7-Day Guilin, Chongqing & Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Why ST-CTour

Save Your Time:

  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning

Maximize Your Flexibility:

  • Personal local guide and ride
  • Explore at your own pace

Live Your China Story:

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles
  • Understand the culture by living it
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DESCEIPTION

Grandest China Rivers

If you’re seeking a relaxing journey through China’s most iconic natural scenery, this tour is an ideal choice.

Experience the contrasting charm of China’s two grandest rivers: the Li River and the Yangtze River. The Li River is poetic and graceful — a living Chinese ink painting. The Yangtze is mighty and magnificent — carved with legendary gorges and crowned by the world-famous Three Gorges Dam.

Before boarding the Yangtze River cruise, spend 1.5 days exploring Chongqing’s highlights, including Ciqikou Ancient Town and the dazzling night view of Hongya Cave.

Our expert private tour team is dedicated to creating a comfortable, smooth, and unforgettable river journey for you.

⭐ Tour Highlights

Cruise Through the Epitome of Chinese Landscape Paintings

Discover Guilin’s world-famous karst scenery — the classic muse of Chinese painters. Cruising the Li River feels like sailing through a moving art gallery.

Explore China’s Most Beautiful Countryside in Yangshuo

Cycle through peaceful riverside lanes, rice paddies, and limestone hills. Enjoy the slow rhythm of rural China and stunning photo opportunities at every turn.

Experience Chongqing’s Past and Present in Multiple Dimensions

From ancient towns and historic streets to museums and futuristic urban landmarks, witness the evolution of Chongqing — China’s iconic “8D” mountain city.

Witness the Majestic Gorges and China’s Super Engineering Project

Cruise through the legendary Three Gorges and admire the record-breaking Three Gorges Dam — one of the greatest modern engineering wonders in the world.

📌 Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Day 1 | Guilin Arrival — Cave & City Landmark
Day 2 | Li River Cruise to Yangshuo — Countryside Cycling
Day 3 | Guilin → Chongqing — Half-Day City Highlights
Day 4 | Chongqing — Ciqikou, Liziba, Museum — Cruise Boarding Preparation
Day 5 | Yangtze Cruise — Fengdu Ghost City
Day 6 | Yangtze Cruise — Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge & Shennv Stream
Day 7 | Three Gorges Dam — Yichang Departure

🗺️ Suggested Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 — Guilin Arrival

Upon arrival in Guilin, your private guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to begin your city exploration.

In the afternoon, explore an amazing limestone cave, famous for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

Then take photos at Guilin’s landmark Elephant Trunk Hill before checking in at your hotel near a beautiful lake with twin pagodas.

Day 2 — Guilin | Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Enjoy a 4-hour cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Limestone peaks, bamboo groves, water buffaloes, and fishermen on rafts create a picture-perfect scene — just like a traditional Chinese painting.

After the cruise, check in at your hotel in the peaceful countryside of Yangshuo.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cycling tour guided by your private guide. Ride along the scenic Yulong River, passing rice paddies and charming villages backed by karst hills.

Day 3 — Guilin to Chongqing | Half Day in Chongqing

Take a morning bullet train from Guilin to Chongqing (about 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, your Chongqing guide will meet you at the railway station.

Walk along Shancheng Alley, climbing hillside steps while discovering old city walls, historic foreign consulates, and cliff-side walkways overlooking the Yangtze River — a unique glimpse into local life.

Visit the magical Kuixing Building, where Chongqing’s layered terrain creates the illusion of standing on the “1st floor” while actually being on the “22nd floor.”

End the day at Hongya Cave, Chongqing’s most iconic night-view landmark. The stilted building complex glows with colorful lights after dark, offering a spectacular skyline view.

Day 4 — Chongqing | History of Chongqing

Start the day in Ciqikou Ancient Town, strolling through lanes lined with Ming- and Qing-style architecture. Enjoy shopping and local snacks.

Then stop at Liziba Station to witness the famous light-rail train passing through a residential building — a signature “8D city” scene.

Continue to Chongqing Great Hall of the People, a landmark blending traditional Chinese palace style with Western architectural influence.

Before your cruise begins, visit the Three Gorges Museum to deepen your understanding of the region’s ecology, culture, and the history of the Three Gorges Project.

Day 5 — Yangtze Cruise | Ghost City and Gorges Gateway

Enjoy a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. Its temples, statues, and artworks reflect Chinese folklore and beliefs about the afterlife.

In the afternoon, join cultural activities onboard. After dinner, enjoy the optional night show War Fires of the Three Kingdoms.

Day 6 — Yangtze Cruise | Majestic and Intimate Gorges

(Optional) If you enjoy calligraphy and history, choose an excursion to White Emperor City, where you can view scenery printed on the back of China’s 10-yuan banknote and see ancient stone inscriptions.

Cruise through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and the magnificent Wu Gorge at noon.

In the afternoon, take a smaller boat excursion to Shennv Stream, a peaceful tributary with clear waters winding through narrow gorges and dramatic cliffs.

Enjoy the Crew Cabaret and Talent Show after dinner onboard.

Day 7 — Three Gorges Dam | Yichang Departure

Disembark in the morning and join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. From the viewing platform, admire the immense scale of this world-famous engineering project and the sweeping Yangtze scenery.

Transfer to Yichang Cruise Terminal / tourist center. Your private guide and driver will escort you to the airport or railway station for departure.

Note:
Shore excursions are arranged by the cruise company (e.g., Century Cruises) and may vary depending on the cruise you choose.

Tour Price

From US$1,589 p/p
Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel.

Price Includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space

  • English speaking local guide

  • Flights/trains between itinerary cities

  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary

  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling