Embarking on this Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing via Shennongjia is an ultra-luxury, intimate expedition. The Yangtze Explorer hosts just 124 guests, offering a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio that ensures highly personalized service.
Yichang → Shennongjia → Fengjie → Shibao → Chongqing
Setting sail from Yichang, this route visits the misty wilderness of Shennongjia, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its dense sub-tropical forests. Of course, the highlight of the journey is the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Three Gorges.
Equally impressive are Fengjie (the ancient "City of Poems" at the mouth of Qutang Gorge) and the architectural wonder of the Shibaozhai pagoda. The journey culminates in the spectacular mountain metropolis of Chongqing.
Designed for discerning travellers, the Yangtze Explorer offers an exceptional river cruise journey through some of China's most stunning landscapes. The Yangtze is the cradle of southwestern Chinese culture; along its banks lie archaeological mysteries and legendary strongholds that have stood for centuries, inspiring the poets and literary masters of the Tang and Song dynasties.
The Yangzi Explorer features 74 elegantly appointed all-suite accommodations, each with a private balcony, making it one of the most exclusive river cruise ships on the Yangtze. Guests can expect an elevated level of bespoke service that is unmatched on the Yangtze.
Every suite has a private balcony and is about 31 sqm. The well-appointed rooms feature contemporary interiors with subtle Chinese-inspired accents, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that let you enjoy the ever-changing vistas of the Three Gorges and the Yangtze River.
The Deluxe Suite offers a peaceful and luxurious retreat throughout your journey with:
Premium Bedding & Living: Choice of king-size or twin beds with premium linens, alongside a comfortable sitting area and writing desk.
Luxury Bathroom: Luxurious marble bathroom equipped with a rain shower, premium toiletries, plush bathrobes, slippers, and a hairdryer.
Technology & Convenience: Smart TV, entertainment system, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and an electronic safe.
Refreshments: Minibar and coffee & tea-making facilities.
Climate Control: Individually controlled air conditioning.
Services: Daily housekeeping and evening turndown service.
Included Privileges
Arrival: Welcome refreshments upon arrival.
Dining & Leisure: Full access to all onboard restaurants and public facilities.
Entertainment: Daily cultural activities, onboard lectures, and evening entertainment.
Exploration: Included shore excursions according to the cruise itinerary.
Elevate Your Journey
Should you wish to indulge in our grandest accommodations (Celebrity & Ambassador Suites), please speak with our luxury travel specialist to explore the limited collection of signature suites.
Your suite upgrade includes a dedicated 24-hour private assistant who attends to your every need, from unlimited laundry to arranging private in-suite moments.
On shore, enjoy complete autonomy with a private vehicle and guide for every excursion. Culinary delights await with an exclusive à la carte menu, a reserved dinner at the signature Petrus Restaurant, and the freedom to dine in any venue or via 24-hour room service. Complementing these experiences is access to the Velvet Lounge for premium beverages and snacks.
The ship is uniquely permitted to transit the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift—the largest ship lift in the world. While other travelers must disembark or navigate tedious locks, you will remain comfortably on board as the vessel is effortlessly lifted 113 meters in a colossal vertical lock.
Life aboard the Yangtze Explorer is an intentional blend of world-class indulgence and deep cultural resonance. Beyond the shifting landscapes outside your window, the ship serves as a private club where every facility, flavor, and performance has been meticulously curated for you.
Refined Gastronomy: Dine across elegant venues serving a sophisticated fusion of authentic Chinese regional specialties and international haute cuisine. Every menu is an expression of the season, utilizing hyper-local, fresh ingredients sourced along the riverbanks.
Panoramic Observation Lounges: Sophisticated spaces designed with expansive glass walls, offering the perfect, quiet setting to reflect over a rare vintage or a signature cocktail as the dramatic river canyons slip silently past.
The Wellness Spa & Fitness Centre: A tranquil oasis on the water dedicated to restoration. Indulge in rejuvenating therapies, traditional wellness practices, or a tailored workout, all designed to ground and refresh you between shore expeditions.
Cultural Enrichment Programmes: Immerse yourself in the living heritage of the Yangtze basin through master-led sessions. Discover the delicate art of Chinese tea appreciation, practice the fluid strokes of classical calligraphy, and enjoy evocative traditional music performances.
Illuminating Perspectives: Deepen your connection to the landscape with engaging local folklore presentations and expert-led destination lectures that breathe life into the history, geology, and poetry of the passing gorges.
Enchanted Evenings: Nightly curated entertainment that honors the vibrant, mythic history of southwestern China, offering an inspired end to each day of discovery.
| Departure Date | Return Date | Price From | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 April 2027 | 22 April 2027 | SGD 2,800 | Available |
| 09 May 2027 | 13 May 2027 | SGD 2,800 | Available |
| 06 June 2027 | 10 June 2027 | SGD 2,800 | Available |
| 11 July 2027 | 15 July 2027 | SGD 2,800 | Available |
| 25 July 2027 | 29 July 2027 | SGD 2,800 | Available |
| 08 August 2027 | 12 August 2027 | SGD 2,800 | Available |
| 19 September 2027 | 23 September 2027 | SGD 2,800 | Available |
| 10 October 2027 | 14 October 2027 | SGD 2,800 | Available |
Guests will have a transfer organised either from Yichang Sanxia (Three Gorges) Airport or Yichang East Railway Station.
You will be warmly welcomed by the cruise representative.
If you are arriving at the designated meeting point by 2:00 PM can join a complimentary half-day excursion* before embarkation.
*see below for choices of excursions
After your excursion, transfer to Huangling Temple Port and board the Yangzi Explorer. Settle into your elegant suite before enjoying a sumptuous welcome dinner at the Dynasty Restaurant, featuring an exquisite selection of Chinese and international cuisine.
The evening continues with an essential Safety Briefing, followed by the Captain's Welcome Reception at the stylish Explorer Bar, where you can meet the ship's officers and fellow guests while raising a toast to the unforgettable journey ahead.
Three Gorges Ship Lift Experience
Later in the evening, witness one of the highlights of your voyage as the Yangzi Explorer navigates the Three Gorges Ship Lift—the world's largest and most technologically advanced ship lift.
Capable of lifting vessels weighing up to 15,500 tonnes through a vertical height of 113 metres—equivalent to a 40-storey building—this extraordinary feat of engineering allows the ship to ascend or descend the dam while guests remain comfortably onboard. It is a truly unique experience available to only a select number of Yangtze cruise vessels.
Please note: Passage through the Three Gorges Ship Lift is subject to weather conditions, water levels, and operational schedules. The ship lift also undergoes annual maintenance, typically from late August for approximately 35 days, during which transit through the lift will not be available.
Please choose one of the following excursions:
Discover the sheer scale of one of humankind's greatest structural achievements. This immersive tour explores the brilliant engineering behind a project that reshaped the Yangtze—integrating flood control, massive hydroelectric power, and global navigation.
• River Closure Park: Walk among the original relics of the construction era, including massive tetrahedral concrete anchors and heavy machinery left in situ.
• Three Gorges Project Museum: Explore one of the world's largest hydroelectric museums, featuring advanced multimedia displays on the technological breakthroughs that tamed the river.
Delve into the poetic soul and human heart of the region. This journey balances the deep, classical history of ancient China with a poignant look at the modern communities that sacrificed to make the dam a reality.
• Qu Yuan Temple: Stroll through the elegant traditional architecture and peaceful courtyards dedicated to China's legendary Warring States poet, offering sweeping panoramic views over the dam.
• Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum: Engage with deeply moving exhibitions that chronicle the lives and social transformations of the millions of residents relocated for the project.
The morning begins in rhythm with the river. Awake to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or local tea delivered to your suite, followed by a gentle, grounding Tai Chi session on the observation deck.
Led by the ship's onboard Tai Chi Master, this ancient practice aligns your breath with the morning mist rising off the Yangtze—the perfect preparation for a day of deep immersion.
After breakfast, depart for a full-day expedition into Shennongjia National Park. Designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, this vast, misty sanctuary spans over 3,200 square kilometres between the Yangtze and Han rivers.
Known as the "Roof of Central China," its highest peaks breach 3,000 metres, harboring the planet's most pristine mid-latitude subtropical forest ecosystem. It is a landscape wrapped in ancient myth, ecological wonder, and raw, untouched beauty.
The Gates of Guanmenshan: Your exploration begins at the Guanmenshan Scenic Area, a dramatic gorge that serves as a living museum of evolutionary science.
Walk through rare botanical gardens and visit the natural history sanctuary to understand the unique microclimates that allowed prehistoric flora to survive the last Ice Age. You will also enjoy a rare encounter at the giant panda pavilion, learning about local conservation efforts.
The Realm of the Golden Monkey: Journey deeper into the ancient, moss-draped forests. Shennongjia is a critical refuge for more than 5,000 species of plants and animals, most notably the endangered Golden Snub-nosed Monkey. With their striking blue faces and thick golden fur, seeing these rare primates navigating the high canopy is a transcendent experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
A Sanctuary for the Senses: Walk beneath towering canopies, past rushing, crystal-clear glacial streams, and through dense bamboo groves draped in winding vines. The air here is remarkably pure, and the silence is broken only by the calls of endemic birds and the rustle of the wind through the pines.
After a day spent connecting with one of Asia's most stunning ecological treasures, return to the sanctuary of the Yangzi Explorer.
Disconnect from the world and unwind with a signature cocktail on deck as the ship glides further into the dramatic gorges, followed by a bespoke dining experience featuring the finest regional flavors.
Awake as the morning light breaks over the water, the legendary landscapes of the Yangtze will impress.
As you enjoy breakfast, the ship enters Wu Gorge, a twenty-kilometer stretch celebrated for its sheer, emerald-forested peaks that often wear a delicate veil of river mist.
Soon after, the ship arrives at Qutang Gorge. Though the shortest of the Three Gorges, it is undeniably the most majestic; its towering limestone cliffs flank the river like monolithic sentinels, creating a narrow, awe-inspiring canyon that has captivated travelers for millennia.
Upon arrival in the historic city of Fengjie, select from one of three carefully curated shore excursions, each offering a distinct lens through which to experience this legendary landscape:
Option A: White Emperor City (Baidi Cheng) | The Citadel of Poets: A brief 15-minute journey brings you to this ancient fortress perched on a peninsula overlooking the entrance to Qutang Gorge. Steeped in more than two millennia of history, this cultural sanctuary is the very cradle of classical Chinese travel literature. Explore its quiet temples and pavilions, which house exquisite calligraphy, ancient steles, and artifacts. From the historic battlements, gaze out at Kuimen, the dramatic "Gate of the Gorge"—a towering cliff face so iconic it is immortalized on China’s 10 RMB banknote.
Option B: The Qutang Gorge Poetic Trail | A Walk in the Footsteps of Masters : Designed for those wishing to engage intimately with the landscape, this light, one-hour guided trek follows a historic pathway carved directly into the cliffs. Navigating gentle mountain switchbacks, the trail rewards you with shifting, open-air perspectives of the emerald waters below. Along the route, pause to appreciate the rock inscriptions and natural vistas that inspired China’s greatest Tang and Song dynasty poets, including Li Bai and Du Fu.
Option C: The Three Gorges Summit | The Roof of the Gorges: Journey by coach up to one of the highest accessible vantage points in the entire region. Standing on the observation platform, the world opens up to reveal a sweeping, panoramic view of the majestic Yangtze winding like a jade ribbon through the rugged mountain ranges. As late afternoon transitions to twilight, witness the golden hour bathing the cliffs—a profound, quiet spectacle and one of the most celebrated vistas in all of Asia.
Evening Enrichment: The Literary Spirit of Fengjie
After an elegant dinner featuring refined regional cuisine, gather in the lounge for an exclusive cultural lecture. A local scholar will share insights into Fengjie’s deep historical significance, its role as the "City of Poetry," and its modern ecological evolution.
The presentation will be delivered in Chinese with simultaneous English interpretation provided by your Cruise Director, offering an insightful finale to a day of scenic exploration.
This morning, the Yangzi Explorer berths at Shibao Pier in Zhongxian County, an ancient region steeped in river folklore, strategic history, and architectural wonders.
Offshore Excursions
Select from three distinct excursions, each designed to unveil a different layer of the Yangtze’s rich cultural heritage.
Option A: Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Fortress) | The Pearl of the Yangtze: Step ashore to behold one of the river's most extraordinary architectural triumphs. 
Rising abruptly from the northern bank is a 220-metre sheer cliff, now encircled by the tranquil waters of the reservoir. Clinging to its rock face is a magnificent 12-storey, crimson wooden pavilion—a 56-metre engineering marvel built entirely without nails. Myth holds that this solitary hill was a stray stone left behind by the goddess Nüwa while repairing the heavens. Ascend the interior wooden stairways to the summit temple for sweeping, panoramic vistas of the surrounding river landscape.
Option B: Xituo Ancient Town | The Legacy of the Salt Route: Cross the river by local ferry to step back in time at Xituo, an ancient commercial hub that dates back to the pre-Qin period. Here lies the legendary Yunti Street (Ladder to Heaven), a historic thoroughfare composed of exactly 1,314 stone steps rising directly from the riverside pier into the town's upper ridges. Walk past beautifully preserved timber-frame buildings, quiet teahouses, and traditional artisan shops, tracing the footsteps of the ancient merchants who once carried Sichuan salt across the mountains.
Option C: Huanghua Island | The Sunken Citadel: Journey to a verdant island sanctuary situated in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir. 
Once a critical stronghold during the Song Dynasty, the island preserves the archaeological ruins of the ancient Huanghua City, which served as the wartime administrative center of Xianchun Prefecture. Walk among the atmospheric remains of centuries-old city walls, defense fortifications, and former government offices, discovering how this strategic river fortress held the line against historical invasions amidst a landscape of serene natural beauty.
Rejoin the Yangzi Explorer by late afternoon. As the ship slips back into the main channel, take time to unwind on the observation deck or share stories of the day's discoveries.
Whether you spent the morning climbing the pavilion reaching the heavens, tracing ancient trade routes, or uncovering lost dynasties, the unfolding river banks provide a spectacular backdrop to another evening of unparalleled luxury.
Your luxury voyage concludes this morning as the Yangzi Explorer arrives at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port, the dramatic confluence where the muddy waters of the Yangtze meet the clear jade of the Jialing River.
After a final breakfast on board, bid farewell to the crew and disembark into China's legendary "Mountain City." It is the historic birthplace of the Song Dynasty Emperor Guangzong, and the site of Diaoyu Fortress—famously recorded in global history as the "place where the whip of God was broken," where a fierce resistance altered the course of the Mongol conquests across Eurasia.
Chongqing is a metropolis unlike any other—a vertical landscape where soaring peaks meet sweeping rivers, and ancient history layers beneath a futuristic skyline. Long before it became a bustling modern megalopolis and a critical node connecting China to Eurasian economic routes, Chongqing was an impregnable military stronghold.
As you step ashore, a private transfer will be organised to drop you off at either:
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport,
the high-speed railway station,
or your downtown hotel.
We hope you will continue to be inspired by the enduring spirit, poetry, and landscapes of the Great Yangtze.