Yangzi Upstream Exploration

Duration: 4 nights

Upstream cruise on the Yangzi River from Yichang to Chongqing, inclusive of shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Project, Shennong Stream and Fengdu.

Day 01 - Depart Yichang

This evening you will board the Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer for your cruise to Yichang. The ship will set sail on its upstream course the following morning through the Three Gorges region. The total length of this cruise is 660 kilometres (402 miles) and is considered by most Chinese to represent the single most scenic area in all of China.

Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Day 03 - Shennong Stream, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge

07:00hrs: Tai Chi Exerciser – Observation Deck area or inside at the Tang Theater.

07:30hrs: International Buffet Breakfast – served at the Dynasty Palace

09:00hrs – 13:00hrs: Cruising Shennong Stream – disembark from the ship at Badong and board a ferry for transfer to a local longboat (sampan) poled by Tujia boatmen.  The scenery is unrivalled anywhere along the middle course of the river, with crystalline waters, rich forest and towering rock formations.  The Shennong region is home to several species of endangered flora and fauna including the elusive Golden Hair Monkey and many varieties of medicinal plants.

13:00hrs: International Lunch Buffet – served at the Dynasty Palace

14:00hrs: Wu Gorge Viewing – Wu Gorge, noted for the sheer, looming appearance of its numerous peaks, marks this portion of the river. The cliff faces rise so sharply that legend relates that the “sun rarely penetrates to the river”. The most famous of the peaks is the Shennu Peak (Goddess Peak), also called the “Observing the Clouds Peak”, which is believed to represent the figure of the maiden Yao Ji, the 23rd daughter of the Queen Mother of the West. According to Chinese folklore, Yao Ji descended to Earth when she was 18 and so loved the region of the Wu Gorge that she built a palace there. She also promised to guard travellers through the treacherous rapids and dangerous rock faces of the gorge by turning into the protective peak while her twelve handmaidens became the twelve sentinel peaks found throughout the gorge.

14:45hrs: Arts & Craft Demonstration

16:00hrs – 17:00hrs: Complimentary Afternoon tea with Pastry – served at the Explorer Bar

16:00hrs: Qutang Gorge Viewing – during the late afternoon the ship will enter Qutang Gorge through two imposing cliffs, which resemble a towering door into some otherworldly destination.  Just 8 kilometres (6 miles) in length, the Qutang Gorge is the narrowest stretch of the river on your cruise itinerary, only 150 metres (485 feet) at its widest point.  The banks are guarded by sheer cliffs soaring 1,200 metres (3,900 feet) in height while the river water gushes forward channeled along by the great force built up at the Kui Men which marks the western extremity of the gorge.

17:30hrs: Arts & Craft Demonstration

19:00hrs: A la Carte Dinner – served at the Dynasty Palace

21:00hrs: Movie of the Day

Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

Day 04 - Fengdu

07:15hrs: Tai Chi Exerciser – at Observation Deck or Tang Theatre (weather pending)

07:30hrs: International Buffet Breakfast – served at the Dynasty Palace

09:00hrs: Excursion to Fengdu, a charming river village noted for its elaborate Daoist temple and bustling markets. Gain insight, mingle with the locals and see how school children receive their early education. 

12:00hrs: International Lunch Buffet – served at the Dynasty Palace

14:30hrs: Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy – watch and participate as the art instructor shows and explain the method of Chinese painting and writing.

15:00hrs: Mahjong Lesson – learn and understand the favorite pass-time of the Chinese “Mahjong” an ancient game that has been played throughout generations.

16:00hrs – 17:00hrs: Complimentary Afternoon tea with Pastry – served at the Explorer Bar

16:30hrs – 17:15hrs: Chinese 101 – Mandarin lesson

17:45hrs – 18:15hrs: Dumpling Making – our chef will personally teach you the many secrets of Chinese dumpling making.

19:00hrs: "A Taste of China" Dinner – enjoy a proper Chinese banquet feast and participate by dressing up along with the crew. 

Overnight: Sanctuary M.S. Yangzi Explorer

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