Shanghai to Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise | 11-Night Luxury Upstream Tour
11 nights on the Yangtze, Shanghai to Chongqing.
Day by day
Breakfast includedLunch includedDinner includednot included
INCLUDEDComplimentary excursionHERITAGE COLLECTIONAdd-on
Day 1: Shanghai
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
Your journey begins in the dynamic city of Shanghai, where Century’s concierge service will greet you with pickup from the airport or train station. After transferring to the Shanghai Wharf, you will board the Century Legend or Century Victory and complete your check-in. As the ship begins its voyage along the Yangtze River, take time to settle into your cabin and explore the amenities onboard while anticipating the remarkable journey ahead.
Day 2: Yangzhou
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
Begin your morning with a traditional Yangzhou breakfast before enjoying cultural activities onboard. Later, step ashore to visit the picturesque Slender West Lake, famous for its elegant bridges, classical gardens, and peaceful scenery. In the evening, return to the ship for a Welcome Show, offering an introduction to the entertainment and hospitality that will accompany you throughout your cruise.
Shore excursions
Slender West LakeINCLUDED
Walk the willow-lined paths of Slender West Lake, part of the Grand Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site. Classical pavilions, arched bridges and the landmark Five Pavilion Bridge make it one of China’s most graceful gardens.
Day 3: Nanjing
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
Following breakfast, travel to Mount Niushou, an important cultural and Buddhist destination known for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance. After returning to the ship, enjoy a specialty Nanjing lunch and participate in onboard activities. The evening concludes with a lively masquerade party, creating a festive atmosphere as your journey continues upstream.
Shore excursions
Niushou Mountain Cultural ParkINCLUDED
An ancient Buddhist mountain that is now home to the dazzling Usnisa Palace, a vast modern hall built to house a sacred relic of the Buddha.
Day 4: Chizhou
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
Today offers a choice of enriching excursions. Guests may choose to visit Mount Jiuhua, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, including cable car access to appreciate the breathtaking scenery. Alternatively, guests may visit the historic Golden Treasury Temple, known for its religious importance and tranquil surroundings. Both options provide meaningful insight into the region’s spiritual traditions.
Shore excursions
Mt. JiuhuaINCLUDED
Mt. Jiuhua is one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Ride the cable car for sweeping mountain views, then explore active temples still visited by pilgrims today.
Golden Treasury TempleINCLUDED
A quieter alternative to the mountain, this historic temple honors Jin Dizang, a Tang-dynasty monk revered as a living bodhisattva. Explore its peaceful halls, Buddhist statues and classic temple architecture.
Day 5: Jiujiang
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
After breakfast, choose between visiting Jingdezhen, China’s renowned porcelain capital with centuries of ceramic craftsmanship, or exploring Mount Lushan, celebrated for its dramatic mountain landscapes and cultural significance. In the evening, return to the ship to enjoy a regional fish-themed dinner followed by a relaxed karaoke night.
Shore excursions
Jingdezhen Porcelain TownINCLUDED
Visit China’s porcelain capital, home of the imperial kilns for centuries. Watch artisans shape and hand-paint porcelain, and shop for pieces at the source.
Mt. LushanINCLUDED
Explore this UNESCO-listed mountain of misty peaks, waterfalls and forests. Visit the historic villas of Guling, once a summer retreat for missionaries and China’s political elite.
Day 6: Wuhan
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
Today’s exploration focuses on Wuhan, one of central China’s most important historic cities. After a themed breakfast and lunch, visit the iconic Yellow Crane Tower, one of the most famous towers in Chinese history. Continue to the Hubei Provincial Museum, where important archaeological artifacts help tell the story of the region’s past.
Shore excursions
Yellow Crane TowerINCLUDED
One of China’s Four Great Towers, Yellow Crane Tower is celebrated in legend and Tang-dynasty poetry. Climb to the top for sweeping views of Wuhan and the Yangtze.
Hubei Provincial MuseumINCLUDED
The museum’s star is a 2,400-year-old set of bronze chime bells from the tomb of the Marquis Yi of Zeng. Don’t miss the Sword of Goujian, still sharp after more than two thousand years.
Day 7: Yueyang
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
Today you will visit Yueyang Tower, a historic structure overlooking Dongting Lake and celebrated in Chinese literature. Afterwards, enjoy time exploring Bianhe Street, where traditional architecture and local shops create an authentic cultural atmosphere. The evening features a specialty dinner followed by a relaxing movie night onboard.
Shore excursions
Yueyang TowerINCLUDED
This elegant wooden tower, one of the Three Great Towers of South China, overlooks Dongting Lake. It was made famous by an 11th-century essay still memorized by Chinese schoolchildren.
Bianhe StreetINCLUDED
Just below Yueyang Tower, this historic lakeside street is lined with traditional-style buildings, local shops and snack stalls. It’s a relaxed place to browse and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 8: Jingzhou
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
Guests may choose between visiting the King Chu Mausoleum Scenic Area or exploring Jingzhou Museum together with the city’s ancient defensive walls. Both experiences highlight the deep historical roots of the region and its importance during the era of ancient Chinese kingdoms. In the evening, enjoy a traditional fishcake dinner followed by a crew talent performance.
Shore excursions
King Chu Mausoleum Scenic AreaINCLUDED
Jingzhou was the heartland of the ancient state of Chu. Visit a royal tomb complex about 2,400 years old, including one of China’s largest chariot-and-horse burial pits.
Jingzhou Museum & Ancient City WallINCLUDED
Discover ancient Chu silks, lacquerware and a remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old Han tomb, then walk along one of the best-preserved city walls in southern China.
Day 9: Yichang
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
Today features one of the cruise’s most impressive highlights as you pass through the Gezhouba Dam ship locks. Guests will also visit the Three Gorges Dam Memorial Park and the Three Gorges Engineering Museum, where you will gain insight into one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world. The evening continues with a themed dinner and onboard celebration.
Shore excursions
Gezhouba Lock PassageINCLUDED
Watch from the deck as your ship rises through the Gezhouba Lock, the first dam ever built across the Yangtze. It’s a slow, fascinating piece of river engineering up close.
Three Gorges Dam: Memorial Park & Engineering MuseumINCLUDED
Visit the world’s largest hydropower project. Take in views of the dam from its memorial park, then learn how it was built and how it changed life on the river at the Three Gorges Engineering Museum.
Day 10: Fengjie
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
As the ship sails through the dramatic Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery along the Yangtze River. Guests may visit White Emperor City, a historic site associated with famous Chinese legends, or enjoy panoramic views from the Top of the Three Gorges viewpoint. The evening includes a Three Kingdoms themed dinner followed by the celebrated Return to the Three Gorges performance.
Shore excursions
Scenic Cruising: Qutang & Wu GorgesINCLUDED
Watch from the deck as your ship sails through the graceful Wu Gorge and the short, dramatic Qutang Gorge, where limestone peaks rise straight out of the water.
White Emperor CityINCLUDED
This hilltop temple complex overlooks Kuimen, the dramatic entrance to Qutang Gorge pictured on China’s 10-yuan note. It’s tied to Three Kingdoms history and to famous poems by Li Bai and Du Fu.
Top of the Three GorgesINCLUDED
For the best views of the trip, head up to this high lookout above Qutang Gorge. Walkways and viewing platforms look out over the river winding through sheer cliffs far below.
Day 11: Fengdu
BLDCheck-in Century Legend or Century Victory
After attending the disembarkation briefing, guests will visit the famous Fengdu Ghost City, a unique cultural site rooted in Chinese folklore. Following dinner onboard, the journey concludes with a farewell party and a guest photography exhibition, offering a chance to reflect on the memories created during the cruise.
Shore excursions
Fengdu Ghost CityINCLUDED
In Chinese folklore, Fengdu is the gateway to the underworld. Climb past temples filled with colorful statues of underworld judges and guardians, and try traditional tests like crossing the Bridge of Helplessness, said to reveal how you’ve lived your life.
Day 12: Chongqing
BLDCheck-in Century’s concierge service
After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing where Century’s concierge service will assist with transfers to the airport or train station. Your Yangtze Panorama cruise concludes here, leaving you with lasting memories of one of China’s most remarkable river journeys.
Your ships
Choose Your Stateroom
Fares are per person and vary by cabin grade, departure date and party size. Century does not sell online: a specialist confirms current pricing, and cancellation terms are confirmed with them when a booking is placed.
All fares per person, based on double occupancy.
Departure dates(12)
- 5 Nov 2026$3,499
- 26 Nov 2026$3,499
- 25 Mar 2027$3,799
- 15 Apr 2027$4,099
- 7 May 2027$4,099
- 28 May 2027$4,099
- 17 Jun 2027$3,799
- 2 Sep 2027$4,099
- 23 Sep 2027$4,099
- 14 Oct 2027$4,099
- 4 Nov 2027$3,799
- 25 Nov 2027$3,799
Area: 322 sq. ft. Bathroom: Shower
What is included
- Transportation: Round-trip bus transportation as outlined in the itinerary.
- Entrance Fees: All access and entrance fees listed in the itinerary.
- Professional Tour Guidance: Services of a professional English-speaking guide.
- Meals as Scheduled: All meals included as specified in the itinerary
Enquiries for Shanghai to Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise | 11-Night Luxury Upstream Tour route to a cruise specialist.