The BEST 3-Day Yangtze River Cruise: Baidicheng, Fengdu, Three Gorges

A Yangtze River cruise is one of the most epic ways to experience China’s stunning landscapes and rich history! I had the chance to do this incredible three-day journey myself, and I’m still blown away by everything I saw. From the legendary Baidicheng (aka White Emperor City) to the eerie but fascinating Fengdu Ghost City and the jaw-dropping Three Gorges, this trip was packed with unforgettable moments.

If you’re thinking about cruising the Yangtze, you’re in for a treat. I’m excited to share my tips, highlights, and personal insights to help you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Lovers of nature and history will love reading this article!

• Here are my Yangtze River Cruise Stories

Yangtze River Cruise at a Glance 🌊

Don’t have time to read the full guide? Here are some highlights at a high level:

• Best Time to Visit:
  • Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers 🌸.
  • Fall (September-October): Comfortable weather and stunning red foliage 🍁.
• Top Attractions:
  • Three Gorges: Majestic cliffs and dramatic rock formations 🌄.
  • Fengdu Ghost City: Spooky sculptures and temples on Ming Mountain 👻.
  • White Emperor City: A hilltop fortress with poetic views 🏯.
  • Mini Three Gorges: Narrow gorges with lush greenery and hanging coffins 🛶.
• Unmissable Experiences:
  • Beacon Fire of Three Kingdoms Show: A sensory historical performance 🎭.
  • Local Cuisine: Savor hot pot in Chongqing and regional delicacies 🥘.
• Cruise Options:
  • 3-4 Days: Highlights from Chongqing to Yichang.
  • 7-8 Days: Extended trips adding tributaries and cultural sites.
  • 10-14 Days: Full immersion, reaching Shanghai 🛳️.
• Packing Tips: Comfortable walking shoes, layers, sunscreen, a rain jacket, and a camera 🎒📸.
• Budget Range: $300–$2,000+, depending on duration and luxury 🤑.
• Launch Point: Start in Chongqing, explore its hot pot culture and vibrant nightlife 🌆.

I’ll cover each of the points above, and additional helpful tips, in the following sections. Now, let’s dive into this journey through China’s heartland to the Yangtze River!

Planning your Yangtze River cruise

When planning your Yangtze River cruise, I recommend considering the following:

• Cruise Lines: Choose a line that matches your travel style. Luxury seekers might enjoy Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, while budget travelers can opt for Century Cruises.
• What to Pack: Bring comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions, a rain jacket (spring/fall), sunscreen (summer), and layers for chilly evenings. Don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning landscapes!
• Budget: Cruises range from $300 to $2,000+, depending on duration, inclusions, and cabin type. Book early for the best deals.

I will cover each of these in more detail below, but please keep these ideas in mind as you read through.

Interesting facts about the Yangtze River

Before diving into my Yangtze cruise ship experience, here’s some interesting information about China’s Yangtze River.

The Yangtze River, also known as the Chang Jiang or “Long River,” stretches over 3,900 miles. This makes it the third longest river in the world after the Nile and Amazon. Only 778 miles (1,250 km) is currently used for river cruises. But there’s so much more to this iconic waterway than its size.

• Cultural Lifeline: Over one-third of China’s population lives along the Yangtze, relying on it for transportation, agriculture, and industry. It’s been a cradle of Chinese civilization for over 4,000 years!
• Environmental Conservation: The river faces significant ecological challenges, from pollution to habitat loss. Conservation efforts are underway, including the establishment of protected areas for endangered species like the Yangtze River dolphin.
• Three Gorges Dam Impact: While the dam generates massive amounts of renewable energy, it has also displaced over a million people and submerged entire towns, sparking debates about its long-term effects.

The Yangtze
River begins in the mountains of Tibet, and runs all the way to the East
China Sea near Shanghai. It’s home to the Three Gorges
Dam, the world’s biggest source of hydroelectric power. More than one-third of China’s population lives along the river, underscoring its historic, cultural, and economic importance. In recent years, Three Gorges river cruises have become a top tourist attraction in the heart of China.

How long should you spend on a Yangtze river cruise?

This really depends on how much money you’re willing to spend and how relaxing/fast-paced you’d like your itinerary to be. I did a 3-night Yangtze cruise from Chongqing to Yichang aboard the Yangtze Gold 8, which covered most of the highlights along the Yangtze, including Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, and the Three Gorges. However, if you’re not strapped for time (and cash), there are plenty of cruise lines offering longer voyages. Here are the most popular cruise itineraries:

• 3-4 Days (Chongqing to Yichang): This is the most popular option, especially for international travelers. It includes highlights like Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, and the Three Gorges. It’s ideal if you want to cover the essentials without taking too much time.
• 7-8 Days (Chongqing to Wuhan): For those who want a deeper dive, this extended trip adds stops at smaller towns, more cultural landmarks, and tributaries like Shennong Stream.
• 10-14 Days (Chongqing to Shanghai): A true luxury experience, this itinerary offers complete immersion. You’ll explore major cities, historical sites, and lesser-known gems along the Yangtze.

When is the best time of year to do a Yangtze and Three Gorges river cruise?

During my recent trip to China, I asked multiple cruise tour operators and guides this question. They advised that the spring and fall months— April, May, September, and October – are ideal for taking a Yangtze river cruise. This is when the weather is generally comfortable and there’s not much rain.

At a high level, here’s some helpful info on choosing the best time to cruise the Yangtze:

• Spring (April-May): Expect mild temperatures (60-75°F) and blooming flowers. This is peak season, so book early to avoid higher prices.
• Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 95°F. Heavy rains may affect excursions, but summer is a popular time for domestic tourists, so plan accordingly.
• Fall (September-October): Another peak season, with comfortable weather (55-70°F) and stunning red foliage along the gorges. Rain is less frequent, making this my favorite time to cruise.
• Winter (November-March): Cold and quiet, with temperatures dipping to 40°F. The river levels are lower, making the gorges appear taller and more dramatic. Prices are also at their lowest.

Chongqing, one of China’s hottest destinations

Planning to take a Yangtze river cruise from Chongqing? Before embarking, I recommend giving yourself at least a day or two to explore this vast city.

As the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination, Chongqing is a sizzling hot place right now. It’s known for its hot temperatures, hot springs, and hot pot, among many other things. The city is a major economic and industrial hub in western China, and a popular launchpad for exploring the Yangtze.

Here’s what you should know about Chongqing before visiting and setting sail on your Yangtze river cruise ship.

Hot weather in Chongqing

During the summer, temperatures in Chongqing average 90° F (31° C) and can reach up to 111° F (44° C). Because the city is surrounded by mountains, heat gets trapped here, making it incredibly hot and humid in the summer.

Hot springs in Chongqing

Chongqing is known for its world-class hot springs, which are said to be on par with those of Budapest. Many can be found inside hotels and resorts, as well as spa and massage facilities. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see them, as my time in Chongqing was too short. Next time, I would definitely stay in a hot spring resort!

Hot pot in Chongqing

Chongqing is the de facto capital of hot pot. The hot pot here is said to be the hottest and spiciest in the world. So much so, that locals boast that you haven’t truly tried hot pot until you’ve been to Chongqing. As someone who likes mildly spicy food, I’ve got to say…it was amazing!

What is hot pot?

Native to China and East Asia, hot pot is a method of cooking food in hot broth. Hot pot isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. It requires a group of brave souls who can stomach strange and unfamiliar foods steeped in simmering hot broth. This spicy hot food is best enjoyed when washed down with some light Chinese beer.

Much of the meats used for hot pot can’t be found commercially in the US or other Western countries. Some local delicacies in Chongqing include pork brain, freshwater eel, duck intestines, and beef tripe. To be honest, I was concerned my insides wouldn’t handle it the next day, but thankfully I was totally fine!

We enjoyed our hot pot inside a World War II air raid shelter. Qinou Zhang did an amazing job explaining each of the foods we tried!

When in China, do as the Chinese do!

Local cuisine on the Yangtze

Onboard meals often feature regional Chinese dishes, giving travelers a taste of the Yangtze’s culinary culture:

Dining Tip: Try local snacks during shore excursions. In Fengdu, sample spicy dried tofu, and in Chongqing, don’t miss Dan Dan noodles.

Here are some local dishes I recommend trying:

• Kung Pao Chicken and Mapo Tofu for Sichuan spice lovers.
• Steamed River Fish sourced fresh from the Yangtze.
• Hot Pot in Chongqing—spicy and full of flavor!

Chongqing at night

Before departing on your Yangtze river cruise ship, be sure to soak in the city skyline at night.

Once the sun sets, Chongqing’s urban sprawl descends into a magnificent sea of lights. Everything from streetlights and boats to skyscrapers and bridges illuminate — a spectacle that looks like something out of the future. This is definitely one of the first things you’ll want to see when you fly to China.

I was most impressed with Chongqing’s bridges, which are majestic by day and night. There are 14,000 bridges in the entire municipality and 2,000 alone in the city proper.

I was blown away by how beautiful the city is at night. That’s why it’s great the cruises depart in the evening.

Below is a performance we were treated to during an evening in Chongqing. The erhu, which is sometimes called the Chinese violin, is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument.

Cool things to see and do on a 3-day Yangtze river cruise

I had the pleasure of taking a 3-day cruise along the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang. Here are the highlights and shore excursions you won’t want to miss on your Yangtze river cruise!

Fengdu Ghost City

Fengdu Ghost City was the first shore excursion on my Yangtze river cruise. It’s perched atop Ming Mountain, accessible by more than 400 stairs or by taking a gondola. If you decide to take the gondola up, be sure to walk down at the end of your tour – as you’ll encounter some stunning scenery!

According to legend, this “ghost city” dates back more than 2,000 years. It was founded by two officials associated with the Han Dynasty, who fled to this hilltop refuge and became immortal. Their names, Yin and Wang, were combined centuries later into “Yinwang,” meaning King of the Underworld.

As one of the top sights along the Yangtze, Fengdu Ghost City is a complex of Confucianist, Taoist, and Buddhist temples filled with spooky sculptures and paintings. These were created to depict spirits and the afterlife.

More on the Fengdu Ghost City

There are three levels of Fengdu Ghost City, representing Earth, Heaven, and Hell. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to several superstitions throughout the complex in order to make it to Tianzi Palace at the top.

Aside from the architecture and relics, it was fascinating to learn about the Chinese people’s imagination of Heaven and Hell. In many ways, it resembled that of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Though of course, there were many notable differences too.

Allow 2-3 hours for this excursion. Wear sturdy shoes for the climb, or opt for the gondola. The steps are steep but manageable, with plenty of photo ops along the way.

Beacon Fire of Three Kingdoms (“Feng Yan San Guo”)

This open-air show is a must-see for anyone taking a Yangtze river cruise.

The Beacon Fire of Three Kingdoms show combines amazing special effects, music, and equestrian to tell the story of the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history, which occurred more than 1,700 years ago. The three kingdoms that dominated the Yangtze were the Han, Wu, and Ming Dynasty. This show captures the imagination using all senses: lights, sounds, smell, and feeling (the entire auditorium rotated 180 degrees).

This show was such a sensory experience, where everything on the “stage” seemed to move, reflect, and illuminate all over the place. Apparently, there are a few other shows like this across China, but I’ve never seen nor heard about anything like this elsewhere.

The aquatic stage, special effects, and holograms were all phenomenal. I found it to be much more engaging than going to a movie theater or concert. The only downside was that all the commentary/songs are in Chinese, so it was difficult to follow unless you researched the context beforehand.

Check out my Instagram stories to see videos of this incredible shore excursion!

White Emperor City (“Baidicheng”)

White Emperor City is a hilltop fortress and temple complex dating back more than 1,800 years. It served as a strategic defensive position during the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history.  Today, it’s a popular stop and shore excursion on the Yangtze at the gateway of the Three Gorges, offering a taste of the beauty that awaits.

Known as the City of Poets, White Emperor City was once the stomping ground for notable Chinese poets who sought refuge amid the lofty mountains and river.

Many stone slabs left behind showcase their precious work. It was interesting to learn that some characters in these Chinese poems are old and not used anymore. Moreover, the English translations don’t fully capture the meaning behind the words, so you’ll have to learn Chinese to fully understand them!

Inside White Emperor City, you’ll see interesting temples, gates, and gardens while learning about the ancient stories and traditions that span the city’s vast history. You’ll also get to see the remains of two hanging coffins, one of which is more than 2,000 years old.

To get to White
Emperor City, you’ll have to hike up 350 steps. Before the Three Gorges
Dam was built—when the water level of the river was much lower— it was 1,000 steps to the top. Plan for at least 2 hours to explore the temples and gardens while soaking in views of the Qutang Gorge.

Three Gorges

The Three
Gorges is the star of the show as far as Yangtze river cruises go. This stretch of gorgeous gorges extends 120 miles (192 km) from Fenjgie to Yichang. The ship slows down as you pass each gorge (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling), giving you ample time to snap photos and enjoy the narrated history from the deck.

On this incredible voyage, you’ll encounter steep valleys and dramatic rock-shaped formations that have inspired Chinese people for thousands of years. Qutang Gorge, the first gorge you’ll see as you pass White Emperor City, is the most magnificent and awe-inspiring in my opinion. By the time you get to Wu Gorge, the fairytale really begins to take hold. Finally, Xiling Gorge’s radical rock formations make you feel like you’re sailing towards the edge of the world.

The Three Gorges is a short but sweet stretch. Thankfully, there are some equally epic tributaries that draw out this magical river experience.

Mini Three Gorges

Another top excursion on a Yangtze river cruise is the Mini Three Gorges, also known as the Lesser Three Gorges. This tributary of the Three Gorges, called Daming River, requires a smaller boat to navigate through.

The Mini Three Gorges have a Shangri-La feel to them, seemingly untouched and unspoiled (though are becoming more touristy each year). The waterways are quite narrow, making the gorges appear taller and more dramatic than the other three gorges.

Interestingly, the Mini Three Gorges are home to hundreds of “hanging coffins.” These wooden coffins were placed in caves high above the water, some dating back to the Tang Dynasty (over 1,000 years ago). It’s a mystery how they were put there, dangling hundreds of feet above the river.

Locals call the Mini Three Gorges the highlight of the highlight of the Yangtze River. After seeing its steep cliffs, thick vegetation, and emerald green water up close, I must agree.

Three Gorges Dam

This was the final stop on my 3-night Yangtze river cruise. The Three Gorges Dam is 2.3 km long and 185 m tall, making it the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. It’s an engineering marvel, generating hydroelectric power for millions of people.

The Three Gorges Dam was built between 1994 and 2009. Though it’s brought positive economic impacts to the country and lots of renewable energy, the dam’s construction was controversial. Millions of people were displaced, and habitats were lost as a result.

Other Yangtze River Cruise Ships

In addition to the downstream cruise I took aboard the Yangtze Gold 8, here are some other Yangtze river cruise lines you should know about (including an upstream cruise):

• Victoria Cruises: The following 8 ships are in the Victoria Cruise fleet: Victoria Anna, Victoria Grace, Victoria Jenna, Victoria Katarina, Victoria Lianna, Victoria Selina, Victoria Sophia. These ships range from 192 to 378 passengers.
• Sanctuary Retreats: The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer carries only 124 passengers, making it an intimate Yangtze cruise experience.
• Abercrombie & Ken: Luxury small group journey down the Yangtze River.
• Century Cruises: Take a Century Cruise aboard a 5-star luxury cruise ship. Century Victory was launched in 2023, offering modern amenities and spacious cabins.
• Viking Cruises: Take a 14-day Viking cruise and China tour to see the imperial jewels of China. (cruise ticket price starts from $1,567).

Why you should take a Yangtze river cruise

Cruising the Yangtze River was a bucket-list experience I’ll never forget. From ancient legends to awe-inspiring landscapes, this journey offers something for everyone.

Cruising from Chongqing to Yichang, I was blown away by the high-tech cityscapes and immaculate nature. For those who want to visit China and have a route mapped out for them, a Yangtze river cruise is an excellent option. Next time, I would definitely want to sail all the way to Xi’an and Shanghai as well.

Have you cruised the Yangtze or explored the Three Gorges? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments! If you have questions about planning your trip, drop them below—I’m here to help.

Happy Travels!

Jon