provided

Accommodation

No accommodation included; the tour finishes in Yichang

06:30 – 07:00 Complete Check-out Procedures

Settle all personal expenses and return your cabin key card.

07:00 – 08:00 Cruise Buffet Breakfast

Route A (Top Recommendation: Experience the World-Famous Three Gorges Ship Lift)

07:30 – 09:40 Optional Visit: Three Gorges Ship Lift (Fee: 290 CNY per person)

Known as the giant water elevator on the Yangtze River, it is a world-famous Chinese super hydraulic project.

The water level difference between upstream and downstream of Three Gorges Dam reaches 113 meters, equal to a 40-storey building.

Ships used to spend 3 to 4 hours crossing the dam, while the ship lift vertically raises the whole cruise ship and finishes the crossing in merely 40 minutes.

You can experience the magical sight of a ship lifting up in the air, which is exclusive to this place worldwide.

Note: If the facility is under maintenance, this activity will be replaced with Two Dams & One Gorge Tour, with the same charge standard kept.

10:00 – 13:00 Coach Tour: Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area (Minimum 90 minutes)

Three Gorges Dam is the largest water conservancy project all over the world.

You can closely view the huge dam body and wide reservoir surface, and learn the construction story of this global landmark project.

Witness the perfect combination of modern great infrastructure and natural Yangtze landscapes.

13:00 – 14:00

Take the group coach to Yichang Tourist Distribution Center.

Your wonderful 3 day yangtze river cruise chongqing china trip comes to an end.

Travel Tip

If you book return flights or high-speed trains, please choose departures after 15:30.

It leaves enough buffer time to avoid missing your transportation.

Route B (Basic Budget Route | No Ship Lift Experience)

08:00 – 11:00 Coach Tour: Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area (Minimum 90 minutes)

11:00 – 12:00 Arrive at Yichang Tourist Center, the whole itinerary concludes.

Tour Terms & Service Details

1. Services Included

Ground Transportation

Air-conditioned coaches serve the Chongqing – Changshou – Wanzhou route, with one independent seat for each guest.

The Wanzhou to Yichang Yangtze voyage is operated alternately by President No.2 and Victoria No.3 luxury cruise ships.

Cabin Standard

Cruise standard double rooms are equipped with central air conditioning, private bathroom, 24-hour hot water shower and TV.

Extra fees are needed if you want a higher floor or upgraded cabin type.

Included Entrance Tickets

Tickets for Changshou Ancient Town, Tianshengcheng Street, intangible cultural heritage acrobatics show, Baidi City and Three Gorges Dam are all covered.

Included Meals

2 breakfasts + 2 buffet dinners on the cruise ship are included. No cash refund for skipped meals.

Tour Guide Service

A licensed professional guide accompanies the group, offering commentary only for scheduled scenic spots and activities inside this yangtze river cruise itinerary.

2. Children Pricing Rules

Infants under 2 years old: 10% of total tour cost (only bus seat provided, no bed, meals or attraction tickets)

Kids aged 2 – 11: 50% total cost without cruise bed (includes seat, all meals and tickets); full adult price if a separate cabin bed is required

Visitors aged 12 and above: charged at full adult price

Closing Paragraph

This mature travel plan is our classic 3 day yangtze river cruise chongqing china.

Our detailed yangtze river cruise itinerary covers natural scenery, historic culture and modern engineering highlights with a relaxed pace, perfectly suitable for overseas first-time visitors to China.

Countless travellers keep consulting us about 3 day yangtze river cruise chongqing best price.

We provide flexible, affordable quotations according to travel seasons and your cabin preferences.