Yangtze River Cruise Routes Between Chongqing and Shanghai

The full-length Yangtze River cruise between Chongqing (重庆) and Shanghai (上海) offers two primary itineraries: downstream (Chongqing → Shanghai) and upstream (Shanghai → Chongqing). These cruises are offered by luxury ships such as the Century Legend (世纪传奇号), providing an enriching experience of the Three Gorges and the historical cities along the Yangtze River. Both cruises differ primarily in their schedule, lock experiences, and sightseeing focus.

Core Cruise Route Overview:

Downstream Cruise: Chongqing → Shanghai (11 Days, 10 Nights)

This classic downstream route travels with the current, making it faster and more efficient. Perfect for those with limited time who want to experience the highlights of the Yangtze River.

Day 1: Embarkation and Scenic Views

• Embarkation: From 15:00 to 18:00, board the cruise at Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier 11. After the safety briefing, set sail around 21:00, enjoying the night view of Chongqing's two rivers.

Day 2: Fengdu Ghost City & Cultural Activities

• Morning: Visit Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城).

• Afternoon: Optional The Battle of the Three Kingdoms live performance (self-paid). Evening cultural performance onboard.

Day 3: Three Gorges Highlights

• Morning: Dock at Fengjie and optionally visit White Emperor City (白帝城) or Three Gorges Summit (三峡之巅) (self-paid).

• Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic cruise through Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡) and Wu Gorge (巫峡).

Day 4: Three Gorges Dam & Locks

• Morning: Visit the Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝), including the Memorial Park and the Three Gorges Engineering Museum.

• Afternoon: Passage through the Three Gorges Five-Level Locks and Gezhouba Lock (葛洲坝船闸), with views of Xiling Gorge (西陵峡).

Day 5: Jingzhou Exploration

• Morning: Optional visit to Chu King’s Chariot and Horse Formation or the Jingzhou Museum (self-paid).

• Afternoon: Cultural lecture on the ship.

Day 6: Wuhan Highlights

• Morning: Visit Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼) and Hubei Provincial Museum.

• Afternoon: Cruise through central Yangtze River with an evening riverside dinner.

Day 7: Yueyang Tower & Scenic Leisure

• Morning: Visit Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼), with views of Dongting Lake (洞庭湖).

• Afternoon: Relax onboard or participate in a photography activity.

Day 8: Jiujiang Exploration

• Morning: Optional visit to Mount Lushan, Jingdezhen, or Donglin Temple (self-paid).

• Afternoon: Cruise through Poyang Lake.

Day 9: Chizhou & Buddhist Culture

• Morning: Visit Mount Jiuhua or Golden Cizang Temple (self-paid) to experience Buddhist culture.

• Afternoon: Relax onboard.

Day 10: Nanjing & Yangzhou

• Morning: Dock at Nanjing, visit Niushou Mountain (牛首山).

• Afternoon: Visit Yangzhou, famous for its Slender West Lake (瘦西湖).

Day 11: Arrival in Shanghai

• Morning: Arrive at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Port early in the morning. Disembark after breakfast and end your journey.

Upstream Cruise: Shanghai → Chongqing (12 Days, 11 Nights)

The upstream cruise offers a more leisurely pace and additional sightseeing stops, perfect for travelers interested in a deeper cultural and photographic experience.

Day 1: Embarkation and Welcome

• Embarkation: From 12:00 to 14:30, board the cruise at Shanghai International Passenger Center. The ship sets sail at 15:00 after a welcome ceremony and captain's reception. Enjoy views of the Shanghai Bund at night.

Day 2: Yangzhou Relaxation

• Morning: Visit Slender West Lake (瘦西湖) in Yangzhou.

• Afternoon: Free time onboard or participate in a Tea Ceremony.

Day 3: Nanjing Historical Tour

• Morning: Visit Niushou Mountain (牛首山) in Nanjing.

• Afternoon: Cruise through the lower Yangtze, and enjoy an evening Yangtze River Cultural Performance.

Day 4: Chizhou & Buddhist Culture

• Morning: Visit Mount Jiuhua or Golden Cizang Temple (self-paid).

• Afternoon: Cultural lecture onboard.

Day 5: Jiujiang Exploration

• Morning: Visit Mount Lushan, Jingdezhen, or Donglin Temple (self-paid).

• Afternoon: Cruise through Poyang Lake.

Day 6: Wuhan Landmarks

• Morning: Visit Yellow Crane Tower (黄鹤楼) and Hubei Provincial Museum.

• Evening: Participate in a Yangtze River BBQ Party.

Day 7: Yueyang & Leisure

• Morning: Visit Yueyang Tower (岳阳楼) and enjoy views of Dongting Lake.

• Afternoon: Participate in a Calligraphy Activity or relax onboard.

Day 8: Jingzhou Cultural Tour

• Morning: Optional visit to Chu King’s Chariot and Horse Formation or Jingzhou Museum (self-paid).

• Afternoon: Cruise through the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.

Day 9: Three Gorges Dam & Locks

• Morning: Visit the Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝) and experience its grandeur.

• Afternoon: Passage through the Gezhouba Lock and Three Gorges Five-Level Locks. Enjoy the scenic views of Xiling Gorge (西陵峡).

Day 10: Three Gorges Highlights

• Morning: Small boat ride to Shennv Stream (神女溪).

• Afternoon: Cruise through Wu Gorge (巫峡) and Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡), with optional visit to White Emperor City (白帝城) (self-paid).

Day 11: Fengdu Ghost City

• Morning: Visit Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城).

• Afternoon: Relax onboard, with a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 12: Arrival in Chongqing

• Morning: Arrive at Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier 11 early in the morning. Disembark after breakfast and conclude your cruise.

Key Differences and Recommendations

Pace and Efficiency

• Downstream: Fast-paced with one key attraction per day, suitable for first-time cruisers or those with limited time.

• Upstream: More leisurely, with additional stops like Yueyang and Nanjing, perfect for photography and deep cultural exploration.

Lock Experience

• Downstream: Daytime passage through the Five-Level Locks and Gezhouba Lock (self-paid Ship Lift).

• Upstream: Often includes nighttime or early morning lock passages, some ships offer a VIP Ship Lift experience.

Scenic Highlights

• Downstream: Three Gorges Summit, Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City.

• Upstream: Yangzhou, Nanjing, Chizhou, Jiujiang, and Poyang Lake offer more extended exploration.

Practical Tips

Best Travel Time

• Spring (March - May) and Autumn (September - November) are the best seasons for a Yangtze River cruise, offering clear views and stable weather. Avoid the summer flood and winter dry seasons.

Booking Tips

• Peak Season (Holidays): Book 60-90 days in advance. Tickets typically include accommodation, meals, designated excursions, and a guide. The Ship Lift and some excursions are additional costs.

Port Transportation

• Shanghai Embarkation: Take Metro Line 3 to Baoyang Road Station, then transfer to a bus to Wusongkou International Cruise Port (approx. 1 hour).

• Chongqing Embarkation: Board directly at Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier 11, with free shuttle services available from the airport or high-speed rail station (reservation required).