Cruise, All

Sanctuary Yangze Explorer – Yichang to Chongqing

China, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, Deck
  • Destination

    Chongqing

  • Trip duration

    5 days, 4 nights

  • Min/Max travelers

    Min 6. Price is based on Shoulder Season (Apr / Jun-Aug)

  • Transport

    Van ; Bus ; Cruise ship

  • Accommodation

    Cabin

Explore the very best stretches of this immense waterway, including the Three Gorges, onboard the most luxurious ship on the river, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. Discover the secrets of the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest reservoir and biggest electricity-generating facility, designed to combat annual flooding and the consequent loss of life.

Marvel at suggestive sceneries characterized by traditional villages, gems of China’s architecture, quiet and clean green water, and peculiar and strong peaks.

China, Fengdu, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
China; Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
China, Chongqing, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer brings new levels of luxury to cruising in China, with the largest suites and cabins on the river, all with private balconies. This boutique hotel will steer you to a dramatic destination while you enjoy the finest and most personalized service on the Yangtze.

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Day 1

YICHANG DEPARTURE

This afternoon, board Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer at Maoping Pier and prepare for your cruise upstream through this stunning section of the Yangtze River, famous for its impressive scenery and historical and cultural importance to China.

Please note that your passport or local ID is required for check-in and that your photograph will be taken for security identification purposes.

Settle into your room before joining your fellow guests in the Explorer Bar for a welcome drink.

Tonight, there is an optional embarkation dinner (optional) and a welcome safety briefing. Later in the evening, the 7 Wonders of China documentary will be shown in the Tang Theatre.

Cabin overnight

Food

-/-/-

Accommodation

Deluxe Cabin at Sanctuary Cruise

Day 2

CRUISE

Start your morning with an early bird tea or coffee and a traditional Tai Chi lesson, led by our certified Tai Chi Master, and work up an appetite for the buffet breakfast.

This morning’s lecture is on the Three Gorges Project. Learn more about the dam’s construction, including the controversial resettlement of 1.2 million people.

Mid-morning, there is a Chinese foot reflexology demo in the Tang Theatre. Alternatively, take this time to visit our luxurious spa and select from a range of deluxe treatments, or work out in the well-equipped gym.

Guests will also have the option to go on an excursion of the Three Gorges Tribe (optional).

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board

After lunch, depart Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer and visit the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Centre. The Three Gorges Dam, situated in Yichang, nearby the Xiling Gorge, is the biggest dam in China and the world’s largest hydroelectric station for the usage of flood control and power generation. In 1997, the dam was officially opened to the public. As the pearl of the Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam is the top highlight during Yangtze Cruise Tour. The tourist area mainly includes: Gorges Exhibition, which tells the history of the construction of the site with the help of pictures and videos; Tanzi Ling Park, best location where to admire the panoramic views of the Three Gorges project; 185 Park Zone that, at the same sea level of the dam, lets you feel the heigh of the dam and view the surface of water in the impounding reservoir.

This afternoon, the lecture topic is traditional Chinese medicine. Afterward, we sail through Xiling Gorge - the longest of the Gorges, measuring some 76 kilometers (47 miles) in length. Enjoy the view of the river where the river widens and sweeps through groves of orange and pomelo trees. This is the perfect introduction to the relaxed pace of the Yangtze River.

This evening we have prepared a special Captain’s welcome reception and a delicious a la carte dinner. Tonight, show off your singing skills with some karaoke before a live band performs in the Explorer Bar.

Cabin overnight

Food

B/L/D

Accommodation

Deluxe Cabin at Sanctuary Cruise

Day 3

CRUISE

This morning, early-bird tea and coffee are available in the Explorer Bar. Begin the day with Tai Chi practice before a buffet breakfast.

This morning’s shore excursion is 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’ll see evidence of early settlements in the form of hanging coffins stowed high within the limestone cliffs.

Before returning from Shennong Stream, we will visit a traditional tracker village, where you will have a chance to catch a fascinating glimpse of the classic, rural Chinese community (dependent on weather and water level). You’ll find mud huts as homes, basic kitchens where the meat is dried on hooks and coffins in the bedroom. And, while there are satellite dishes, villagers still pride their heritage.

Back on board, lunch is served. This afternoon, guests are encouraged to appreciate the scenery from the Sun Deck as we sail through the spectacular Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, complemented by informative commentary.

Relax and enjoy the onboard activities. During the afternoon, you will be able to listen to cultural lectures. Following the sail through the Qutang Gorge, there will be an optional excursion to White King Town (optional and dependent on the number of guests interested).

Tonight, indulge in an a la carte dinner in the Dynasty Dining Room.

A talk on the 816 Underground Project in the Tang Theatre will leave you well equipped for tomorrow’s excursion. The onboard entertainment tonight is a movie complete with popcorn, and a live band performance in the Explorer Bar.

Cabin overnight

Food

B/L/D

Accommodation

Deluxe Cabin at Sanctuary Cruise

Day 4

CRUISE

Start the day with a delicious tea or coffee and a session of Tai Chi before breakfast.

For guests sailing mid-March to May and mid-September to November:
this morning, you can choose to experience one of the following two activities: The 816 Underground Project or the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum.

The 816 Underground Project is the world’s largest artificial military cave, an intriguing secret, hidden in the mountains of Fuling. Over 50 years ago, more than 60,000 constructors came to Jianzishan, a deserted place among mountains and forests, to start work on a top-secret construction project 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 the 816 Project hidden for 50 years.

The White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum will take you some 148 feet underwater to admire the river bed and the intricate ancient rock carvings left there many years ago. Learn about the Yangtze River, its flora, and fauna, while enjoying this fascinating museum. After visiting The White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum, move on to the local market where you will gain insight into the region’s rich culinary culture. This is a daily market where farmers meet to buy and sell a variety of goods, ranging from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat, and of course a whole array of pickles - which Fuling is famous for.

A lunch buffet is served, followed by onboard activities such as a dumpling cooking class. We’ll also introduce you to the ancient Chinese board game - Mahjong.

For guests sailing between mid-May and mid-September:
enjoy onboard activities this morning.

After lunch, choose to experience either the 816 Underground Project or the White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum and a visit to a local market.

Tonight, we’ll treat you to a sumptuous farewell dinner, ‘A Taste of China,’ before a live band performance in the Explorer Bar.

Cabin overnight

Food

B/L/D

Accommodation

Deluxe Cabin at Sanctuary Cruise

Day 5

CRUISE - CHONGQING ARRIVAL

Enjoy a tea or coffee with an international buffet breakfast before disembarking in Chongqing for your onward journey.

Private transfer to airport or train station

Food

B/-/-

Sichuan offers a great variety of activities and fun for young and old to explore.

Yangtze River

SANCTUARY YANGZI EXPLORER

The Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer brings new levels of luxury to cruising in China, with the largest suites and cabins on the river, all with private balconies. This boutique hotel will steer you to a dramatic destination while you enjoy the finest and most personalized service on the Yangtze.

Sichuan offers a great variety of activities and fun for young and old to explore.

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