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BEFORE YOU GO

Travel Guide

A comprehensive handbook covering seasonal timing, cruise ship selection, travel documents, health guidelines, packing essentials, and travel safety.

行前规划桌面地图、双筒望远镜、罗盘与峡江晨景

01

Best Seasons & Travel Timing

  • Spring (3–5 May)the mountains return to blue the fastest, the rain is gradually more, the clouds often press down the canyon, which is best suited to understand the darkness of the "cloud rain and witch mountain".
  • Summer (6–8)entering the flooding period, rivers are rich and thick, both sides are green; sunlight is strong, it is recommended that the view of the deck in the early morning or evening is more comfortable.
  • Autumn (9–11)Recognised as the best season for physical temperature and visibility, with red leaves on both sides of the shore and full of citrus, it is also the busiest season of the shipping season.
  • Winter (12–2)During the period of dry water, the river is narrow, the canyon rocky walls are more robust and dangerous; there are fewer tourists, leisure journeys, and occasional snowfall in the mountains.
  • See Canyon cloudsSpring and early summer are most likely in the morning, and clouds disperse faster, and it is recommended to reserve a flexible time in the itinerary.
  • Observing the abundant watershed and waterfalls: the summer rains are the hottest, the mountain streams and the canyon floating waterfalls are spectacular.
  • Observing Three Canyon Red Leaves and Golden Autumn: Mid-October to late November is the best time to observe.
  • Canyon Morning Light Photography: The best lighting of the canyon in all seasons is concentrated 1–2 hours after sunrise, so early boarding is recommended.
  • High mountain snow scenery and ice snow experience: In the winter, the high altitude area of the shelf is stable, and there is basically no snow in the Jiangsu Strait.
  • The decrease in water levels between the melting period and the drought period is obvious, and the canyon presents a different appearance in different seasons; focusing on the "High Canyon Lake" landscape is recommended to avoid the deep winter drought period.
  • In the morning of the canyon, most of the fog gradually dissipates with sunrise; if the trip is only scheduled to cross the canyon once, it is recommended to avoid the last day of the trip.
  • The ship will adjust the deck and landing plans according to real-time hydrology and weather conditions, subject to shipping safety regulations.
  • In the mountains (Ensch, God-farmer shelf) the visibility after the rain has been restored relatively slowly, and after the rain, there are often magnificent clouds.
  • In the summer of August and August, the National Day holiday is the peak of three major passenger flows, the price of boat tickets and hotels along the route increases, and the row time in the sightseeing area is extended.
  • Choosing a 1-2 week trip before the peak of passenger flow, you can both avoid crowds and enjoy high cost and unchanged views.
  • During the end of the afternoon, the traditional dragon boat and sacrifice cultural festivals are often held, if you need to experience, it is recommended to confirm the schedule in advance.
  • The weekend passenger flow is mainly concentrated in the two ends of the city's landmarks and popular dining, which has a small impact on the river navigation experience.

02

Cruise Ships & Cabin Selection

  • Downwater Route (Chongqing→Yangzhou): Continuously, the sailing time is shorter, and the daily rhythm of the canyon is compact and efficient, suitable for travelers with limited holidays.
  • The upstream route (Yangzhou→Chongqing): Backstream upwards, the sailing is slow and leisurely, and the time to stop on the shore is more abundant, suitable for guests who visit the first time and experience the Three Canyons in depth.
  • The canyon that the two-way route passes is completely consistent with the main landscape, the main difference is in the rhythm of navigation and the time period of sunlight.
  • It is recommended to first determine the large traffic (flight or high-speed rail link), and then choose the direction of navigation, the route link is more smooth and economical.
  • If you plan to visit the Enschede or Shenzhen shelf on line, it is recommended to arrange the land route at the end of Ijang, so as to avoid turning back to the route.
Read the full illustrated guide →
  • Ship power and downwater age: New energy/electric propulsion cruise vessels have significant advantages in earthquake and noise reduction in recent years, and low sleepers are advised to prioritize.
  • Offshore tour projects include a range: confirming whether the daily offshore trip has already included basic tickets and check-in, which is key to the total price difference between different vessel types.
  • Public sightseeing facilities: the available area of the top sun deck, the panoramic multifunctional hall configuration directly determines the quality of the sight during the passage of the strait.
  • Forms and standards of meals on board: Understand the type of meals (Chinese self-service meals / custom table) and soft drinks equipment, family travel recommends confirming the needs of older children with meals in advance.
  • Passenger capacity and privacy: large cruise vessels have rich facilities, and small and medium sized cruise vessels can go on board and eat more intimately.
  • All-boat accessibility and elevator facilities: When accompanied by elderly or disabled people, elevator accessibility is an important consideration.
  • Indoor cabin roomsno natural lighting windows, the price is the most cost-effective; suitable for daytime activities on deck, only guest rooms as sleeping places.
  • The view of the seaequipped with sealed lighting windows, high cost, wide view.
  • Independent balcony roomThe most recommended mainstream room type on the Three Canyon route, has an exclusive private viewing terrace, which allows you to experience the changing landscape of the Canyon at any time in the room.
  • Administrative suitesproviding more spacious living space with exclusive guest service, the view is basically consistent with the balcony room on the same floor.
  • Floor and location choice: it is recommended to prioritize the middle floor of the cruise ship, away from the cabin engine and recreational activity area, navigation more smoothly and quietly.
  • The landscape on both sides is not inferior: the canyon has a magnificent view on both sides, and the landscape on both sides can be seen.
Read the full illustrated guide →
  • During the season (4–5 May, summer, national holiday, autumn red leaf season) the cabin is tight, and the balcony of the popular high-quality cruise ship is usually sold out in advance, so it is recommended to book as early as possible.
  • The order confirmation must include complete details: the name of the cruise ship, the flight date, the type of cabin and floor, the items on the shore included, the meal standards and the departure terminal.
  • Each cruise company's refund policy is implemented according to the time of departure, please read the refund terms carefully before payment; if there are doubts, you can consult customer service to help verify at any time.
  • Port terminals may be temporarily adjusted due to water level schedules, please re-check the final boarding terminal and collection time 24 hours before departure.
  • The identity information of the traveller (name, identity card / passport number) must be strictly accurate, so as to avoid checking on board due to errors in the information entry.
  • "Three Canyon cruise ships equal to ocean cruises": Three Canyon cruise ships belong to large inland passenger ships, sailing between the canyon routes, focusing on natural humanitarian tourism and stop-and-stop exploration, different from the ocean holiday cruise experience.
  • "The more attractions the more expensive the ticket": the main route of each cruise ship is basically the same as the stop in the canyon, the price scale is mainly reflected in the hardware of the ship, room specifications, food and service quality.
  • "Direct ordering of low-price privileges": it is necessary to confirm whether the on-shore excursion project is fully self-expensive, combined with the comprehensive cost to make a reasonable comparison.
  • "Top floor rooms must be the best": the view of the upper floor is wide but the impact of wind waves and top deck activity is relatively obvious, and the comprehensive comfort of the middle floor is often higher.
Keep readingSchedule according to your travel date. ↗

03

Transportation & Travel Documents

  • Yichang hubhigh-speed train arrives at Yichang East Station, flights arrive at Three Canyon Airport (YIH); city to the various boarding terminals (such as Murtong Port) need to book a dedicated shuttle ride, please do not check the arrival point.
  • Chongqing hubJiangsu International Airport (CKG) and various high-speed railway hubs are dense; the mountain-city road network is complex, and time-consuming transportation in the city suggests a sufficient amount of reservations.
  • Cross-city connectivity advice: It is not recommended that the day of boarding the boat is too compact to link the traffic and boarding time, it is recommended to reserve at least 2.5–3 hours of buffering time.
  • Return TicketsIt is recommended to purchase an afternoon or evening departure/flight on the same day, or to choose a ticket that supports flexible re-signs to cope with time flooding in the port process.
  • Residents of mainland China must carry the original valid resident identity card for real-name boarding and security inspection, and electronic identity cards and copies cannot be used as boarding credentials.
  • The accompanying minors must carry the original resident identity card or account book, please make sure to check the validity of all the documents before departure.
  • Key landscapes such as the Three Canyon Dam strictly implement full-time real-name appointments and safety inspections, please properly store documents.
  • Foreigners and travelers to Hong Kong and Macao: You must have a valid passport or passport original on board, please inform the customer service of nationality information in advance at the time of booking in order to process the declaration of foreign affairs in Hong Kong and Macao.
  • For passengers who are in shift or temporary repair, please contact us in advance to confirm the boarding policy and temporary identity verification process.
  • The cabin space on board is limited, and it is recommended that each passenger carry one medium-sized suitcase (24–26 inches) as suitable, and the large hard shell is relatively limited in the cabin and in the passageway.
  • It is recommended to be equipped with a lightweight shoulder bag: place documents, permanent medicines, mobile power supply, windproof jacket and rainware, easy to see off the shore.
  • If you need to store a large baggage at a port terminal or distributed centre, please confirm the opening hours and fee standards at the official warehouse in advance.
  • Mobile power supply (charging treasure) must comply with the civil aviation and port aviation safety transportation standards, carry it with you, it is strictly prohibited to place it in the luggage; unidentified or overmarked equipment is strictly prohibited to carry.
  • The travel confirmation form will clearly indicate the delivery service standards, the gathering location, the reception contact and the emergency contact phone, please save the snapshot in advance.
  • The boarding time is usually 1.5–2 hours ahead of the cruise ship’s departure time, including safety checks, luggage delivery and accommodation cards.
  • There is a blind zone for moving signals in some sections of the canyon, and it is recommended that the schedule and the core contact information be stored offline before arrival at the terminal.

04

Onboard Living & Health Safety

  • The water flow of the Yangtze River Three Canyon is slow, and modern luxury cruise ships are equipped with advanced smooth shock reduction devices and electric drive, and the vast majority of passengers have no fainting sensation throughout.
  • Passengers who are physically sensitive to dizziness, it is recommended to carry a dizziness sticker or oral dizziness medication with them, and use it half an hour before boarding or switching on a small cruise boat according to instructions.
  • The room chooses the central area is more smooth; if it is uncomfortable during navigation, you can go to the open deck to view the distant mountain scenery, which helps to quickly relieve.
  • During the cruise ship's passage through the Three Canyon Dam 5th level gate or boat lift, the ship's body close to the gate wall will have a weak touch and mechanical noise, and there is no need to worry about the normal passage of the gate.
  • On-shore sightseeing and key canyon tours are mostly concentrated in the early morning or afternoon, the entire ship will be broadcast on time in Chinese and English, please pay attention to the sightseeing radio tips.
  • Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the public area inside the cabin, corridor, restaurant and other public areas within the boat, smoking please go to the top sun deck designated smoking area.
  • It is strictly forbidden to board aircraft such as control tools, flammable explosives, corrosive chemicals, radioactive hazardous goods and drones.
  • Local network signals may be disrupted during flight through the deep mountain canyon, and important business matters are recommended to be arranged in advance during the port time period.
  • After boarding, please first get acquainted with the safety evacuation map behind the door, the location of lifewear storage and the emergency gathering point, and watch the safety demonstration of the entire ship carefully.
  • At night and during sailing, the deck winds are larger and the steam is smooth, do not rely on or cross the safety barrier when viewing, minors must be accompanied by adults throughout.
  • It is recommended to be prepared: sickness medication, cold antipyretic, gastrointestinal digestive medication, oral lipstick, anti-mosquito insecticide; chronic diseases long-term medication should be prepared for the entire dosage and carry with you.
  • There are more steps and slopes from the boat floating bridge and the landscape of the canyon, and it is recommended that the head of the board be prepared to protect the knees and carry the climbing stick.
  • Canyon River surface and the interior temperature difference is obvious, the air conditioning is strong and the wind is cool in the summer, please add a wind-proof coat when entering the cabin in time to prevent a cold.
  • High sea altitude (1200-2800 meters), significant day and night temperature differences; Cardiovascular disease-based travelers are advised to follow medical advice before travel.
  • Cruise ship medical room provides only basic emergency medical care, if there is a special need for storage of refrigerated medicines, please inform the coordination of the ship in advance at the time of booking.
  • Children's companionslimited public activity space on board, it is recommended to carry children's drawings or lightweight puzzle toys; on deck, stairs and balconies of guest rooms must be parental supervision throughout.
  • For the elderlyPriority is given to rooms with elevator access and nearby restaurant areas; on-shore sightseeing can be selected according to the daily physical situation to rest with the boat.
  • Three generations of homogeneous families recommend a reasonable planning rhythm, daily beach tourists choose 1 focus to participate, and enjoy high-quality holidays with full physical strength.
  • In exchange for a small boat to tour the Strait Canyon and the Shenzhen Strait Fiber Stairway and more, please report to the customer service in detail to understand the specific intensity of the walking path.
  • Flight ticket fees typically include cabin accommodation, designated China-West self-service full meal and schedule-listed base shore tours; self-cost projects typically include upgrading shore sightseeing, specialty wine bar, laundry and personal consumption.
  • When boarding and booking, please understand the consumption ticket on board and the final settlement method (supported by WeChat / Payment Treasury / Union Card settlement), and properly handle the settlement procedure the night before departure.
  • Some remote terminal network signals are delayed, and it is recommended to carry a reasonable amount of cash for emergency settlement.

05

Packing Essentials & Gear List

  • Anti-slip walking shoes / sports shoes: on the shore canyon is mostly stone stairway, easy to smooth after the rain, comfortable anti-slip shoes are the primary equipment to ensure safety.
  • Lightweight anti-wind coat/strike coat jacket: the water vapor is abundant and the wind is noticeable, and it is essential when viewing the deck in the early morning and at night.
  • All-weather rainwearChanging weather in the canyon area, it is recommended to prepare to carry a lightweight folded umbrella or high-quality outdoor rainwear, rainwear is more convenient in the canyon stairway.
  • Sunscreen skin care products: lightweight sunshine hats, polarized sunglasses, high-grade sunscreen; water surface ultraviolet reflection is strong, cloudy weather also needs to be good sunscreen.
  • Digital waterproof bagProtect your mobile phones, cameras and documents from flooding during touring or surfing on a beach boat.
  • Personal common medicines, personal special washing supplies and mobile power supplies that meet aviation standards.
  • Spring/SummerPrepare moisturizing dry clothes so that they can be replaced in a timely manner after exercise; the mountain forest sightseeing area is prepared for outdoor mosquito spray.
  • AutumnEarly evening temperature difference is significant, it is recommended to follow the rule of "fast drying inner layer + heating middle layer + windproof coat".
  • WinterPrepare for warm-up cold-resistant underwear, feather clothes and wind-resistant gloves; the cruise ship cabin is equipped with all-weather heating, focusing on outdoor deck and high mountain scenery.
  • Replacement shoesIt is recommended to carry more of a pair of spare comfort shoes, to avoid the subsequent tour experience due to rain and moisture.
  • The lens focal segment option: it is recommended to carry a medium-length focal lens (such as 70–200mm), the steep rock walls of the canyon are far from the humanitarian monuments on the other side, and the long focal performance is far beyond the wide angle.
  • Waterproof and cleaning accessories: The river surface air humidity is greater, early morning deck is easy to smoke, ready for professional lens cleaning paper and sealed waterproof bags.
  • Replacement batteries and memory cards: Low temperature and continuous start shooting consume electricity faster, and it is recommended to have many spare batteries and sufficient storage space.
  • Aircraft restrictionsYangtze River navigation route control is strict, cruise ships are strictly prohibited from landing drones, and most canyon landscapes are also banned from flying.
  • Three Canyon cruise ship for leisure holiday nature, the captain welcomes the dinner with clean and well dressed, without the need to carry a formal dress.
  • Large amounts of cashMobile payments along cities, cruise ships and landscapes are fully covered, and a small amount of emergency cash can be carried.
  • Whole box bottled drinking water and snacks: the cruise ship's cabin provides free bottled drinking water daily, onboard and along the way is very convenient, without heavy transportation.

06

Budget, Payments & Travel Safety

  • The budget for the triangle panoramic tour mainly covers four modules: cruise boat tickets (including cabin accommodation and full-time meals), large transportation to both ends, self-selected onshore experience projects, personal consumption and shopping.
  • The price of the route is mainly determined by the cruise ship star, room type and whether it includes attractions on the beach, where the difference in the price of balconies and suites is most significant.
  • There are cyclical differences in prices in the late and high seasons, and time-consuming travellers are advised to travel to the peak, experiencing better and more cost-effective.
  • When confirming the reservation, we will provide you with a clear list of costs, clearly defining the included and self-contained items; if there are any unclear terms, you can always ask for detailed explanations from the consultant.
  • The recommended order of budget optimization: prioritize the travel during the peak hours, then flexibly choose the suitable cabin type, and recommend the preservation of the core beach attractions to ensure a complete Canyon cultural experience.
  • WeChat payment, payment treasures and Union Cloud flash payments can be used freely in all cities along the way, cruise boats and mainstream landscapes.
  • When cruise ships passed through the Chongqing Canyon, the mobile communication base station signal has decreased occasionally, if important urgent affairs need to be dealt with, it is recommended to deal with the port in advance.
  • Guidelines for overseas travellers: You can scan international credit cards in WeChat or Paypal in advance before traveling, and it is recommended to purchase an eSIM or local phone card that supports high-speed roaming in mainland China.
  • It is recommended to keep an electronic copy of important documents and travel confirmation in your mobile phone and to leave the date of the trip and the name of the cruise ship to emergency contacts.
  • The High Mountain Canyon Walking Trail section recommends offline download of a good Gaudí or Baidu offline map to prepare for occasional needs.
  • It is strongly recommended that each travelling traveler be insured to cover medical rescue, luggage delays and changes in schedules for professional domestic travel accidents; the pre-assurance cover coverage of inland water projects and mountain hiking.
  • Influenced by the weather, the water conditions of the Yangtze River and the timing of the hub of the Three Canyon Dam, the scheduling of the flight may be subtly adjusted, and it is recommended that both ends of traffic as much as possible select the type of visa that can be changed.
  • If you encounter force majeure or personal emergency during the trip, please contact our exclusive travel agent and the cruise ship front desk at the first time to assist with the seamless connection of the follow-up trip.
  • Keep a card with emergency phone calls and basic health information in your luggage to provide security in special situations such as cell phone power outages.
  • Service fee regulationsCruise ships are not obliged to charge domestic travellers a fee, and travellers can voluntarily thank the guest room or catering service staff according to personal satisfaction.
  • Pure Play No Shopping Promise: Going2China strictly prohibits any form of compulsory shopping arrangements for all trips, and the quality guarantee of pure play is clearly stated in the travel contract.
  • Single travel arrangement: supports single travel, you can choose a single cabin or the same-sex accommodation coordinated by the cruise company (depending on the shipping policy of the season).
  • Customization and flexibility of the itinerary: you can customize the exclusive land and water connectivity scheme according to the number of peers, long-term structure and holiday days, the earlier the communication planning, the better the optimum resources can be locked.