2024 Three Gorges of the Yangtze River Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
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The autumn scenery of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River is seriously underestimated.
🍁 The autumn of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River is like a colorful scroll, and it is one of the best seasons to visit.
📍 Introduction to attractions:
1. Qutang Gorge: Known for its majestic and dangerous terrain, the cliffs on both sides are steep, and the river is turbulent. In autumn, red leaves are dotted between the cliffs, adding a touch of bright color.
2. Wu Gorge: Deep and beautiful, surrounded by clouds and mist, like a fairyland. The red leaves all over the mountains and the clear river water complement each other, creating a magnificent view.
3. Xiling Gorge: Many beaches and rapids, spectacular scenery. In autumn, the red leaves of Xiling Gorge are like fire, spreading along the canyon, forming a unique landscape.
4. Three Gorges Dam: The world's largest water conservancy project, magnificent and impressive. In autumn, the dam is even more magnificent and spectacular against the backdrop of blue sky, white clouds and red leaves.
5. Baidi City: Located at the mouth of Qutang Gorge, it is an important site of the Three Kingdoms culture. There are many historical sites and legends here. In autumn, the surrounding red leaves are also very charming.
6. Wushan Small Three Gorges: The scenery in the canyon is beautiful, and the river water is clear. In autumn, taking a cruise through it, the red leaves on both sides are like a poem, making people linger.
📌 Best travel time:
The peak tourist season for the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River in autumn is usually between September and November. During this time, the climate of the Three Gorges is pleasant and the scenery is picturesque, making it the best time to visit the Three Gorges. Among them, late October to early November is the most brilliant time for red leaves in the Three Gorges, and it is also the best time for photography enthusiasts.
🚢 Transportation guide:
1. Cruise: Taking a luxury cruise is the best way to visit the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides. You can take a cruise from Chongqing or Yichang. The cruise facilities are complete and the service is attentive, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable experience during your journey. Different cruises have different itineraries and routes. You can choose according to your time and preferences.
2. Self-driving: If you choose to drive yourself, you can start from Chongqing, drive along the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway to Yichang, and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Yangtze River along the way. However, it should be noted that some road sections have complex road conditions, so be extra careful when driving.
3. Public transportation: You can first take a train or plane to Chongqing or Yichang, and then transfer to a car or boat to the Three Gorges Scenic Area. In Chongqing and Yichang, there are buses and cruise ships to the Three Gorges. You can choose the appropriate mode of transportation according to your itinerary.
🏠 Accommodation recommendations:
1. Cruise: If you choose to take a cruise, you don't have to worry about accommodation. There are various types of rooms available on the cruise, such as standard rooms and luxury suites. You can book according to your budget and needs.
2. Cities around the Three Gorges: You can choose to stay in cities such as Chongqing and Yichang. These cities have hotels and homestays of various grades to choose from. In Chongqing, you can choose to stay near Jiefangbei and Hongyadong, which is convenient for visiting the city's attractions; in Yichang, you can choose to stay near the Three Gorges Dam or in the city, according to your itinerary.
3. Near the Three Gorges Scenic Area: You can also stay in towns near the Three Gorges Scenic Area to experience the local customs and culture. For example, there are some farmhouses and guesthouses near the Wushan Small Three Gorges, providing accommodation and catering services, allowing you to get closer to nature.
🎒 Equipment preparation:
1. Clothing: The temperature difference between morning and evening in the Three Gorges in autumn is large. It is recommended to bring warm clothes, such as down jackets, windbreakers, and sweaters. At the same time, you should also prepare long-sleeved shirts, coats, etc., so that you can add or remove clothes at any time according to the weather changes. In addition, don't forget to bring rain gear in case of weather changes.
2. Camera: The beautiful scenery of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River is very suitable for taking photos as souvenirs, so be sure to bring a camera to record the beautiful moments. If you are a photography enthusiast, you can bring telephoto lenses, wide-angle lenses, etc., so that you can take pictures of the scenery from different angles.
3. Others: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, commonly used medicines, personal toiletries, etc. In addition, since most of the scenic areas require walking, it is recommended to wear comfortable flat shoes or sneakers.
🗺️ Travel route:
1. Four days and three nights Chongqing - Yichang route:
- Day 1: Chongqing - Chaotianmen Pier boarding, enjoy the night view of the two rivers.
- Day 2: In-depth tour of Fengdu's main attractions, such as Fengdu Ghost City, experience the historical and cultural heritage, and watch the large-scale live performance "Fengyun Three Kingdoms".
- Day 3: Go to Baidi City in Fengjie, visit Qutang Gorge and Wushan's main attractions, such as Wuxia Gorge and Shennü Creek, and enjoy the magnificent canyon scenery and charming red leaves.
- Day 4: Visit the ship lift and the Three Gorges Dam, experience the grandeur of the world's engineering, and then end the trip at the visitor center.
2. Five days and four nights Yichang - Chongqing route:
- Day 1: Yichang - Ziguigu Pier boarding.
- Day 2: Visit the Three Gorges People, experience the folk customs of the Three Gorges, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains and water, and watch folk performances. Then visit the ship lift and the Three Gorges Dam.
- Day 3: Visit the attractions of Wuxia Gorge and Wushan, such as Shennü Tianlu, then go to Baidi City and Qutang Gorge, experience the cultural charm of the city of poetry and the magnificent scenery of the canyon.
- Day 4: In-depth tour of Fengdu's main attractions.
- Day 5: Arrive at Chaotianmen Pier in Chongqing and end your pleasant Three Gorges journey.
3. Chongqing - Wuhan / Wuhan - Chongqing route (rare route): You can pass through Gezhouba Ship Lock and Five-level Ship Lock, and visit Xiling Gorge all the way. Optional cruise ships include President No. 6 6-day 5-night itinerary, or Yangtze River No. 3 8-day 7-night itinerary (specific departure time needs to be arranged according to the cruise company).
🍱 Food recommendations:
1. Three Gorges Fish: The fish of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River are delicious. You can taste various ways of cooking fish, such as steamed fish, braised fish, and grilled fish.
2. Chongqing Hotpot: If you are staying in Chongqing, you can taste the authentic Chongqing hotpot, which is spicy and delicious, and will leave you wanting more.
3. Wushan Grilled Fish: Wushan's specialty food, the fish is tender, grilled until the outside is crispy and the inside is tender, with various seasonings, the taste is very delicious.
4. Yichang Snacks: Yichang has many specialty snacks, such as cold shrimp, radish dumplings, and red oil noodles. They have unique flavors and are worth trying.
5. Three Gorges Specialties: The Three Gorges area also has some specialties, such as Three Gorges tea, citrus, and Three Gorges taro crisp. You can buy some as souvenirs for your relatives and friends.
📌 Precautions:
1. The climate in the Three Gorges area in autumn is relatively dry, so pay attention to drink plenty of water to maintain body moisture.
2. Although the climate in autumn is pleasant, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Tourists still need to pay attention to keeping warm and sun protection.
3. As autumn is the harvest season, tourists should pay attention to protecting crops and respecting local customs during their visit.
4. When visiting the Three Gorges, pay attention to protecting the environment, do not litter, and try to minimize damage to the natural ecology.
5. When taking a cruise, pay attention to safety, listen to the staff's arrangements, especially when getting on and off the ship and during the voyage.
6. When visiting engineering sites such as the Three Gorges Dam, please abide by the relevant regulations and do not climb or touch the facilities at will.
7. When visiting some popular attractions, tourists may need to purchase tickets in advance to avoid queuing.
EnigmaQueen
Traveling the Three Gorges, how to choose a cruise?
The Three Gorges cruises are carefully divided into six categories, so you no longer have to hesitate when choosing a ship!
✅ Luxurious and Exclusive Type:
📌 Yangtze Explorer: A unique and exclusive luxury journey, specially offering Shennongjia routes, showcasing unparalleled nobility.
✅ Top Configuration Type:
📌 Yangtze No. 3: Newly launched in 2022, all-inclusive ticket for convenience and peace of mind; large tonnage with outdoor pool, enjoying a luxurious experience.
📌 Century Oasis/Anthem: First sailed in 2023 and 2022 respectively, advanced facilities, excellent dining; electric propulsion for a quiet journey.
📌 Victoria Katarina: A large luxury cruise ship on the Yangtze River, a model of luxury, newly launched in 2020, combining beauty and strength. Highly favored.
✅ Rare and Unique Type:
📌 Yangtze No. 1: Exclusive all-inclusive ticket privilege, one of the few Three Gorges cruises that can directly take the ship lift over the Three Gorges Dam.
📌 Yangtze No. 2: Also all-inclusive, renovated and upgraded in 2024, with new flooring and living supplies, bedding for a new experience. Newly launched.
📌 Century Legend: One of the classic cruises under Century Cruises, rare itinerary from Chongqing to Shanghai, well-reputed.
📌 President No. 6: Round-trip route from Chongqing to Wuhan, original ship passing through the five-level ship lock in both directions, all-inclusive scenic spots along the way, high cost-performance route.
✅ Luxurious and Comfortable Type:
📌 Goddess No. 3: Featuring a large children's playground and arcade, leading the Yangtze River Three Gorges, the first choice for family trips.
📌 Century Myth: The cruise is powered by new energy electricity, featuring a rare constant temperature swimming pool among Three Gorges cruises, providing a quieter ride.
📌 Stellar Athena/Apollo: New nobles first sailed in 2021, with high cost-performance, offering more considerate service to tourists.
📌 Golden Series: Large luxury cruise ships of 17,000 tons, affordable prices, high cost-performance, luxurious decoration, free swimming pool on board.
📌 President No. 7/8: Featuring large tonnage, large space, rare constant temperature swimming pool among Three Gorges cruises, providing a very good ride experience.
📌 Victoria Jenna/Anna/Katie: Created by Victoria's international management team, bilingual service throughout, comfortable experience, moderate price. Good ride experience.
✅ Economical and Comfortable Type:
📌 Goddess No. 1/2: Three Gorges cultural theme, high-value cruise, connecting rooms suitable for family trips.
📌 Stellar Crystal/Navigator: Five-star standard, the star of cost-performance among Three Gorges cruises.
📌 Victoria Sasha/Leah/Lynn: Well-equipped, stable service, flexible short routes, economical and affordable, high cost-performance.
📌 Yangtze Impression/Discovery/Legend: Entry-level choice for Three Gorges cruises, low price but not low quality, outstanding cost-performance. Good ride experience.
📌 Royal Starlight/Prosperity/Three Kingdoms: Stable price of Starlight, gourmet feast; distinctive appearance of Prosperity and Three Kingdoms, high cost-performance.
📌 President No. 1/2/Victoria No. 3: Economical short routes, various itineraries, easy travel.
Ethan Smith Ethan#2
May Day Reverse Travel Yangtze River Discovery Experience Day 2.
🚢 Experience:
The entire journey was relaxing and enjoyable. It felt like staying in a moving hotel, without the hassle of dragging luggage around. Every day, we could enjoy different river views, which was a really refreshing experience!
📸 Photo Tips:
① The boarding area on the first floor, with windows on both sides acting like natural photo frames, makes it easy to take great shots.
② Highly recommend booking a room with a balcony. Sitting on the balcony with the river view as the background, every photo turns out beautiful.
③ The bow area on the second floor is also a great spot for photos.
④ The top deck offers a wide view and is a great place for taking pictures.
Each ship type may vary, so there might be differences. I hope you find even better photo spots and share them with me! 💞👻