Destinations: Shanghai + Nanjing + Wuhan + Yueyang + Yichang + Chongqing
Curated by PandaStudyTour, this 15-day epic upstream cruise unfolds along the legendary Yangtze River, taking you from the modern glamour of Shanghai all the way to the mountain-city charm of Chongqing. You will journey across China's most iconic riverfront cities, explore timeless ancient capitals, trace profound historical and cultural heritage, and sail through the entire Three Gorges corridor aboard a luxury cruise vessel. Blending modern metropolitan scenery, ancient heritage sites, poetic river landscapes and world-famous engineering wonders, this leisurely all-inclusive voyage offers you a complete immersion into the soul of the Yangtze. Perfect for slow travelers, culture lovers, photography enthusiasts and family holiday groups, it lets you witness China's dramatic landscape and historic legacy at a relaxed unrushed pace.
Key Highlights
Why Consider This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
This 15-day cross-Yangtze itinerary is thoughtfully arranged with a gentle rhythm, avoiding rushed transfers and packed schedules. You get to enjoy both city landmark tours and slow cruise leisure time, with all accommodation, daily meals, entrance tickets and private transfers well arranged by our team. PandaStudyTour assists you with optional show reservations and shore activity bookings in advance, taking care of every travel detail so you can simply relax and enjoy the changing scenery along the Yangtze River.
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
You will be greeted with private transfer from Shanghai airport or high-speed railway station and check into a comfortable 4-star downtown hotel. The day is fully free for you to rest, adjust to time difference, and wander nearby streets to feel Shanghai's modern urban vibe. Should you be interested, we can help you reserve tickets for the Shanghai Acrobatic Show at your own expense.
Day 2: Shanghai Classic City Tour
After breakfast, you will visit Shanghai Tower observation deck for panoramic city views, explore Shanghai Museum to appreciate precious ancient relics, and stroll through Yu Garden and its old folk street. You will also walk along Nanjing Road and the Bund, admiring the historic waterfront architecture and Lujiazui skyline across the river. In the evening, return to your hotel. You may join an optional Huangpu River night cruise.
Day 3: Shanghai City Tour & Cruise Embarkation
In the morning, visit Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall to discover the city's evolution and future layout, then wander Tianzifang Shikumen lanes to explore boutique shops and local lifestyle. In the afternoon, private vehicle transfers you to Shanghai International Cruise Terminal for luxury cruise check-in. Enjoy a welcome seafood buffet dinner, attend the safety briefing and captain's reception onboard.
Day 4: Cruise Sailing – Shanghai to Nanjing
Spend the whole day cruising along the Yangtze at a leisurely pace. Onboard arrangements include Yangtze history lectures, folk cultural performances and plenty of deck leisure time. The cruise arrives at Nanjing Port in the evening, where you can enjoy the beautiful riverside night scenery on deck.
Day 5: Nanjing Shore Excursion
Disembark in Nanjing to visit Zhongshan Mausoleum, wander the Confucius Temple–Qinhuai River area, and explore Laomen East Ancient Street to taste local Jinling snacks and experience the charm of an ancient capital by the river. Return to the cruise in the evening.
Day 6: Cruise Sailing – Nanjing to Wuhan
Enjoy a full day of relaxed cruising along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze. You are free to use onboard facilities including observation deck, tea lounge and gym, and join themed salon activities while admiring rural riverside and city waterfront scenery.
Day 7: Wuhan Highlight Tour
Disembark to visit the iconic Yellow Crane Tower overlooking the confluence of two rivers, explore Hubei Provincial Museum to view precious national treasures, walk along Yangtze River Bridge, and wander Hubu Lane Food Street to taste local delicacies. Return to the cruise in the evening.
Day 8: Cruise Sailing – Wuhan to Yueyang
Cruise peacefully along the Yangtze plain reach. Take part in onboard tea ceremony and traditional Chinese cultural experiences, relax on deck and embrace the quiet riverside landscape along the way.
Day 9: Yueyang Shore Excursion
Land in Yueyang to visit Yueyang Tower, one of China's famous ancient towers, and stroll around Dongting Lake shore to appreciate the vast lake view and profound poetic culture. Return to the cruise in the afternoon to continue upstream sailing.
Day 10: Cruise Sailing – Yueyang to Yichang
Sail upstream along the Yangtze amid gentle river breezes. Enjoy onboard afternoon tea, photography and casual leisure time, fully immersing yourself in the endless river scenery and mid-reach canyon landforms.
Day 11: Yichang & Three Gorges Dam Visit
The cruise arrives in Yichang, then you will disembark to visit the Three Gorges Dam. Explore Tanziling Ridge, 185 Observation Platform and River Closure Memorial Park to witness the grand scale of this world-famous water conservancy project. Return to the cruise in the evening.
Day 12: Xiling Gorge & Tributary Exploration
Sail into Xiling Gorge in the early morning, surrounded by magnificent cliff and valley views. Transfer to a small boat to explore remote river tributaries, admire original mountain scenery and cliff landscapes, and learn about local Three Gorges folk customs.
Day 13: Wu Gorge & Goddess Stream In-depth Tour
Cruise through Wu Gorge and admire the misty Twelve Goddess Peaks. Disembark to take a boat deep into Goddess Stream, surrounded by green mountains, clear waters, ancient hanging coffins and timeless local legends.
Day 14: Qutang Gorge & White Emperor City
Pass through Qutang Gorge and capture the stunning landscape of Kui Gate printed on China's 10-yuan banknote. Visit White Emperor City to explore Three Kingdoms history and Tang Dynasty poetic heritage, feeling the deep cultural charm of the ancient poetry city.
Day 15: Arrival in Chongqing & Tour End
The cruise arrives at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port. After completing disembarkation procedures, you will enjoy private transfer to Chongqing airport or high-speed railway station, concluding your 15-day complete Yangtze River journey from Shanghai to Chongqing.
Important Reminders
This 15-day Yangtze River journey takes you across riverfront metropolises, ancient cultural cities and the legendary Three Gorges. Let PandaStudyTour accompany you along the world's most famous river, where every bend unfolds new scenery and every port carries profound Chinese history and charm.
