A Yangtze cruise suits anyone who wants to see a great river without changing hotels every night. Here the cruise sits after Chengdu and Chongqing, so the busy sightseeing comes first and the restful water days finish the holiday.
If a parent tires easily, this is one of the kinder shapes for a first Sichuan trip. The catch is that the cruise has its own rules, so read the quote carefully.
Who is this route for?
It suits comfort-seeking couples, seniors and families who prefer one bed on the water to a new hotel each night. It also suits anyone curious about the Three Gorges region. It does not suit travellers who dislike a set daily timetable or who want to wander freely in every port.
Our Yangtze and Three Gorges region guide explains what the river offers before you compare ships.
What does the route look like?
- Day 1: arrive in Chengdu and rest
- Day 2: pandas and old streets in Chengdu
- Day 3: high-speed train to Chongqing, night view
- Day 4: board the ship and begin the cruise
- Day 5 and 6: days on the river, with shore visits
- Day 7: disembark at Yichang and rest
- Day 8: onward by rail or flight, then home
Day by day
Day 1: Chengdu
Malaysia shares the time zone of mainland China, so the first night is simply a rest. Chengdu is at about 500 m[1], which makes an easy first night. Eat mild food and sleep early.
Day 2: pandas and tea
Visit the panda base early, then spend the afternoon in a tea house. The panda base guide covers timing and tickets.
Day 3: train to Chongqing
Take a high-speed train to Chongqing. Chengdu East to Chongqing West takes roughly 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 30 minutes on typical fast trains[2], and our Chengdu to Chongqing train guide explains the stations.
Check in, rest and see the river lights at Hongyadong at night.
Day 4: board the ship
Embark in the afternoon and settle into your cabin. Keep your passport in your hand bag, because train tickets and boarding both need it[3], and the ship will ask for it too.
Days 5 and 6: on the river
These are the restful days. Sit on deck, join the shore visits you like and skip any that tire you. Ask whether each shore visit is included and how many steps it involves.
Day 7: Yichang
Disembark and transfer to a hotel in the area. Do not plan anything big; this is a rest evening before the exit leg.
Day 8: onward and home
Leaving from Yichang is the awkward part, because it is not a major international gateway. Ask your agent to name the train or flight, and plan most of the day for it.
Where should you stay?
- Chengdu: near a metro line, for easy station and airport days
- Chongqing: near the river or Jiefangbei, so the night view is a short walk
- Yichang: near the station you leave from
How can you adapt it?
- Seniors: ask about stairs on board and which shore visits can be skipped.
- Children: favour a ship with an open deck and short shore visits.
- Halal meals: ask the ship what is served and whether a halal meal can be arranged in advance. Muslim-owned is not the same as certified.
What should you book ahead?
Book flights, the ship and the train first. Ask the quote to show the embarkation port, the disembark port, the exit leg and every shore visit that is extra.
Use the package comparator on two quotes, then price the trip in ringgit with the budget planner.