Overview: length, direction, shipsOVERVIEW
The full Wuhan-Chongqing run is usually 8-9 days / 7-8 nights, and the reverse is the same length. There are also a 4-day Wuhan-Yichang section and a 4-5 day Yichang-Chongqing section that can be combined.
Full-route ships are mostly mid-to-large luxury vessels carrying several hundred guests with a full cabin range; some internationally oriented ships have English cruise directors. Fares are quoted by segment, and buying the full route is usually cheaper than two separate segments.
Direction: Wuhan to Chongqing (upstream) is slower against the current, with a more relaxed pace and more daylight in the gorges; Chongqing to Wuhan (downstream) is faster and suits tighter schedules.
Segment by segment, from the plains to the gorgesSEGMENT BY SEGMENT
Wuhan to Jingzhou: broad Jianghan plain waterway with a shore visit to the Jingzhou city wall and museum. A gentle prelude before the gorges, useful for adjusting to the time zone.
Jingzhou to Yichang: hills begin and the ship transits the Gezhouba lock — a first, smaller lock experience that lets you learn the routine before the main event.
Yichang to Fengjie: Xiling Gorge, the Three Gorges Dam five-stage locks, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge in sequence — the core of the trip. Fengjie to Chongqing: Fengdu, Shibaozhai and Fuling, then the reservoir's upper end and the mountain city itself.
What transiting the five-stage locks feels likeTHE FIVE-LEVEL LOCKS
The Three Gorges Dam locks raise or lower vessels in five steps over a total of about 113 metres, taking roughly 3-4 hours. The ship announces it; go on deck for the cycle of gates closing, chambers filling, the hull rising with the water, and the forward gate opening into the next chamber.
This is precisely the value of the long route: your own ship transits the locks, with no ship change and no coach. Short cruises usually disembark at Maoping and finish by road, breaking the experience up.
Night transits are common. If seeing the whole sequence matters, ask about the expected lock window when booking. Decks are windy and dim during the transit, so bring a stable mount for photos.
Who it suits and what to watchWHO IT SUITS
Suits: travellers with time, retirees, anyone wanting the whole middle and upper river in one go, people who dislike frequent transfers, and shipping or engineering enthusiasts.
Skip if: you have under seven days, only want the core gorges, are prone to seasickness across many days, or expect to go ashore daily — the long route includes full sailing days.
Practical notes: full-route cabins sell out earlier than short ones, so book one to two months ahead in peak season. With more shore stops, bring comfortable shoes and regular medication, and declare dietary or mobility needs at booking.
FAQFAQ
Does the long cruise always use the five-stage locks?
Full Wuhan-Chongqing sailings normally transit the Three Gorges Dam locks, since that is the only way through without changing ships. Dam-area dispatch or maintenance can alter this, so confirm the transit method for your date at booking.
Is 8-9 days too long?
The long route includes two or three full sailing days, which suits people who want to slow down. If that is too much, buy only the Wuhan-Yichang or Yichang-Chongqing segment and split the route over two trips.
How good is the English service?
Internationally oriented ships have English cruise directors, reception and shore guides; domestic-focused departures are limited in English. Tell us your needs at booking and we will filter the right ship.
Enquire & Book
Send us your available dates and maximum days and we will check Wuhan departures and compare full-route versus segment pricing.