Chongqing, Fuling, Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges Dam, Xiling Gorge, Yichang
Cruise, History & Culture
Experience awe-inspiring natural beauty, iconic World Heritage sites and cultures enhanced over centuries as you sail China’s legendary waterway, with the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer getting you as close as possible to central China’s most captivating landscapes amid authentic charm and unrivalled comfort.
This carefully curated itinerary combines fascinating history-steeped cities with soul-uplifting rural stories along Asia’s longest river. Start at the port of Chongqing, gateway to the 3,915-mile Yangtze and meander through the Three Gorges, which extend 120 miles into the river’s middle reaches; discover the mountains of the Fuling district; take a whirl on a wooden sampan along the Shennong Stream as Tujia boatmen spill local secrets.
Complimentary shuttles will be provided from Chongqing Airport and Train Station to the Chaotianmen Port.
This afternoon, board the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer for your cruise downstream to Yichang. After you have settled into your cabin, you can join your fellow guests in the Explorer Bar. The large windows allow you to enjoy the night-time cityscape of Chongqing.
Enjoy a buffet dinner on board.
There will be a welcome safety and emergency briefing, followed by the captain’s welcome reception complete with complimentary canapés before departing Chongqing.
Start your morning with an early bird tea or coffee and a traditional Tai Chi lesson, led by our certified Tai Chi Master.
Enjoy a buffet breakfast on board.
This morning, you will visit an intriguing, secret project, hidden in the mountains of Fuling – The 816 Underground Project. The 816 Underground Project is the world’s largest artificial military cave. Over 50 years ago, more than 60,000 constructers, came to Jianzishan, an uninhabited place among mountains and forest, to start work on a top-secret construction of a monumental scale. The work continued for 17 years and was nearly completed when the government decided to suspend it, before any nuclear material could be produced. Now as the secrets of military caves are revealed, you will be able to look at the true face of 816 project hidden for 50 years.
Enjoy a buffet lunch on board.
Afternoon at leisure.
Early buffet dinner is served before the evening program.
Tonight, you have a chance to attend an epic open air live action show, dramatizing the lives and battles of feudal lords and their armies from the ancient Han dynasty. Based on the famous 14th-century novel ‘The Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, the story is part historical, part legend, and part mythical. The show includes battles on horseback, light and aquatic special effects, 3D holographic projection and fireworks, with the Yangtze River as the background, and a 180-degree all-swivel auditorium.
Start your morning with an early bird tea or coffee and a traditional Tai Chi lesson, led by our certified Tai Chi Master.
Enjoy a buffet breakfast on board.
We pass Qutang Gorge, where a commentary will be broadcast on the Explorer Deck. This is the shortest and narrowest of the famed Three Gorges, and known for its dramatic waters and towering cliffs.
Enjoy a lunch buffet on board.
You have the option of 2 shore excursions today:
Shennong Stream: Experience a unique ride along the Shennong Stream on a sampan – a traditional longboat rowed by expert Tujia boatmen. As we gently float through this stunning riverine gorge flanked by verdant forest, you will see evidence of early settlements in the form of hanging coffins stowed high within the limestone cliffs.
Lesser Three Gorges: this is a one of the main tributaries of the Yangtze River, and comprising of Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge and Dicui Gorge. Amidst the spectacular landscape, do look out for ancient hanging boat coffins that are suspended off the cliff edges.
Enjoy an ala carte dinner on board.
Start your morning with an early bird tea or coffee and a traditional Tai Chi lesson, led by our certified Tai Chi Master.
Enjoy an international buffet breakfast.
Disembarking in Maoping and visiting the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Centre. Spanning 2,335 metres in length and 181 metres in height, the dam is the largest and most expensive engineering project in the world. While the dam’s 32 generators produce enough clean energy to reduce China’s reliance on coal, the project has also caused much controversy. During construction, 13 cities, 140 towns, 1,352 villages, over 600 industrial factories and more than 1,200 archaeological projects have been submerged and 1.2 million people resettled.
After visiting the Project, you will be transferred to Fangweng Cave Restaurant for lunch.
Complimentary shuttles are provided from the restaurant to Yichang Airport or Train Station.
These ensuite cabins are the largest entry level of their kind on the Yangtze River. Stylish, and with their own private balconies, each is fully equipped with satellite TV, electronic safe, minibar and fridge.
The suites have an indoor seating area and a private balcony with table and chairs. They’re spacious enough to accommodate a third person. Suites include a complimentary laundry and shoe shine service, Wi-Fi and a welcome house wine on arrival to the Suite. Also included are complimentary soft drinks in your Suite on arrival day, a welcome tea service, and access to the Suite Lounge on full sailing days for complimentary afternoon canapés. Further inclusions are complimentary specialty coffee and tea, and local beer and house wines in the Suite Lounge during full sailing days.
These Luxury Suites are one of the largest on the ship. Dressed in chic Chinese décor, these sumptuous, spacious accommodations have separate bedroom and living areas and uninterrupted views of screensaver-worthy landscapes. As well as benefiting from the complimentary services included for guests staying in the Suites; additional perks to this accommodation include one in-suite gourmet dinner, sparkling wine on arrival and afternoon tea imaginatively presented in a birdcage. Specialty coffee & tea is served throughout your cruise in the Dynasty Dining Room, bars and room service. Optional shore excursions are free of charge for guests staying in the Luxury Suites.
These Luxury Suites are one of the largest on the ship. Dressed in chic Chinese décor, these sumptuous, spacious accommodations have separate bedroom and living areas and uninterrupted views of screensaver-worthy landscapes. As well as benefiting from the complimentary services included for guests staying in the Suites; additional perks to this accommodation include one in-suite gourmet dinner, sparkling wine on arrival and afternoon tea imaginatively presented in a birdcage. Specialty coffee & tea is served throughout your cruise in the Dynasty Dining Room, bars and room service. Optional shore excursions are free of charge for guests staying in the Luxury Suites.
Kindly call us at (852) 2885 2181 if you require any immediate assistance.
Call us at +852 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
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