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Three Gorges in Two Days: Baidicheng, Summit of the Three Gorges & a Boat Through Qutang Gorge

Three Gorges in Two Days: Baidicheng, Summit of the Three Gorges & a Boat Through Qutang Gorge

★★★★★ 4.9 (120)⏱ 2 days and 1 hour · Private🗣 English guide

Overview

A two-day private journey along the legendary Yangtze Three Gorges, from poet Li Bai's Baidicheng and the 1,388m Summit of the Three Gorges to a small-boat cruise through dramatic Qutang Gorge.

About This Tour

The Yangtze River's Three Gorges are among the most storied landscapes in China, immortalised by Tang dynasty poetry and the towering cliffs that frame the great river. This private two-day tour begins at Baidicheng (White Emperor City), the classic vantage point for the 'majestic Kuimen' gateway and the setting of Li Bai's famous poem 'Leaving Baidi at Dawn,' a place steeped in Three Kingdoms history. You then ascend to the Summit of the Three Gorges, at 1,388m the highest point of the gorges, for sweeping views over the Yangtze far below. On day two you board a small local boat to glide through Qutang Gorge - the first and most dramatic of the Three Gorges - with its sheer walls, ancient plank-road holes and cliffside hanging coffins, continuing into the Lesser Three Gorges, a national 5A scenic area praised as 'not the Three Gorges, yet finer than the Three Gorges.' With a private vehicle and English-speaking guide, this is an easy, scenic introduction to one of China's natural and cultural icons. Best from spring to autumn. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: spring to autumn; the gorges can be misty in winter • Fitness level: easy, with some scenic-area walking and steps • The boat through Qutang Gorge is a basic local ferry, not a luxury cruise; bring snacks and water • Be sure to disembark at Wushan town centre as instructed • Tour starts at Fengjie high-speed rail station and ends at Wushan high-speed rail station

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Fengjie | Baidicheng & Summit of the Three Gorges

Your guide meets you at Fengjie high-speed rail station (please arrive before 9am). You first visit Baidicheng (White Emperor City), perched above the Yangtze and famous as the viewpoint for 'Kuimen, mightiest gate under heaven.' This is where the Three Kingdoms drama of Liu Bei entrusting his heir unfolded, and where Li Bai composed his celebrated poem on leaving Baidi at dawn; you can also wander the old Kuizhou town and sample local snacks. In the afternoon you drive to the Summit of the Three Gorges, at 1,388m the highest point of the entire gorge system, offering grand panoramas over the river and surrounding peaks, its name drawn from a Du Fu verse. You return to your hotel in the evening with free time to enjoy the riverside town's night views and cuisine. Meals: self-arranged. Overnight: standard hotel in Fengjie.
2

Day 2: Qutang Gorge & Lesser Three Gorges Boat | Departure at Wushan

After breakfast you transfer to the dock and board a small local boat to cruise through Qutang Gorge, which runs roughly 8km from Baidicheng to Daxi town and is the shortest but most spectacular of the Three Gorges, its sheer cliffs rising straight from the water. You then continue by boat into the Lesser Three Gorges and Mini Three Gorges, a national 5A scenic area renowned for its refined, intricate beauty, intriguing ancient plank-road holes and the mysterious cliffside hanging coffins. In the afternoon, depending on timing, you are transferred to Wushan high-speed rail station (an onward train after about 6:30pm is recommended), bringing your Three Gorges journey to a close. Meals: self-arranged. Boat and transfer included.

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 1 night hotel (twin room) in Fengjie Baidicheng & Summit of the Three Gorges entrance tickets Qutang Gorge / Lesser Three Gorges boat tickets

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights High-speed train tickets to Fengjie / from Wushan China visa Travel insurance Meals (self-arranged/AA) Single supplement (approx. ¥100) Personal expenses Tips

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.9★★★★★Based on 120 reviews
Elena W.🇮🇹 Italy★★★★★2024-10

In hindsight, I expected Baidicheng, Summit of the Three Gorges & a Boat Through Qutang Gorge to be the headline, and it was. What I didn't expect was how much context from the guide changed what I noticed there.

Rina T.🇨🇦 Canada★★★★★2025-05

Practically speaking, pickup and the trail start were timed well, so we were walking before the busiest part of the day. Water and rest stops were discussed clearly.

Tom O.🇨🇭 Switzerland★★★★★2025-08

Expect uneven ground and a few sections where conversation stops because everyone is concentrating on their feet. The views near Baidicheng, Summit of the Three Gorges & a Boat Through Qutang Gorge repay the effort.

Rafael F.🇳🇿 New Zealand★★★★★2024-11

Honestly, I tend to switch off when tours become a stream of dates. Here, the stories around Chongqing gave me enough to hold on to without overloading the day.

Jonas K.🇵🇹 Portugal★★★★☆2024-06

Honestly, good pacing, clear pickup and enough time at Baidicheng, Summit of the Three Gorges & a Boat Through Qutang Gorge. That is the whole review.