The Mountain City and Gorgeous Gorges
The Yangtze River, along with the Yellow River, is regarded as one of the two most important rivers in China's history. The magnificent gorges, the history and culture of the areas along the river, and the unbelievable dam attract travelers to experience a Yangtze cruise.
Chongqing is the top gateway for a Yangtze River cruise. The "Mountain City" could well be the most special metropolis in China. It has the most complicated urban transportation system and amazing local delicacies. Modernity and tradition coexist in great harmony there. You can feel the speed of China's development, but also the spirit of its people and the imprints of Chinese history.
Explore Mountain City Chongqing before a Yangtze River cruise with this 5-day tour.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Witness the Famous Three Gorges of China
Tour the once-treacherous-and-taxing-but-now-tamed-and-tranquil middle reaches of the Yangtze River and enjoy the magnificent landscapes along it in a relaxing way.
Discover the Most Mountainous Metropolis in China
Delve into high-rise "Mountain City" Chongqing. Experience its traditions and modernization. Feel its steamy temperament and breath of life. Taste its nostalgic style and creativity.
Feel Chongqingers' Enthusiasm and the Charm of Their Local Delicacies
Enjoy a hot pot meal in hot pot's hometown and an afternoon tea Chongqing style.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Beijing trip 2025
Great tour! Jennifer, our tour guide, was outstanding. She always made sure we understood everything related to each monument we visited. more
Jun 2025, Beatriz C
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Great trip
Lily was an amazing guide, knowledgeable and friendly and the trip was easy and stress free. We had a great time in Beijing, thank you! more
Jun 2025, YL
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Amazing and Effortless Experience Overall!
China Highlights is totally legit and they planned our visit in Beijing perfectly, they were also great with being flexible to meet our unique needs and timelines, with multiple changes on the fly. Our guide in Beijing, William, was amazing as well! William was friendly, kind, thoughtful, funny, and also was great at keeping us on track timing-wise (as we didn’t make this particularly easy for him lol). Cannot recommend both China Highlights and William to anyone else looking to visit China for the first time! more
Jun 2025, jamesrkable
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your personal guide and driver will greet you and pick you up at the airport or at the entrance of the train station.
Your half-day city tour of Chongqing — a journey through time — will include visiting Arhat Temple to discover medieval traditions hidden in the modern city center, exploring Longmenhao Old Street to discover the character of Chongqing in the Republic of China era, and ascending a famous skyscraper for unbelievable night views of the city.
Get prepared for your cruise by learning about the history of the Yangtze River and the Three Gorges Dam. The presentations and exhibits at Three Gorges Museum cover many aspects of the Yangtze River, including the animals living alongside the Yangtze, the regional population in ancient times, and ancient artifacts discovered near the Yangtze.
Have a walking tour on a peaceful ancient path in the afternoon. Enjoy the tranquility when climbing up to the Nanshan Mountain. Discover the lifestyle in old Chongqing and some forgotten historical sites in the forest.
In the late afternoon, your private driver will transfer you to the Yangtze cruise pier. And your guide will help you to board the ship smoothly.
Enjoy Tai Chi morning exercise if you would like to.
Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City in the morning. There are many buildings built according to traditional Chinese geomancy and statues and artwork reflecting Chinese people's imaginations of the netherworld.
Enjoy the cultural activities on the ship in the afternoon and a night show — War Fires of the Three Kingdoms (optional) after dinner.
If you are interested in Chinese calligraphy and history, the optional excursion to the White Emperor City is a nice choice. There you can see the scenery that is printed on the back of a 10-yuan banknote and appreciate stones with calligraphy inscriptions dating back centuries. It was also a famous fortress.
Cruise through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and the magnificent Wu Gorge at noon time
Enjoy a shore excursion to Shennv Stream in the afternoon, where you will take a boat to discover this tributary of the Yangtze River, with its clear water that runs southwards through deep and narrow gorges.
Enjoy the Crew Cabaret and Talent Show after dinner on the ship.
Disembark at Maoping Pier in Yichang Prefecture in the morning, and then join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. Getting access to a platform by the dam, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of this supper project and the Yangtze River.
You will be transferred to the tourist center in Yichang city. Your private guide and driver will wait for you there and will transfer you to the airport or railway station on time for your departure.
Note: The shore excursions in the itinerary are arranged by Century Cruises. They could vary depending on the cruise you choose.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price Includes: