Cruising through the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, ships glide between riverbanks bright with flowers. In the Lesser Three Gorges, visitors can take in the dramatic mountains and rushing shoals while recalling the celebrated line, “the cries of monkeys echo endlessly from both banks.” In the historic town of Dachang, you can sample intangible cultural heritage delicacies such as snow jujube pastries. And amid vast stretches of plum blossoms along the river, you can watch petals drift gently through the air. Three Gorges tourism has long been one of Chongqing’s signature cultural and tourism experiences. River cruises alone have a history of more than 50 years.

The one-day cruise operates between Fengjie in Chongqing and Maoping in Yichang, Hubei Province. Boats depart from both ends of the route, allowing travelers to choose their preferred point of departure. Although the entire journey takes only about seven hours, it covers some of the most spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges, including the grandeur of Qutang Gorge, the elegance of Wu Gorge, and the dramatic beauty of Xiling Gorge.

Taking a departure from Chongqing as an example, the cruise leaves Baotaping Wharf in Fengjie at 9:00 a.m. and enters Qutang Gorge. About an hour and a half later, the ship reaches Wu Gorge. After lunch and a short rest, the ship enters the western section of Xiling Gorge shortly after 2:00 p.m. At around 3:30 p.m., it arrives at Maoping Port in Yichang, bringing the journey to an end.