Day 1: Arrival in Chongqing and Riverboarding
Arrive in Chongqing, a vibrant river city and traditional starting point for Yangtze cruises. Explore the city’s historical districts or visit the Three Gorges Museum for background on ecology and river culture. Board an eco-certified cruise ship in the evening and enjoy a sustainable welcome dinner.
Day 2: Journey into Qutang Gorge and Cultural Village Stop
Sail into the Qutang Gorge, the narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. View towering cliffs and ancient inscriptions carved into the rock. In the afternoon, disembark for a guided tour of a restored riverside village, learning how locals are adapting to modern conservation efforts.
Day 3: Wu Gorge and Nature Walk in Goddess Stream
Continue through the ethereal Wu Gorge, known for its misty peaks and tranquil atmosphere. Take a small, low-impact boat into the Goddess Stream for a short eco-hike through untouched valleys and subtropical forest. Spot butterflies, orchids, and kingfishers along the path.
Day 4: Xiling Gorge and Visit to an Environmental Research Center
Pass through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. Stop at an environmental research center to learn about aquatic species conservation, riverbank restoration, and sediment control efforts. Return to the ship for an onboard talk about the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise.
Day 5: Three Gorges Dam Tour and Green Engineering Insights
Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Explore its eco-impact and mitigation strategies via a guided tour. Learn about fish migration channels, reforestation zones, and how cruise operators are adapting to changing water levels.
Day 6: River Villages and Ancient Town of Jingzhou
Disembark for a day in Jingzhou, an ancient walled city with roots in the Chu Kingdom. Take a walking tour led by local historians and enjoy a vegetarian lunch made with ingredients from local farms. In the evening, return to the cruise ship and enjoy panoramic sunset views from the river.
Day 7: Arrival in Wuhan and Departure
Arrive in Wuhan, where the cruise concludes. Before departure, take a morning stroll along the Yangtze River Greenway, an urban ecological corridor with bike paths and native plant gardens. Transfer to airport or train station for onward travel.
