A pioneer in the finest voyage experience on the Yangtze River for 30 years, Yangzi Explorer built its second-generation vessel and had its maiden voyage in May 2025. The new Yangzi Explorer pairs innovative modern cruise design with bespoke routes, all-suite cabins, and the most exclusive services, redefining the luxury Yangtze River cruise journey.
Sail from Chongqing to Yichang or vice versa, exploring the Three Gorges, Ship Lift of Three Gorge Dam, nuclear military plant, Badong and even the UNESCO-listed Shennongjia with expert local guides. An award-winning and internationally acclaimed cruise line (selected by celebrities such as Warren Buffett) promises you the perfect ship, itineraries, and shore excursions.
Book now at the cheapest price: from $1,420!
Highlights of Yangzi Explorer
All 74 guest rooms feature private river-view balconies, measuring 31 to 105 square meters.
The passenger-to-space ratio is approximately 1:50, providing you with a more spacious and comfortable environment.
The crew-to-passenger ratio is nearly 1:1, achieving the golden ratio of international luxury cruise ships.
It is the first Yangtze River cruise ship meticulously designed to meet the stringent requirements of the ship lift at the Three Gorges Dam.
Exclusively customized shore excursion itineraries create more diverse employment opportunities along the river.
Experience a lifetime adventure with ultimate comfort alongside your children at the Yangzi Explorer's Kid's Fun Corner.
Unique on-board activities: live music at the Explorer Bar, cooking show, Chinese medicine lecture, movie shows, etc.
Quick Facts of Yangzi Explorer Ship
| Year Built | 2025 | Rebuilt | n/a | Gross Tonnage | 7389 |
| Length | 104.8 m | Beam | 16.3 m | Ship Dimensions | 104.8m × 16.3m |
| River-View Balcony Suites | 74 | Cabin Types | 6 | Restaurants | 4 |
| Elevators | 1 | Bars and Cafés | 2 | Decks | 6 |
| Regular Capacity | 148 | Crew Capacity | 147 | Guest-Space Ratio | 1:50 |
| English-speaking Services | ✓ | Onboard 24-hour Doctor | ✓ | ||
Popular Yangtze River Cruise Tours with Yangzi Explorer
While the chance to cruise on the mighty Yangtze River on the Yangzi Explorer may initially draw people to China, the country's rich history, thriving culture, delicious food, and diverse landscapes that really charm visitors. So at ETC, we highly recommend you combine a relaxing Yangtze cruise with the pre- and post-cruise experiences venturing into the popular cultural and scenic destinations.
11-day China Golden Triangle with Yangtze Cruise
3-night Yangtze River cruise, expert-led Great Wall and Terracotta Army discoveries, guided city tours from Beijing & Xian to Shanghai
Inquire
16-day China Impression Tour with Yangtze Cruise
Uncover China's history in Beijing & Xian, the idyllic countryside and Karst landscape in Guilin & Yangshuo, as well as the energy in Shanghai.
Inquire
14-day China Train Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
Urban walks, giant panda encounter, ancient structures & archaeological wonders, and a luxury cruise on Yangtze River.
Inquire
20-day China Odyssey Tour
Cultural immersions in Beijing, Pingyao, Xian, and Lijiang, panda visit in Chengdu, Li River & Yangtze River cruises.
InquireYangzi Explorer Itineraries on Yangtze River
4 Days / 3 Nights Chongqing to Yichang Itinerary (Downstream)
| Day | Schedule & Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (D) |
Embarkation in Chongqing Captain's Welcome Reception |
| Day 2 (B, L, D) |
Shore excursion tour to Fuling Project 816
or White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum & local market Shore excursions tour to the Beacon of Three Kingdoms Night Show or Zhongzhou Alley with a night walk |
| Day 3 (B, L, D) |
Sail through Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge, Wu
Gorge, and Xining Gorge) Option A: The Wushan Goddess Skyroad with a view of the Yangzi Option B: Take a boat journey into the Daning River (Lesser Three Gorges). Pass through the ship lift. |
| Day 4 (B, L, D) |
Shore excursions: Three Gorges Dam VIP Tour
or Quyuan Temple visit & Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement Museum Lunch with local delicacies at Yichang Juweng Restaurant Disembarkation in Yichang |
5 Days / 4 Nights Yichang to Chongqing Itinerary Via Badong (Upstream)
| Day | Schedule & Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (D) |
Shore excursions: Three Gorges Dam VIP Tour
or Quyuan Temple visit & Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement
Museum Embarkation in Yichang |
| Day 2 (B, L, D) |
Pass through the Ship Lift on board Yangzi
Explorer Sail through Xiling Gorge in the morning Shore excursion tour to Wuyuan Cave with wooden sampan ride or Badong Museum & Entrance to Wu Gorge Lookout Night Show "Badong: A journey through a Thousand Years" or Cultural Performance onboard |
| Day 3 (B, L, D) |
Sail to Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge of the
Yangtze Three Gorges Shore excursion tour in Fengjie with 3 choices: White Emperor City, light trekking in Qutang Gorge or Three Gorges Summit |
| Day 4 (B, L, D) |
Shore excursion tour with 3 choices: Shibaozhai, Xituo Ancient Town, or Huanghua Island |
| Day 5 (B) |
Disembarkation in Chongqing |
5 Days / 4 Nights Yichang to Chongqing Itinerary Via Shennongjia (Upstream)
| Day | Schedule & Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (D) |
Shore excursions: Three Gorges Dam VIP Tour
or Quyuan Temple visit & Hubei Three Gorges Resettlement
Museum Embarkation in Yichang Pass through the Ship Lift on board Yangzi Explorer |
| Day 2 (B, L, D) |
Full day shore excursion tour to Shennongjia National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site, and a UNESCO Global Geopark |
| Day 3 (B, L, D) |
Shore excursion tour in Fengjie: White Emperor City, light trekking in Qutang Gorge or Three Gorges Summit |
| Day 4 (B, L, D) |
Shore excursion tour to Shibaozhai, Xituo Ancient Town, or Huanghua Island |
| Day 5 (B) |
Disembarkation in Chongqing |
Note:
- Yangzi Explorer has the right to change the itinerary or shore excursions at any moment in the event of force majeure events like floods, low water levels, bad weather, or other safety issues.
- Yangzi Explorer disclaims any liability for any damages that visitors may suffer as a result of itinerary modifications, cancellations, or changes.
- Please be aware that the ship lift requires yearly repair, and precise dates are only confirmed nearer the time. It typically occurs in August or September and is closed for about 35 days.
- Meals included in the itinerary are as follows: (B) = breakfast, (L) = lunch, (D) = dinner.
Yangzi Explorer Onboard Services & Experiences
Amenities
Panoramic views from View Lounge, Sunset Hotpot House and Star Gazing Terrace; Dinning & leisure experiences at Explorer Bar, Tang Theatre, Velvet Lounge, Ning SPA, GYM, etc.
Cabins
Of the 74 elegantly designed cabins, there are 4 Celebrity Suites measuring 105m², 12 Ambassador Suites measuring 40m², and 58 Deluxe Suites measuring 31m².
Cuisines
Dynasty Restaurant, Amber Restaurant, Sunset Hotpot House, and Petrus offer distinguished guests a mix of Chinese and Western buffet selections and a la carte dishes.
Programs
Apart from Captain's Welcome Reception and entertainment programs, Yangzi Explorer also features fantastic live music, cooking show, lecture on TCM, and movie shows.
Yangtze Cruise Shore Excursions
Three Gorges
With a total length of approximately 193 kilometers, it is the most magnificent river gorges in China.
Three Gorges Dam
A landmark of the Yangtze River, it is often the starting/end point of a Yangtze River cruise.
Shibaozhai
The ancient red 12-story wooden structure pagoda on the isolated island is built without any nails or bolts.
Shennongjia
Famous for UNESCO-protected primeval forests and abundant resources of flora and fauna.
Fuling Project 816
One of the largest man-made caverns in the world, there is an underground nuclear factory site.
Less Three Gorges
Take a small boat along the Daining River to see steep mountains and lush vegetation on both banks.
