A Yangtze River Cruise From Chongqing
Most downstream cruises begin in this mountain city at the meeting of two rivers.
Get Free Yangtze Cruise QuotesBoarding in Chongqing
A Yangtze river cruise from Chongqing usually starts in the evening. Ships load in the late afternoon and early evening at the docks near Chaotianmen, the point of land where the Jialing River joins the Yangtze, and sail around nightfall. Leaving Chongqing after dark, with its towers and bridges lit up on both banks, is a memorable start.
| When | What typically happens |
|---|---|
| Afternoon | Hotel checkout; transfer to the pier; luggage handled for you on most packages |
| Evening | Boarding, cabin, dinner, safety briefing |
| Night | The ship sails downstream past the city |
| Next morning | First shore visit, often Fengdu or a nearby cultural site |
If river levels are low, some ships move boarding to a port downstream, with a coach transfer from the city. Your final documents will confirm where to go.
A Day in Chongqing First
- The riverfront at night, including the lit-up Hongyadong buildings on the hillside.
- The Yangtze River cableway, crossing the river high above the water.
- Ciqikou, an old riverside quarter of lanes and teahouses.
- Chongqing hotpot, as spicy as you dare.
Arrive the day before the cruise at the latest; see Chongqing hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does a Yangtze river cruise from Chongqing leave from?
Usually from the Chaotianmen area, where the Jialing River meets the Yangtze. In some seasons, low water or weather can move boarding elsewhere, with a transfer from the city.
What time does the ship sail?
Downstream cruises typically board in the late afternoon and evening and sail around nightfall, so you see the city lights as you leave.
How long should I spend in Chongqing?
At least one full day. The city is huge and hilly, with old quarters, riverfront architecture, hotpot restaurants and museums.
The First Full Day
The morning after leaving Chongqing, ships usually stop for a shore visit. On many itineraries this is the temple town of Fengdu, whose hillside is dedicated in Chinese folklore to the afterlife; some ships offer an alternative visit. The afternoon is spent on the river, with talks, tai chi or tea tastings on board, as the ship heads toward the gorges.
Getting to Chongqing
Chongqing has a large international airport and high-speed rail connections, including fast trains from Chengdu, so it fits easily after a visit to the pandas there or a flight from Xi’an, Beijing or Shanghai. Because boarding is in the evening, a morning or midday arrival on cruise day can work, but a night in the city first is safer and lets you see it. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will time the flights and transfers to the ship.
Book a Cruise From Chongqing
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will add Chongqing hotel nights and transfers to your cruise.
Get Free Cruise Quotes