Cruise China’s Yangtze River for 7 days, marveling at the Three Gorges and ancient cliffs, plus a panda visit in Chengdu. Guided by local experts, this small-group (12–20) tour blends nature and culture with comfy ship cabins and spicy Sichuan dinners. Pandas are so cute, ya just wanna hug ‘em!
7 Days, China, $1,589
Region: Central China
The Yangtze, China’s longest river, stretches through rugged gorges and vibrant cities, from Chongqing’s spicy food scene to Chengdu’s panda haven. At 500–2,000 feet elevation, it’s temperate (60–85°F in spring/fall, warmer in summer), with misty cliffs and ancient history. Sichuan’s food is a flavor bomb—hope ya like spice!
Important Notes
Visas: Chinese visa required; apply at least 1 month in advance (~$140 for US citizens).
Weather: Spring/fall are ideal; summer can be humid. Pack layers, comfy shoes for walking.
Fitness: Light walking (1–2 miles/day) for tours; no strenuous activity.
Culture: Respect local customs (e.g., no loud behavior in temples).
Accommodation: 6 nights (4 on ship, 2 in Chengdu hotel, double occupancy).
Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Transport: Transfers to/from Chongqing/Chengdu.
Activities: Guided tours of Three Gorges, Fengdu, Panda Base, Chengdu markets.
Entrance Fees: All site entries.
Support: 24/7 local guide, River106 trip manager.
International flights to/from Chongqing/Chengdu.
Chinese visa (required).
Travel insurance (recommended).
Tips for guides/crew ($8–12/day suggested).
Single room supplement ($400 extra).
Day 1: Arrive in Chongqing
Morning: Land at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. River106 arranges a transfer to the port where your river cruise ship awaits.
Afternoon: Board the ship, settle into your double-occupancy cabin (private bathroom, river views). Join a welcome briefing with your guide.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner onboard featuring Chongqing’s spicy noodle dishes. Sail toward the Three Gorges.
Overnight: Ship
Day 2: Three Gorges & Dam
Morning: Wake to stunning views of the Yangtze’s cliffs. Guided tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project, with insights into its engineering and impact. Breakfast and lunch onboard (dumplings, stir-fried veggies).
Afternoon: Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest but most dramatic of the Three Gorges, with steep cliffs towering above. Stop for a short excursion to a local village for cultural insights.
Evening: Dinner onboard (hot pot, anyone?). Onboard talk about the Yangtze’s role in Chinese history. Sail toward Wu Gorge.
Overnight: Ship
Day 3: Wu Gorge & Fengdu
Morning: Cruise through Wu Gorge, known for its misty peaks and lush greenery. Breakfast onboard (congee, fried dough sticks). Guided excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, a hilltop temple complex tied to Chinese afterlife myths.
Afternoon: Return to the ship for lunch (kung pao chicken). Free time to relax on deck, soaking in the gorge views. Optional calligraphy workshop onboard (extra cost).
Evening: Dinner onboard (Sichuan beef, lotus root). Sail toward Yichang. Enjoy live music in the ship’s lounge.
Overnight: Ship
Day 4: Yichang to Chengdu & Pandas
Morning: Disembark in Yichang after breakfast (baozi, tea). River106 transfers you to Chengdu (4–5-hour drive or 2-hour train, depending on schedule). Check into a 3-star hotel.
Afternoon: Guided tour of the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where you’ll see pandas munching bamboo and tumbling around. Lunch at a local restaurant (mapo tofu, included).
Evening: Free evening to explore Chengdu’s Jinli Street, a lively lane with street food and shops. Dinner on your own (try spicy noodles!).
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 5: Chengdu Culture
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel (rice porridge, eggs). Guided tour of Chengdu’s People’s Park, where locals practice tai chi, and the Wide and Narrow Alleys, historic streets with teahouses and boutiques.
Afternoon: Lunch at a Sichuan restaurant (included, dan dan noodles). Visit a traditional teahouse for a tea-tasting session, learning about Chinese tea culture.
Evening: Dinner on your own (Chengdu’s a foodie heaven—go wild!). Optional Sichuan opera show (extra cost).
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 6: Optional Excursions
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Choose a guided excursion: visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 233-foot cliff-carved statue (2-hour drive), or the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel (1.5-hour drive). Both include lunch (included).
Afternoon: Return to Chengdu. Free time to shop for panda souvenirs or relax at the hotel.
Evening: Farewell dinner at the hotel (Sichuan hot pot, veggie options). Reflect on your Yangtze adventure with the group.
Overnight: Chengdu
Day 7: Departure
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel (dim sum, coffee). Free time to pack or visit a nearby market. Check out by 10 AM.
Afternoon: River106 arranges a transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or back to Chongqing (if preferred). Safe travels!
Overnight: None
April 20–26, 2026
June 15–21, 2026
September 25–October 1, 2026