Wow! Exploring the Yangtze River, this treasure trip is absolutely amazing!
Dear friends, the Yangtze River is our mother river of China, like a giant dragon lying across the land of Huaxia, connecting countless beautiful sceneries and stories. Today, I’ll take you all downstream to start an exciting Yangtze River journey 🚢
Preparation
● Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card. If you have student cards, senior cards, or other discount certificates, bring them along too—you might save a lot of money 💰
● Clothing: The Yangtze River basin spans a large area with different climates. In summer, prepare light and breathable clothes and bring a thin jacket for the temperature difference in the morning and evening; in winter, pack thick cotton clothes, scarves, gloves, and other warm gear.
● Other items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella or raincoat—weather along the Yangtze can be changeable, better to be prepared. Don’t forget your camera; such beautiful scenery is too precious not to capture 📷
Itinerary
Chongqing — The Spicy and Passionate Mountain City
● Day 1: Jiefangbei → Hongya Cave → Yangtze River Cableway
○ Morning: After arriving in Chongqing, first check in at Jiefangbei, a landmark building surrounded by bustling shopping malls. Feel the urban vibe of Chongqing and maybe buy some souvenirs 🎁
○ Noon: Find a hotpot restaurant near Jiefangbei and try authentic Chongqing hotpot—the spicy, numbing, and fragrant taste will make you crave more 😋
○ Evening: Visit Hongya Cave; when night falls and the lights come on, it looks like a magical castle, as if stepping into the world of Spirited Away. Then take the Yangtze River Cableway to overlook the river and both banks from the air—super thrilling!
● Day 2: Liziba Light Rail Station → E’ling Erchang → Nanbin Road
○ Morning: Go to Liziba Light Rail Station to see the unique sight of the light rail passing through a building, a one-of-a-kind Chongqing scene. Be sure to find the best spot in advance to shoot a great video 📹
○ Noon: Taste Chongqing noodles nearby; the chewy noodles with savory broth are incredibly satisfying.
○ Afternoon: Head to E’ling Erchang, a gathering place for artistic youth with many creative shops and graffiti walls, perfect for photos and check-ins.
○ Evening: Stroll along Nanbin Road, enjoy the night view of the Yangtze River and the Yuzhong Peninsula across the river. The dazzling lights reflecting on the water are breathtaking.
Yichang — The Magnificence and Wonder of the Three Gorges
● Day 3: Three Gorges Dam → Three Gorges People’s Village
○ Morning: Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project, truly spectacular. You can go up to the viewing platform to overlook the dam and the rushing river.
○ Noon: Dine near the scenic area and try the local fresh fish.
○ Afternoon: Visit the Three Gorges People’s Village, which combines the natural scenery and folk culture of the Three Gorges. Take a small boat tour on the river, admire the strange peaks and rocks on both sides, and experience the unique charm of the Ba and Chu cultures.
○ Evening: Stay at a guesthouse near the Three Gorges People’s Village to enjoy the peaceful rural life.
Wuhan — The History and Modernity of the River City
● Day 4: Yellow Crane Tower → Hubu Alley → Yangtze River Bridge
○ Morning: Climb Yellow Crane Tower and feel the poetic mood of “The ancient man has ridden the yellow crane away, here only the Yellow Crane Tower remains.” From the tower, enjoy a broad view of the Yangtze River and the three towns of Wuhan.
○ Noon: Taste Wuhan delicacies at Hubu Alley, such as hot dry noodles, three-flavor bean curd skin, and duck neck, all mouthwatering.
○ Afternoon: Walk along the Yangtze River Bridge, the first bridge over the mighty Yangtze, rich in history. You can walk or bike across and enjoy the scenery on both sides.
● Day 5: Hubei Provincial Museum → East Lake
○ Morning: Visit the Hubei Provincial Museum, which houses rich collections including the Sword of Goujian and the Marquis Yi’s bronze bells, showcasing the profound ancient civilization.
○ Noon: Have lunch near the museum and try Hubei specialty dishes.
○ Afternoon: Go to East Lake, one of China’s largest urban lakes with beautiful scenery. Rent a bike to ride around the lake and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Nanjing — The Ancient Charm and Elegance of Jinling
● Day 6: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum → Confucius Temple → Qinhuai River
○ Morning: Visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to pay tribute to the great revolutionary pioneer Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The mausoleum’s architecture is grand and solemn.
○ Noon: Enjoy authentic Nanjing cuisine nearby; salted duck and duck blood vermicelli soup are must-tries.
○ Evening: Visit Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River, important symbols of Nanjing’s history and culture. Take a boat tour at night on Qinhuai River to admire ancient buildings and illuminated night scenes, feeling the ancient charm of Jinling.
Shanghai — The Prosperity and Fashion of the Magic City
● Day 7: The Bund → Oriental Pearl Tower → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
○ Morning: Arrive at The Bund, one of Shanghai’s iconic spots. On one side is a collection of international architecture, on the other the Huangpu River and Lujiazui financial center, a perfect blend of old and new, East and West.
○ Noon: Find a restaurant near The Bund to taste Shanghai local cuisine.
○ Afternoon: Go up the Oriental Pearl Tower to overlook Shanghai’s cityscape. The transparent observation deck makes you feel like walking in the clouds—very exciting.
○ Evening: Stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai’s busiest commercial street with all kinds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Experience Shanghai’s fashion and prosperity here.
Food Recommendations
● Chongqing: Hotpot, noodles, spicy blood stew, spicy chicken, etc.
● Yichang: Fat fish, Gorge Pearl Soup, Dingding Cake, etc.
● Wuhan: Hot dry noodles, three-flavor bean curd skin, duck neck, Wuchang fish, etc.
● Nanjing: Salted duck, duck blood vermicelli soup, plum blossom cake, dragon robe soup dumplings, etc.
● Shanghai: Pan-fried buns, soup dumplings, local braised pork, oil-burst shrimp, etc.
Accommodation Suggestions
● Chongqing: Stay near Jiefangbei or Hongya Cave for convenient travel and abundant local food.
● Yichang: Stay near the Three Gorges Dam or Three Gorges People’s Village for easy access to attractions.
● Wuhan: Stay near Yellow Crane Tower or Yangtze River Bridge for great river views.
● Nanjing: Confucius Temple or Qinhuai River area are good choices to experience Jinling’s ancient charm.
● Shanghai: Stay near The Bund or Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street for convenient travel and shopping.
Transportation Guide
● Airplane: You can fly directly to airports in Chongqing, Yichang, Wuhan, Nanjing, or Shanghai, then use subway, bus, or other means to reach the city center.
● Train: All cities along the Yangtze have train stations, making train travel very convenient.
● Cruise: You can choose to take a Yangtze River cruise to enjoy the scenery along the way, a very unique travel experience. But be sure to book tickets in advance.
Dear friends, the Yangtze River journey is full of surprises and charm. Hurry up and go experience the elegance of this mother river! Share your most anticipated Yangtze River spots in the comments, let’s exchange together 🥳