Jiangnan & Yangtze River Cruise - 11 Days
Shanghai - Wuzhen - Hangzhou - Nanjing - Wuxi - Suzhou - Yangtze Three Gorges - Chongqing
Classic Jiangnan Highlights & Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise
-
This is a special-value shopping tour with a fixed group itinerary that includes scheduled visits to selected shopping and product-experience venues. These visits form part of the tour program, although purchases are entirely voluntary. This format allows the tour to be offered at a particularly competitive price.
DURATIONS: 11 DAYS
TOUR LANGUAGE: CHINESE-SPEAKING TOUR GUIDE
Discover the cultural landscapes of eastern China before continuing on a memorable cruise through the legendary Yangtze Three Gorges.Travel through Shanghai, Wuzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi and Suzhou, exploring historic water towns, classical gardens, lakeside scenery and cultural landmarks.From Shanghai, continue by high-speed rail to Yichang and board a Yangtze River cruise, sailing through the dramatic scenery of Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge before arriving in Chongqing.Top Trip Features
Classic Jiangnan Highlights
Explore some of eastern China’s most recognised destinations including Wuzhen, Hangzhou West Lake, Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou and Shanghai.
1
Sail through the spectacular landscapes of the Yangtze Three Gorges, including Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, with included and optional shore experiences.
2
Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise
Culture, Scenery & Regional Experiences
3
Experience tea culture, historic gardens, traditional water towns, local museums and scenic landscapes while travelling through the Jiangnan region.
Day by Day Itinerary
-
Welcome to Shanghai!
Upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao Airport or Hongqiao High-Speed Rail Station, meet the local transfer service and travel to your hotel.
Guests arriving on flights or trains within approximately two hours of each other may be transferred together, so some waiting time may be required.
Hotel check-in is available after 2:00 PM.
Meeting Points
Shanghai Pudong Airport
Terminal 1: Inside Gate 10 on the arrivals level
Terminal 2: In front of Starbucks on the arrivals level
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Terminal 2: In front of KFC on the arrivals level
Guests arriving at Terminal 1 should take the terminal shuttle to Terminal 2
Hongqiao High-Speed Rail Station
Follow the connecting walkway to the meeting point at Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2
Accommodation: Shanghai Sanjiagang Greenland Hotel or similar
Meals: None -
After breakfast, travel to Wuzhen, a picturesque historic water town often described as one of China’s last traditional waterside communities.
Explore its atmospheric waterways and historic streets before visiting a health and home experience centre.
Continue to Hangzhou, traditionally celebrated as a “paradise on earth.”
Visit the modern City Balcony, overlooking the Qiantang River and Hangzhou’s Asian Games landmarks, before continuing to the famous West Lake Scenic Area.
Stroll beside the lake and enjoy views associated with some of West Lake’s celebrated sights, including Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Leifeng Pagoda.
Accommodation: Hangzhou Pujing Garden Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch -
Begin the day with a visit to Longjing Tea Village, where you can experience Hangzhou’s traditional tea culture and sample Longjing tea.
Continue to Nanjing, one of China’s historic ancient capitals.
Visit Dongshuiguan Heritage Park, where historic city walls, waterways, bridges and gates come together in one fascinating heritage precinct.
Later, explore the lively Confucius Temple area beside the Qinhuai River. Filled with restaurants, tea houses and shops, this historic district remains one of Nanjing’s most popular cultural areas.
Accommodation: Nanjing Wanghai International Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch -
After breakfast, visit the historic Grand Bao’en Temple, one of Nanjing’s important Buddhist heritage sites.
View a crystal inner-painting exhibition before continuing to a jade exhibition centre.
After lunch, travel to Wuxi and discover the famous “Two Gardens and One Ancient Town”:
Xihui Park
Jichang Garden
Huishan Ancient Town
Enjoy the traditional architecture and garden landscapes of Jiangnan before visiting a Yixing purple clay teapot museum.
Accommodation: Wuxi Huayi Mingdu Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch -
Begin the day at picturesque Lihu Park, where landscaped gardens meet the waters of Lake Tai.
The park uses seasonal plants and waterfront scenery to showcase the changing character of Jiangnan throughout the year.
Visit a Taihu Pearl Centre before travelling to Suzhou.
Upon arrival, view historic Panmen Gate, one of Suzhou’s ancient city gates. Together with the surrounding waterways, bridges and canals, the area reflects more than 2,500 years of Suzhou history.
Accommodation: Vienna International Hotel Suzhou or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch -
After breakfast, visit a silk factory before continuing to Jinji Lake Scenic Area, representing the modern side of Suzhou.
Admire views of contemporary landmarks including the Gate of the Orient and Suzhou’s distinctive modern architecture.
After lunch, return towards Shanghai and visit a gemstone centre and traditional Chinese wellness centre.
Later, explore The Bund, where Shanghai’s historic waterfront architecture faces the modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
Accommodation: Shanghai Sanjiagang Greenland Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch -
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train from Shanghai to Yichang. The Shanghai–Yichang rail ticket is included in the tour.
Upon arrival in Yichang, transfer to the cruise terminal and board your Yangtze River cruise, marking the beginning of your journey through the famous Three Gorges.
Over the coming days, the cruise travels upstream from east to west through some of the Yangtze River’s most dramatic scenery, including:
Xiling Gorge, known for its steep mountains and historically challenging waterways
Wu Gorge, celebrated for its elegant mountain landscapes
Qutang Gorge, the shortest but one of the most dramatic sections of the Three Gorges
After boarding, settle into your cabin and prepare for the multi-day cruise towards Chongqing.
Accommodation: Victoria Cruises, Gold Cruises or similar
Meals: Breakfast -
Wake up aboard the Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breakfast as your Three Gorges journey continues.
Optional Excursion – Tribe of the Three Gorges
Guests may choose to join the cruise company’s recommended optional excursion to Tribe of the Three Gorges, located within the scenic Xiling Gorge area.
The attraction combines natural gorge scenery with traditional local culture and performances inspired by the historic Ba and Chu cultures of the Yangtze River region.
Optional excursion: CNY 295 per person
Booking: Available onboard at the cruise reception
Guests who do not participate may remain onboard according to the cruise company’s arrangements.
After lunch, visit the famous Three Gorges Dam, one of the major engineering landmarks along the Yangtze River.
The visit provides an opportunity to see the scale of the hydroelectric project and learn more about its role in navigation, flood control and power generation along the river.
Optional Excursion – Three Gorges Ship Lift
Guests may also choose to join the cruise company’s optional Three Gorges Ship Lift experience.
The ship lift is designed to help vessels pass through the major elevation difference created by the Three Gorges Dam and offers a different perspective on the engineering of the dam complex.
Optional excursion: CNY 295 per person
Afterwards, return to the cruise and continue sailing through the western section of Xiling Gorge, enjoying the mountain and river scenery from onboard.
In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner, followed by onboard entertainment arranged by the cruise company.
Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner -
After breakfast, join an included excursion to either:
Shennong Stream, or
Goddess Stream
The exact destination depends on the cruise company’s operational arrangements and docking schedule.
These tributary excursions provide a closer look at the narrower waterways and mountainous landscapes surrounding the Three Gorges region.
After the excursion, return to the cruise and continue sailing through Wu Gorge, a scenic section of the Yangtze known for its steep mountain peaks and misty river landscapes.
Enjoy the views from onboard as the vessel passes through the gorge.
After lunch, continue through Qutang Gorge, the third of the major Three Gorges sections on this upstream itinerary.
Its narrow waterway and steep cliffs create one of the most dramatic landscapes of the cruise.
Optional Excursion – White Emperor City
Guests may choose to join an optional excursion to White Emperor City, a historic site overlooking the Yangtze.
The area is known for its cultural heritage, historic remains and elevated views of the surrounding gorge landscape.
Optional excursion: CNY 295 per person
Booking: Available onboard at the cruise reception
After the excursion, return to the cruise and continue the journey upstream.
Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner -
After breakfast, arrive in the Fengdu region, an area known for its historic and natural attractions along the Yangtze.
Depending on the cruise company’s actual docking arrangements, the included morning excursion will visit one of the following:
Shuanggui Mountain: A scenic and cultural area in Fengdu featuring landscaped surroundings and local historic attractions.
Snow Jade Cave: A natural limestone cave attraction known for its underground formations.
Shibaozhai: A historic riverside site featuring distinctive traditional architecture built against a steep rock formation.
The actual excursion will depend on the cruise operator’s schedule on the day.
After lunch, guests may choose to join an additional optional excursion to either:
Fengdu Ghost City: A long-established cultural attraction associated with traditional Chinese folklore and historic temples.
Wuling Mountain Grand Canyon: A scenic natural area featuring mountain and canyon landscapes.
The final destination depends on the cruise company’s docking arrangements.
Optional excursion: CNY 295 per person
Return to the cruise after the excursion.
In the evening, enjoy an onboard social and entertainment program as the cruise continues towards Chongqing.
Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner -
Enjoy breakfast onboard as the cruise approaches Chongqing, marking the end of your Yangtze River journey.
The cruise is expected to arrive at the pier at approximately 8:00–9:00 AM.
After disembarkation, join the scheduled transfer from the cruise terminal to Chongqing Airport.
Important Flight Information
Yangtze River cruise schedules can be affected by:
Changes in river water levels
Weather conditions
Navigation conditions
Cruise-company operational arrangements
Because the actual docking time may therefore be delayed, guests are strongly advised to book departing flights after 1:00 PM.
Please also note that the Yangtze cruise itinerary is indicative. Daily excursions, docking locations and the order of activities may be adjusted by the cruise company according to actual operating conditions.
Meals: Breakfast
Important Information
2026 Departure Dates
October: 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30
November: 6, 13, 20
*Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 2 travellers. All departures are subject to availability and confirmation.
Important Tour Information
Deposit & Payment: Full payment is required at booking.
Changes: After payment, no changes allowed.
Shopping Visits: Scheduled shopping/product-experience stops form part of this special-value itinerary. Purchases are entirely voluntary; however, guests are required to attend the scheduled visits.
If a guest leaves the group during the tour, a USD $150 per person, per day fee applies.
Flight information: Yangtze cruise itineraries and shore excursions may change depending on weather, river conditions and cruise-company operating arrangements.
Guests should book departing flights from Chongqing after 1:00 PM on Day 11.
Travel and medical insurance are strongly recommended.
Tour Price:
Adult: AUD $219 per person
Child under 18 without bed (no breakfast): AUD $769
Child under 18 with bed (including breakfast): AUD $1,469
Single Room Supplement: AUD $780 per person
Additional Hotel Stay:
From AUD $118 per room/per night, twin share with breakfast, subject to availability and confirmation.
Additional Airport Transfer:
From AUD $45 per person, minimum 2 passengers, where an additional transfer outside the standard group transfer arrangement is required.
Prices and availability are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
What’s Included
Your tour package includes:
6 nights' hotel accommodation in the hotels specified in the itinerary or similar
4 nights' accommodation aboard a Yangtze River cruise ship, in a balcony cabin as advertised by the supplier
Daily hotel and cruise breakfasts as indicated in the itinerary
Lunches and dinners marked as included in the itinerary
Scheduled arrival transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) or Hongqiao High-Speed Railway Station on Day 1
Scheduled departure transfer from Chongqing cruise port to Chongqing Airport on Day 11
High-speed train ticket from Shanghai to Yichang on Day 7
Transportation by tour coach during the scheduled land itinerary
Mandarin-speaking local tour guide services
Driver services during the land tour
Admission to attractions listed as included in the standard itinerary
Sightseeing and activities specifically listed as included
Scheduled group transfers between Shanghai, Wuzhen, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi and Suzhou
Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges, including scenic cruising through Xiling Gorge, Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge
Scheduled visit to the Three Gorges Dam
Scheduled shore excursions operated by the cruise company, subject to the cruise itinerary and local conditions
Onboard entertainment and activities arranged by the cruise operator
What’s Not Included
The following are not included in the advertised tour price:
International airfares to China and departure flights from Chongqing
Domestic airfares unless specifically stated as included
China visa fees, where applicable
Travel and medical insurance
Optional tours and activities, including:
Suzhou Couple's Retreat Garden, West Lake Boat Cruise, Wuxi Nianhua Bay Zen Town and regional-style dinners – USD $120 per person
Acrobatic Performance or Huangpu River Cruise – USD $60 per person
Three Gorges Tribe Scenic Area – CNY 295 per person
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift – CNY 295 per person
White Emperor City – CNY 295 per person
Fengdu Ghost City or Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley – CNY 295 per person
Meals not specified as included in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Shopping and purchases made during shopping visits
Single room supplement
Additional airport or railway transfers outside scheduled group transfer arrangements
Extra hotel nights before or after the tour
Additional cruise services, personal purchases and onboard expenses not specified as included
Expenses arising from flight or train delays and cancellations, adverse weather, changes in river water levels, natural disasters, government restrictions or other circumstances outside the operator's reasonable control
Any other service not specifically listed under "What's Included"
Terms and Conditions
-
Scheduled shopping and product experience visits form part of the land tour itinerary. These may include visits relating to tea, jade, pearls, silk, traditional Chinese medicine, gemstones and other local products.
Purchasing products is voluntary and there is no requirement to make a purchase. However, travellers are required to accompany the group during scheduled shopping visits and may not decline attendance at these stops.
Any purchase is made directly between the traveller and the relevant retailer. Questions regarding product quality, pricing, warranties, refunds or after-sales service should be addressed directly with the retailer.
-
Travellers are required to remain with the group throughout the scheduled itinerary.
This value tour is priced on the basis of full participation in the group program, including scheduled sightseeing and shopping visits.
Travellers who choose to leave the group during the tour may be required by the local operator to pay a USD $150 per person, per day tour-separation fee.
Please contact EC Travel before booking if you expect to require independent arrangements during any part of the tour.
-
Children aged 2 years and above are subject to the applicable child tour fee and optional tour charges where applicable.
Children under 2 years old who do not occupy a separate bed may travel without tour charges, subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
Children travelling without their own bed do not receive hotel breakfast unless otherwise specified. Any breakfast charges must be paid directly to the hotel.
Please note that many hotels in China require children aged 12 years and above to occupy a bed.
Child arrangements are subject to confirmation by the tour operator and cruise company.
-
The standard tour price is based on the applicable room-sharing arrangement.
Travellers requiring a private room must pay the applicable single room supplement of AUD $780.
Room-sharing with an unknown traveller is not guaranteed.
-
Scheduled arrival transfers are available on Day 1 from:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Shanghai Hongqiao High-Speed Railway Station
Guests arriving on flights or trains within approximately two hours of each other may be grouped into the same transfer.
As a result, some waiting time may be required at the airport or railway station.
-
A complimentary scheduled transfer from the Chongqing cruise port to Chongqing Airport is included.
The airport transfer departs from the port at approximately 9:00 am, with only one scheduled departure.
The cruise is expected to arrive in Chongqing at approximately 8:00–9:00 am. However, actual arrival times may vary due to river water levels, weather and navigation conditions.
Travellers are strongly advised to book departure flights after 1:00 pm to allow sufficient time for disembarkation and airport transfer.
Additional or private transfers outside the scheduled arrangements may incur extra charges.
Travellers must provide accurate arrival and departure details when booking.
-
Hotels listed in the itinerary represent the planned accommodation.
Where a listed hotel is unavailable, accommodation of a similar standard may be substituted.
Standard hotel check-in is generally after 2:00 pm. Early check-in is subject to availability and may involve an additional charge.
Additional pre- or post-tour hotel accommodation is available from AUD $118 per twin/double room per night, including breakfast, subject to availability and confirmation.
Guests arranging their own arrival at the first hotel should contact the local representative approximately 24 hours before the tour begins to reconfirm the hotel address and joining arrangements.
-
The Yangtze River cruise is scheduled for Days 7–11, travelling upstream from Yichang to Chongqing.
Accommodation will be arranged aboard a Yangtze River cruise ship operated by Victoria Cruises, Huaxia Cruises, Golden Cruises, President Cruises, Century Cruises or a similar operator, depending on availability.
The advertised package includes balcony cabin accommodation.
The cruise itinerary, shore excursions and onboard activities are subject to the operating arrangements of the selected cruise company.
The order and timing of activities may change due to seasonal schedules, weather, river water levels, navigation conditions and other operational requirements.
The final cruise itinerary and activities will be confirmed by the cruise operator.
-
Optional tours are not included in the standard tour price.
Jiangnan Optional Experiences
Jiangnan Cultural & Culinary Experience Package – USD $120 per person
Acrobatic Performance or Huangpu River Cruise – USD $60 per person
Yangtze River Cruise Optional Experiences
Three Gorges Tribe Scenic Area – CNY 295 per person
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift – CNY 295 per person
White Emperor City – CNY 295 per person
Fengdu Ghost City or Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley – CNY 295 per person
Guests wishing to participate in the Jiangnan optional excursions may register and make payment to the local guide.
Optional shore excursions during the Yangtze River cruise can be booked directly at the cruise reception desk.
All optional excursions are voluntary and subject to availability, operating conditions and the cruise company's scheduled port stops.
Optional programs generally include relevant attraction admission, transport and guiding services.
-
Full payment of the applicable tour fee is required at the time of booking.
A booking is considered confirmed only after payment has been received and availability has been confirmed.
Valid travel document details may be required when making the reservation.
-
Once full payment has been made, booking changes may not be permitted without cancellation or amendment charges.
Any requested rescheduling or change may be subject to the applicable charges based on the number of days remaining before departure.
Please check all passenger names, travel dates and travel document details carefully before confirming your booking.
-
The published itinerary represents the planned arrangements at the time of publication.
The operator may adjust the sequence of sightseeing, shopping visits, transportation, hotels, restaurants, cruise shore excursions or other activities where reasonably necessary because of:
Local operating conditions
Traffic
Weather
Attraction opening schedules
Flight or rail changes
River water levels and navigation conditions
Cruise company schedules and port arrangements
Government restrictions
Safety considerations
Other circumstances outside the operator's reasonable control
Reasonable efforts will be made to maintain the principal attractions and overall standard of the tour.
-
Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they hold all documents required for travel, including:
A valid passport
Chinese visa or other valid entry permission where required
Airline or transportation documentation
Any documents required to demonstrate eligibility for the applicable tour fare
Entry requirements vary depending on nationality and personal circumstances.
Guests should carry their valid travel documentation during the tour.
-
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Travellers should consider insurance covering:
Overseas medical expenses
Trip cancellation
Travel delays
Personal belongings
Lost luggage
Emergency assistance
Cruise disruptions and changes to scheduled port stops
Other unexpected travel disruptions
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price.