Yangzi Explorer

Downstream
Destinations
Chongqing to Yichang
Cruise Duration
4 days/3 nights
Upstream
Destinations
Yichang to Chongqing
Cruise Duration
5 days/4 nights
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Yangzi Explorer

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  • Highlights
  • Downstream Itinerary
  • Upstream Itinerary
  • Ship Facilities
  • Inclusions/Exclusions
  • Important Info

Highlights

Baiheliang Underwater Museum (White Crane Ridge)
816 Underground Project
Shennongjia
Qutang Gorge
Wu Gorge
Xiling Gorge
Three Gorges Dam

Enjoy the magnificence of the Yangtze River in total luxury aboard the gorgeous Yangzi Explorer

Imagine a leisurely luxury cruise through the heart of China absorbing the history, culture, and traditions to be found along the full stretch of the magnificent Yangtze River. You’ll find it aboard the stylish Yangzi Explorer. Newly built in 2025 to accommodate just 148 passengers, the only all-suite cruise ship on Yangtze River offers an experience in understated luxury, providing a 1:1 ratio of staff to guests for the ultimate in attentive service. Travel either up or downstream and take advantage of the opportunity to view and visit the river’s highlights along the way, including Baiheliang Underwater Museum (White Crane Ridge), beautiful Shennongjia, the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges, and the Three Gorges Dam. Back onboard, savor the chance to relax totally between shore excursions, either on the ship’s deck or in your beautifully appointed suite. Inclusive of a selection of onboard meals, shore excursions, entertainment, with the option to add on activities, cruising with the Yangzi Explorer is a wonderful way to experience the river and China at its best.


Cruise Boat Stats

Year Built: 2025
All-Balcony Suites:74
Passenger capacity:148
Passenger decks:5
Crew: 141

Cabin Information

Room TypeCabins
Celestial & Imperial Suite2 | 105 m2
Jade & Mandarin Suite2 | 89 m2
Ambassador Suite12 | 40 m2
Deluxe Suite58 | 31 m2

Downstream Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Chongqing

Afternoon:
Embarkation at Chaotianmen Port
(Complimentary Transfer Services from Chongqing Airport or Chongqing Railway Station for Embarkation.)

Evening:
Dinner Buffet
Brief Safety Orientation; Captain’s Welcome Reception

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - Cruise the Yangtze River (Fuling & Zhongxian)

Morning:
Coffee, Tea, Tai Chi Lesson, Breakfast

Excursions:
Option A: the 816 Underground Project
Option B: White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum + A local market

À la carte Lunch

Afternoon:
Feel free to unwind and enjoy your afternoon by taking part in the onboard experiences.

Evening:
Dinner Buffet

Night Excursion:
Option A: “The War Fire of Three Kingdoms” Show
Option B: Zhongzhou Old Alley Walk

Late-night Snacks

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - Cruise the Yangtze River (Wushan)

Morning:
Sail the Qutang Gorge
Coffee, Tea, Tai Chi Lesson, Breakfast

Excursions:
Option A: Hike the trail of Wushan Goddess Sky Road
Option B: Go on the Daning & Madu River Adventure
Option C: Enjoy Bamboo Angling (Seasonal)

Lunch Buffet
Navigate the Wu Gorge

Evening:
À la carte Dinner

Three Gorges Ship Lift
(subject to water level, weather, maintenance conditions)
Live Music Onboard

Late-night Snacks

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Disembark in Yichang

Morning:
Coffee, Tea, Breakfast
Complimentary Self-guided Visit to Huangling Temple
Disembarkation

Excursions:
Option A: Three Gorges Dam Visit
(Three Gorges Project Museum, Memorial Park of the Interception)
Option B: Visit to Qu Yuan Temple & Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum

Farewell Lunch at Juweng Restauranat in Yichang

Transfer to Yichang Airport or East Railway Station for your departure to next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Upstream Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Yichang

Pre-Cruise Excursions (if reach the meeting point by 2pm)
Option A: Three Gorges Dam Visit
(Three Gorges Project Museum, Memorial Park of the Interception)
Option B: Visit to Qu Yuan Temple & Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum
 
Afternoon:
Embarkation at Huangling Temple Port
(Complimentary Transfer Services from Chongqing Airport or Chongqing Railway Station for Embarkation.)
Complimentary Self-guided Visit to Huangling Temple

Evening:
Dinner Buffet
Three Gorges Ship Lift Transit
Brief Safety Orientation; Captain’s Welcome Reception
(subject to water level, weather and maintenance conditions)

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - Cruise the Yangtze River (Shennongjia)

Morning:
Coffee, Tea, Tai Chi Lesson, Breakfast

Excursions:
A full-day tour of UNESCO Heritage - Shennongjia
(Visit Shengnongjia Guanmenshan Scenic Area)

Evening:
Dinner Buffet
Live Music Onboard
Late-night Snacks

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 - Cruise the Yangtze River (Fengjie)

Morning:
Coffee, Tea, Tai Chi Lesson, Breakfast

Navigate the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge

Lunch Buffet

Excursions:
Option A: Visit the historic White Emperor City
Option B: Light trekking along Poetic Trail in Qutang Gorge
Option C: Reach the Three Gorges Summit for stunning views
 
Evening:
À la carte Dinner
Live Music Onboard
Late-night Snacks

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 - Cruise the Yangtze River (Zhongxian)

Morning:
Coffee, Tea, Tai Chi Lesson, Breakfast

Excursions:
Option A: Marvel at the ancient wooden architecture of Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Fortress)
Option B: Explore Xituo Ancient Town
Option C: Discover Huanghua Island Wetland & Archaeological Park

Lunch Buffet

Onboard Activites

Evening:
À la carte Dinner
Crew Cabaret
Live Music Onboard
Late-night Snacks

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 - Disembark in Chongqing

Morning:
Coffee, Tea, Breakfast

Disembark in Chongqing around 9am and you will be transferred to Chongqing Airport, Railway Stations or downtown Chongqing for your onward journey.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ship Facilities

1. Suites
Yangzi Explorer has 4 Celebrity Suites, 12 Ambassador Suites, and 58 Deluxe Suites. Each suite has its own balconies and amenities, including private bathroom, hairdryer, safety deposit box, minibar, fridge and LCD satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi and welcome house wine are available for suites, together with a limited complimentary laundry and shoeshine service.

2. Restaurants and bars
Onboard all passengers have access to a number of restaurants and bars, including:

  • Dynasty Palace: The main restaurant onboard, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, from buffet style to a-la-carte featuring Chinese cuisine and international influences.
  • Amber Restaurant: It offers an exclusive dining experience for guests of the Ambassador and Celebrity Suites. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it presents a curated menu that blends classic favorites with modern culinary artistry.
  • Sunset Hotpot House: Authentic hotpot for lunch and dinner with stunning panoramic views. It is complimentary for guests staying in the Celebrity Suites, while other guests may enjoy the experience with an additional fee.
  • Petrus Restaurant: An exclusive private dining journey for both lunch and dinner. One complimentary seating per cruise is reserved for Celebrity Suite guests, while other guests may partake by making a supplementary reservation.
  • View Lounge: Boasting panoramic views, this is the perfect space to relax, connect, and engage in cultural exchange.
  • Explorer Bar: Overlooking the river’s ever-changing scenery, it is a lively social hub, serving morning coffee, afternoon tea, and evening live music. The perfect space to relax.
  • Velvet Lounge: This exclusive retreat for guests staying in the Ambassador and Celebrity Suites offers a private space with a selection of snacks and beverages available throughout the day.

3. Leisure facilities
Unwind on this relaxing river cruise by taking full advantage of the onboard leisure facilities, including:

  • Tang Theatre: The main venue for the welcome safety briefing, lectures, documentary show, performances, and cooking class.
  • Explorer Deck: Soak up the sunshine and relax with other travelers in between shore excursions and other onboard activities, including the daily Tai Chi lesson on the sunshine deck.
  • Ning Spa: A haven of relaxation and tranquility on the cruise, offering beauty treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine thearapy, and body massages in the individual treatment room and suites.
  • Fitness Centre: Keep active with the latest professional equiment found in the ship’s gym.
  • Kids’ Fun Corner: The dedicated space for children aged 2-12 years old is a world of imagination and excitement.

Inclusions / Exclusions

Inclusions:

  • Onboard accommodation based on double/twin occupancy in a Deluxe Suite on cruise boat
  • Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities as specified
  • Selected onboard activities as specified (Tai Chi, cultural activities, and onboard entertainment)
  • Meals: as specified in the itinerary
  • Transfer service in Chongqing and Yichang.
  • Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
  • Government taxes and fees.

Exclusions

  • Any personal onboard spending of laundry, drink, telex, phone calls, beauty treatments, and other miscellaneous services
  • Gratuities to river guide, service staff and cruise director, and any other personnel
  • Any upgrades to a different floor or suite
  • China visa fees
  • This cruise does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.

Important Information

  1. All times on the schedule are estimated and are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions.
  2. All shore excursions departure times and duration are approximate and may subject to change if considered unsafe to operate.
  3. As the sailing port is to be finalized, you are advised to contact the cruise company before boarding to confirm the specific port of your cruise ship.
  4. Your disembarkation port may change due to weather and water levels on the day of your trip. Please keep your phone turned on. We need to reach you at all times. We highly recommend contacting ChinaTours.com or your cruise company on your boarding day to get the most accurate port information.
  5. Alteration of Itinerary: If unforeseen circumstance beyond our control require us to make relevant changes to the cruise itinerary, we reserve the right to cancel or change the sailing date, etc. Where it is necessary to change the accommodation, ChinaTours.com reserves the right to substitute it with accommodation of at least a similar standard. We make changes on the conditions that:
    • Events happened out of our control, such as war, fire, epidemics, health risks, typhoon,earthquake and other actual or potential severe weather conditions, etc. Under these conditions, extra fares will be charged if there any additional costs are incurred.
    • River conditions are subject to change. Due to any potential events, we reserve the right to alter programs to maintain the spirit of the cruise with concern for safety and in response to actual conditions during sailing. Unused services are not refundable.

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Testimonials


Lyn R
Lyn R
Reviewed on Sep 02, 2026
Tripadvisor score Excellent Tour and Outstanding Guides

August 2026 . Friends

We had a very good experience and would definitely recommend this tour. The itinerary was well paced, covered the major sights we wanted to see, and the logistics were handled very well.

The guides were the strongest part of the trip. Helen was exceptional; Robert, John and Smile were all knowledgeable, attentive and flexible. They worked hard to make the trip comfortable and adjusted when needed. Smile’s recommendation of the Beijing acrobat show was an unexpected highlight.

We loved the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Terracotta Warriors, pandas and Shanghai Museum. The Peking duck experience was also excellent. Crowds were overwhelming at times, but that was beyond the tour company’s control.

There were a few areas for improvement; dietary restrictions needed better communication with restaurants, domestic airline baggage limits should be explained in advance, and we would have appreciated clearer instructions for high-speed train travel.

Overall, it was a memorable trip with excellent guides, good pacing and very well-managed logistics. We were very glad we chose this tour.
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Emily Rose
Emily Rose
Reviewed on August 26, 2026
Tripadvisor score Our tour guide Ken made the trip so special!

Aug 2026 • Couples

Ken was an AMAZING guide!! One of my favorite tour guides ever. He was so professional and knowledgeable and kind. He really looked after us and made sure everything was handled perfectly. Huge thanks to Ken!!
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J S
J S
Reviewed on August 16, 2026
Tripadvisor score Wonderful Experience in Xi’an with Eric and China Tours

July 2026

China Tours is a great tour company and you can relax in China as they pick you up from the airport, lead you to the your hotel, and arrange your tours with an experienced guide and driver. If you visit Xi-an and get tour guide, Eric, you got lucky! Eric is extremely smart, diligent, and prepared as a tour guide. He speaks English well and also has a great sense of humor. Your whole family will enjoy his company. We had a great time seeing the Terracotta Warriors, attending the live show, riding bikes on the City Wall as well as visiting the Muslim District. I have to say Xi'an is very hot and humid in July but Eric has a positive attitude and works with you to make the trip pleasurable. He also has a magic Mary Poppins-type backpack where he is able to pull out things you need i.e. umbrella, tissues, his 1st grade homework, etc. I would say he was one of the best tour guides we have had!
Read more Read less
noname_blank
noname_blank
Reviewed on August 15, 2026
Tripadvisor score Excellent Personal Tours of the Beijing and Xi’an regions

August 2026

We had two different guide/driver teams during our trip to China, one in Beijing from August 3–6 and another in Xi’an from August 6–8, and both were excellent.

In Beijing, our guide was Cynthia 常. She picked us up at the airport and was always on time, as was our driver. The driver had a newer Chinese electric sedan, which was very comfortable, and he was friendly and drove very well.

Cynthia was very helpful throughout the three days. She took us to all the main places we wanted to see, but she was also very flexible when we decided to change things around at the last minute. We never felt like we were being rushed through a fixed itinerary. She was also happy to help when we wanted to find local food rather than just eat at the usual tourist restaurants.

Cynthia and the driver also took us to the train station when we left Beijing, and when we arrived in Xi’an, Eric and our new driver were already there waiting for us. They were just as punctual and professional.

Eric had prepared some small trinkets for us to receive at some of the historical sites around Xi’an and Lintong. It was a small thing, but it was a nice and thoughtful touch.

We were particularly interested in trying local food, and both teams were very helpful with this. We had some great meals because of their recommendations. The river trout near the Great Wall was a particular favorite in Beijing, and of course the biang-biang noodles in Xi’an were a must.

We really appreciated having guides who were willing to listen to what we actually wanted to do instead of simply following a standard schedule. Both Cynthia and Eric were friendly, helpful and easy to travel with, and both drivers made us feel comfortable getting around.

I would definitely recommend Cynthia and Eric to other visitors, and I hope we get the chance to use them again if we return to China.
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Ernesto C
Ernesto C
Reviewed on August 15, 2026
Tripadvisor score Great experience.

August 2026

Very fast response of Lora, excellent service. Everything perfect the drivers, guides, cars, etc. Highly recomended. I used to travel a lot to China for bussiness but it is the first time I used an agent for a family holliday and it was great.
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Fraser D
Fraser D
Reviewed on July 28, 2026
Tripadvisor score China tour

July 2026 • Couples

Amazing experience we would highly recommend china tours, from booking to returning home the professionalism produce with everyone connected to china tours over a curved our expectations. Well done for a top job especially thanks to Lira at booking Cythia in Beijing Mark in Xian Robert in Chengdu Top team
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Barbara S
Barbara S
Reviewed on July 10, 2026
Tripadvisor score Our first time to China

July 2026

We have had a phenomenal trip with China Tours. We flew into Shanghai and we were met by Lucy at Customs. Three nights gave us plenty of time to see the sites in Shanghai, Suzhou and Tongli, the museum, a few gardens, park, French section, the Bund and the old section. The Hotel was gorgeous! Next we flew to Xi’an where we were met by Eric and our driver. Both Eric and Lucy are fluent in English. Both are incredible knowledgeable about their perspective cities. With Eric we visited the Terracotta Soldiers, and Goose Pagoda. I left my phone in the restroom of the Pagoda. I realized my phone was missing about 30 minutes and 35 miles later. Eric went the extra mile, my phone was found intact and after a special detour it was returned to me. If coming to Xi’an I recommend Eric as your guide. There is so much to see and do here! A natural hot springs, mountain trails, museums, the City wall!
I am very impresssed with how smooth our trip has been and how personalized it is. From the accommodations, the drivers, guides, tours, in country flights I am incredibly pleased with Chinatours and I recommend them highly.
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Cruiser63567
Cruiser63567
Reviewed on July 07, 2026
Tripadvisor score China 8 day tour

June 2026 • Solo

So impressed with China Tours. Communication from the main contact (Dora) was clear and timely. I had three guides on the trip (Lee, Summer and John), all of them were perfect with good communications and a friendly / knowledgeable delivery of their local knowledge. I highly recommend China Tours to anyone who wants to see some of the amazing sights China has to offer
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