Boarding the ship at Maoping Port (Zigui, a suburb of Yichang, 17:30--20:30) in the evening allows our guests to settle in and become familiar with the amenities on offer while shedding the hustle and bustle of their travels. We give you a buffer to refresh and prepare for the next day’s sightseeing on the amazing Yangtze, the ancient pathway across China, spanning centuries of cultures and blending the best of the old and the modern. Note: We can provide the private car from Yichang airport/train station/hotel to the Yichang Sanxia tourist center for you if you want, but pay extra charge.

Visit the Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. It is the world’s largest power station. Later today, sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) and deepest of the Three Gorges. (B, L, D) Additional optional shore excursions (river conditions permitting) to Tribe of the Three Gorges or Hometown of Qu Yuan , offering Interesting glimpses into the culture and history of the Xiling Gorge region, and through the recently-completed unique ship lock with a ship lift, the world’s largest; it will be transited in about 40 minutes to an hour.

Transfer to another vessel for an excursion through Shennong Stream small gorges, which are narrower than the Three Gorges, but very impressive. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Goddess Stream.

Enter the 25- mile long Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Then sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic gorge. (B, L, D)

Additional optional shore excursions (river conditions permitting) to White Emperor City (daytime), an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge, and a performance of the acclaimed hi-tech spectacle ”Return to the Three Gorges” (evening).

Shore excursion to Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park, a noted site for the relocation and reconstruction of architectural relics after the water rose on the Yangtze as a result of the Three Gorges Dam Project, and scenic Mr. Shuanggui, a national forest park. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda. (B, L, D)

Additional optional shore excursion (river conditions permitting) to Fengdu’s “Ghost City”, known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill.

9:00am: Disembark at picturesque Chongqing, the “Mountain City”. (B)