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Legend of
the Yangtze  
                        
12-Day

Legend of the Yangtze is an immersive cultural and scenic journey along China’s mother river — a moving exploration that blends ancient capitals, sacred mountains, classical architecture, river gorges, and modern cities.
Rather than focusing on a single theme, this cruise reveals multiple layers of China’s heritage: imperial landmarks, Buddhist sites, dynastic relics, folk culture, and the dramatic landscapes of the Three Gorges.

This 12-day voyage begins in Shanghai and sails westward through Nanjing, Yangzhou, Chizhou, Jiujiang, Wuhan, Yueyang, Jingzhou, Yichang, Fengjie and Fengdu, before concluding in the mountain city of Chongqing.

 

Please arrange your own international or domestic transportation.

 

Our highlights include:

  1. Niushou Mountain (Nanjing) & Usnisa Palace

  2. Slender West Lake (Yangzhou)

  3. Mount Jiuhua, one of China’s sacred mountains

  4. Lushan Mountain or Donglin Temple (optional)

  5. Yellow Crane Tower (Wuhan) & Hubei Provincial Museum

  6. Yueyang Tower & Baidi City (Three Gorges)

  7. Three Gorges: Xiling, Wu & Qutang Gorges

  8. Three Gorges Dam & Five-Stage Ship Locks

  9. Goddess Stream Canyon riverboat cruise

  10. Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Town & Fengdu Ghost City

  11. Regional cuisines: Jiuhua vegetarian, Hui-style, Wuhan fish

  12. Luxury onboard experience with lectures, decks, and entertainment

Download Itineraries

What to expect? 

  • All meals on board (12B/11L/12D) and luxury river cruise accommodation

  • All onboard and shore excursions, including entry tickets

  • All transportation along the cruise route

  • Optional cultural performances

  • Lectures, onboard activities, and evening entertainment

*Excludes transportation/expenses to/from Shanghai or Chongqing, and any personal expenses

Available dates:

March 26 – April 6, 2026

April 16 – April 27, 2026

May 7 – May 18, 2026

May 28 – June 8, 2026

June 18 – June 29, 2026

September 3 – September 14, 2026

September 24 – October 5, 2026

October 15 – October 26, 2026

November 5 – November 16, 2026

November 26 – December 7, 2026

*Please contact us for other day's departure.

Q&A

1. What is the Yangtze River Cruise?
The Yangtze River Cruise is a luxury river journey along China’s longest river, offering scenic landscapes, cultural landmarks, and immersive experiences of Chinese history and local life.

2. Where does the cruise start and end?
Most cruises start in Shanghai and end in Chongqing, traveling through major cities such as Nanjing, Yangzhou, Jiujiang, Wuhan, and Yichang, while passing the famous Three Gorges.

3. What are the highlights of the Yangtze River Cruise?

  • UNESCO-level landmarks: Niushou Mountain, Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower, Baidi City

  • Scenic lakes & sacred mountains: Slender West Lake, Mount Jiuhua, optional Lushan Mountain or Donglin Temple

  • Museums: Hubei Provincial Museum, Jingzhou Museum & Ancient City Wall

  • The Three Gorges: Xiling, Wu & Qutang Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Five-Stage Ship Locks, Goddess Stream Canyon

  • Historic towns & architecture: Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Town, Fengdu Ghost City

  • Cultural performances (depending on sailing direction): Return to the Three Gorges, Flames of the Three Kingdoms

4. When is the best time to go on the Yangtze River Cruise?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant temperatures and clear river views, avoiding the summer heat and winter cold.

5. What is the best way to experience the cruise?
Traveling onboard a modern luxury river ship allows you to enjoy daily excursions, lectures, cultural experiences, and scenic views in comfort, without worrying about transport or logistics.

6. How safe is the Yangtze River Cruise?
Traveling in China is very safe. River cruises provide 24-hour onboard staff assistance. Local police and medical facilities are easily accessible, and onboard security is strict. While travel in China is safe and well-supported, travelers are advised to arrange their own travel insurance prior to departure.

7. What are the must-see attractions on the cruise?

  • Niushou Mountain & Usnisa Palace (Nanjing)

  • Slender West Lake (Yangzhou)

  • Mount Jiuhua, Lushan Mountain, Donglin Temple

  • Yellow Crane Tower & Hubei Provincial Museum (Wuhan)

  • Yueyang Tower & Baidi City (Three Gorges)

  • Three Gorges Dam, Xiling, Wu, and Qutang Gorges

  • Goddess Stream Canyon

  • Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Town & Fengdu Ghost City

8. What local experiences and cuisine can I expect?
Enjoy authentic regional specialties, such as Jiuhua vegetarian lunch, Hui-style Pingtian Lake banquet, Wuhan river fish dishes, and other Hubei & Sichuan delicacies.

9. What climate and travel tips should I pay attention to?

  • River cruise areas: weather can vary, so bring light clothing for daytime and warmer layers for evenings.

  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are recommended for daytime excursions.

  • Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and temple visits.

10. What do I need to prepare for the cruise?

  • Passport (for international travelers)

  • Comfortable clothing for excursions and onboard activities

  • Personal medications, if needed

  • Camera or smartphone for scenic photography

  • Cash or cards for personal expenses and optional excursions

11. How long is the Yangtze River Cruise?
Typically 12 days, covering Shanghai to Chongqing with multiple scenic and cultural stops along the way.

12. Who can join the cruise?
The cruise is suitable for families, friends, and individual travelers. Single travelers are required to pay a single-room supplement.

DAY1 Transit City < Shanghai

  • 12:00–14:00 Embarkation at Shanghai International Cruise Terminal

  • 11:00–12:00 Concierge pickup from Shanghai Airport or High-Speed Rail Station

  • ~15:00 Cruise departure

  • 16:30–17:30 Safety briefing and itinerary introduction

  • 18:00–19:30 “Shanghai by Night” – buffet dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • 20:00–21:30 “Rivers and Mountains in Splendor” Sail Away Ceremony & Captain’s Welcome Reception

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and other iconic Shanghai landmarks from the deck during the Captain’s Welcome Reception

Port: Shanghai

Meals: Dinner

Image by Bide Cui

DAY2 Yangzhou < Slender West Lake

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi session

  • 07:00–13:30 Buffet breakfast & lunch with Yangzhou-style dim sum

  • 09:00–11:00 Cultural activities onboard

  • 13:30–16:30 Shore excursion to Slender West Lake, visiting Xu Garden, Xiao Jinshan, Five Pavilion Bridge, White Pagoda, and Twenty-Four Bridge

  • 17:30–19:00 Buffet dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • 20:00–21:30 “One World, One Family” Welcome Cultural Show by staff

Port: Yangzhou
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

DAY3 Nanjing < Niushou Mountain

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–08:00 Buffet breakfast onboard

  • 08:00–12:30 Shore excursion to Niushou Mountain, including Usnisa Palace

  • 12:30–14:00 Nanjing specialty lunch, selected drinks included

  • 15:00–17:00 Cultural activities onboard

  • 18:00–19:30 Buffet dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • 20:00–21:30 Live Music Masquerade Ball

Port: Nanjing
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY4 Chizhou < Mount Jiuhua / Jindi Temple (Choice of One)

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–08:30 Buffet breakfast onboard

  • Option A – Mount Jiuhua (08:30–16:30, including Baisui Palace Cable Car)
    Visit Huacheng Temple, Zhantanlin Temple, Huayan Hall, Dayuan Hall, Dabei Hall, Baisui Palace, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, Dongya Chan Temple

  • Option B – Jindi Temple (09:30–14:00)
    Visit Jindi Temple and enjoy Hui-style lunch at Ping Tian Peninsula Hotel

  • 18:00–19:30 Chizhou-themed dinner onboard

  • 20:30–21:00 Movie time

Port: Chizhou
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY5 Jiujiang < Jingdezhen / Mount Lushan (Choice of One)

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–08:30 Buffet breakfast onboard

  • Option A – Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Town (08:00–17:30)
    Visit Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Museum and Jingdezhen Ceramic City to observe traditional porcelain-making techniques and explore the world-famous “Porcelain Capital”

  • Option B – Mount Lushan (08:30–16:30, including round-trip cable car)
    Visit Flower Path Park, Jinxiugu Valley, and Meilu Villa to appreciate Lushan’s natural beauty and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites

  • 12:00–13:30 Jiangxi cuisine lunch onboard, selected drinks included

  • 18:00–19:30 Jiujiang fish-head specialty dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • 20:00–21:30 Karaoke competition

Port: Jiujiang
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY6 Wuhan < Yellow Crane Tower & Hubei Provincial Museum

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–08:30 Wuhan-style breakfast onboard

  • 09:00–12:00 Shore excursion to Yellow Crane Tower, enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River and cityscape

  • 12:00–13:30 Wuhan-style all-fish lunch, selected drinks included

  • 14:00–17:00 Visit Hubei Provincial Museum, home to the Bronze Chime Bells and other national treasures

  • 18:30–20:00 Buffet dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • 20:00–21:30 Group dance class: “Youth in Motion”

Port: Wuhan
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY7 Yueyang < Yueyang Tower

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–08:30 Buffet breakfast onboard

  • 08:30–11:30 Shore excursion to Yueyang Tower and Bianhe Street, enjoy views over Dongting Lake

  • 12:00–13:30 Buffet lunch onboard, selected drinks included

  • 15:00–16:30 Afternoon tea

  • 18:30–20:00 Yueyang specialty dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • 20:30–22:30 Movie night

Port: Yueyang
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY8 Jingzhou < Chu King Chariot & Horse Pit / Jingzhou Museum and Ancient City Wall (Choice of One)

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–08:30 Buffet breakfast onboard

  • Option A – Chu King Chariot & Horse Pit (08:00–11:30)
    Explore ancient tombs of the Chu King, see 43 chariots and 163 horses buried 2,000 years ago

  • Option B – Jingzhou Museum & Ancient City Wall (08:00–11:30)
    Visit Jingzhou Museum, learn about regional history, and walk along the well-preserved Jingzhou Ancient City Wall

  • 12:00–13:30 Buffet lunch onboard, selected drinks included

  • 16:00–17:30 Fun park activities

  • 18:00–19:30 Jingzhou fish cake dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • 20:00–21:00 Crew skill showcase: “Star of the Deck”

Port: Jingzhou
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY9 Yichang < Gezhouba Ship Lock, Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam & Five-Stage Ship Locks

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–09:00 Buffet breakfast onboard

  • 08:30 Pass through Gezhouba Ship Lock

  • 10:30–11:20 Three Gorges Dam lecture

  • 12:00–13:30 Buffet lunch onboard, selected drinks included

  • 14:30–16:30 Shore excursion: Three Gorges Dam, including Interception Memorial Park and Three Gorges Project Museum

  • 18:00–19:30 Hubei cuisine dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • ~20:00 Pass through Five-Stage Ship Locks; enjoy themed party on deck with free drinks

Port: Yichang
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY10 Fengjie < Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge, Baidi City / Three Gorges Summit & “Return to the Three Gorges” Performance (Choice of One)

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–08:30 Buffet breakfast onboard

  • 09:00–10:30 Three Gorges themed lecture

  • ~11:00 Scenic cruise through Wu Gorge

  • ~13:00 Scenic cruise through Qutang Gorge

  • 12:00–13:30 Buffet lunch onboard, selected drinks included

  • Option A – Baidi City (14:00–16:30)
    Visit Baidi City, historic site of Li Bai’s poetry

  • Option B – Three Gorges Summit (13:30–17:00)
    Panoramic views from Three Gorges Summit (closed Feb 13–Apr 15)

  • 18:00–19:00 Three Kingdoms themed cultural dinner onboard

  • 19:00–21:30 Large-scale poetry & culture live performance: “Return to the Three Gorges”

Port: Fengjie
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY11 Fengdu < Fengdu Ghost City

  • 06:30–07:00 Morning tea/coffee and Tai Chi

  • 07:00–08:30 Buffet breakfast onboard

  • 10:00–10:35 Disembarkation briefing

  • 12:00–13:30 Buffet lunch onboard, selected drinks included

  • 15:00–18:00 Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, including Heng Ha Temple, Baoshidian, Naihe Bridge, Yellow Springs Road, Wangxiang Terrace, Yaowang Temple

  • 18:30–20:00 Buffet dinner onboard, selected drinks included

  • 20:30–22:00 Guest photography sharing & farewell party

Port: Fengdu
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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DAY12 Chongqing < Disembarkation < TransitCity

  • 08:30 Disembarkation at Chongqing Port

  • Concierge transfer to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport / High-Speed Rail Station

Port: Chongqing
Meals: Breakfast

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