Yangtze River Cruise Disembarkation in Chongqing, Yichang & Shanghai: Ports & Tips
The Yangtze River cruise usually involves a journey from Chongqing to Yichang or vice versa, lasting typically 4 days and 3 nights or 5 days and 4 nights. Therefore, the place where you disembark is either Yichang or Chongqing. Tourists need to agree on the disembarkation point. Of course, there might also be a cruise from Chongqing to Shanghai with a longer itinerary. Although disembarking is not as complicated as boarding a Yangtze cruise, there are still some procedures and details that need to be noted to ensure a pleasant and smooth conclusion to your Yangtze River cruise.
Usually, the passengers disembark at Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier if they take the upstream Yangtze River cruise. For those who cruise downstream will disembark at Yichang New Century Pier (the passengers of OTC Victoria Cruise may disembark at Yichang Taohuacun Pier). If to Shanghai, then the dock is called Wusongkou Pier at Baoshan District, about 25 km from city downtown.
Before Disembarkation
The Ship Will Notify Passengers One Day in Advance
Usually, the ship will announce the disembarkation arrangements on the last night via broadcast, room notification cards, or a briefing by the ship's tour guide. You will be informed of the meeting time and disembarkation time, luggage handling time and service, optional/extra-cost activities, and whether there will be an arrangement to visit the Three Gorges Dam before disembarking.
Things to Do before Disembarkation
Before your memorable journey comes to an end, please make sure to pay all the bills signed on the ship. You can do it the night before disembarkation in an unhurried manner, probably there might be less guests to do that in advance.
Please get back the laundries and recharged electronic appliance, and pack your suitcases at night. If you want, you can place them in the corridor outside your cabin before you go to bed. The ship crew will collect your baggage to the lobby. Please make sure that the suitcases are properly locked and tagged. Then you will need to keep a small, carry-on bag with you on your last night, which will hold your toiletries and your next day's clothing.Give yourself some time for a hassle-free disembarkation. Be sure that all the belongings have been taken with you. There is no need to end your fantastic journey with a stress-filled sprint. Give a smile to the service crew and leave the tip envelope to the box (when necessary), and follow the directions of the staff to get off the ship.
For the clients who book a package tour with Easy Tour China, our private guide will be at the ship lobby to meet the clients. We don’t recommend the clients who disembark in Yichang to travel independently to the city downtown as it is not convenient to hire a taxi at all.
Yangtze Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang (Downstream): Disembark in Yichang
Maoping Port
It is 40 kilometers away from the urban area of Yichang. 90% of cruise ships (such as the Century Series and the Golden Series) dock here. From here, you can take a shuttle bus to the city center or the high-speed railway station. It is more convenient for tourists traveling to the urban area of Yichang.Santouping Wharf
It is only 5 kilometers away from the Three Gorges Dam. A few high-end cruise ships dock here. From the wharf, you can walk directly to the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area.Disembarkation time
If the Three Gorges Dam visit is not included, most cruise ships are scheduled to disembark between 7:00–9:00 on the 4th day, i.e., after breakfast.If the Three Gorges Dam visit is included (either a ship-based tour or a shore excursion), disembarkation is approximately between 11:30–13:00.
Luxury cruise ships (such as the Yangtze Explorer) may have slightly different disembarkation times depending on the cruise line's schedule.
Kind reminder:
>> Recommended 4-day Yangtze River Cruise: Chongqng to Yichang
Yangtze Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing (Upstream): Disembark in Chongqing
Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier
Located at Chaotianmen Square in the center of Chongqing, it is close to Hongyadong and Liberation Monument. Most cruise ships, including the Century Series, President Series, Golden Series, and Victoria Series, dock here. Transportation is very convenient, with a subway connection to Chongqing North Station taking approximately 30 minutes and the airport approximately 50 minutes.Disembarkation Time
If the morning shore excursion is not included, disembarkation typically occurs between 7:00–10:00 on the 5th day.
If the final shore excursion (e.g., Fengdu Ghost City) is included, passengers will return to Chaotianmen Pier after the excursion and disembark around 10:30–11:30 in the morning (exact timing depends on the cruise line’s schedule).
Luxury cruise ships (such as the Yangtze Explorer) will adjust the schedule flexibly according to the cruise itinerary, typically between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
Kind reminder:
>> Recommended 7-day Shanghai Yangzte Cruise Tour Package
Chongqing/Wuhan to Shanghai Yangtze Cruise: Disembark in Shanghai
Wusongkou International Cruise Port
Located at No. 1 Baoyang Road, Baoshan District, 25 kilometers from the city center (approximately a 1-hour drive to the Bund).Disembarkation Time
For cruises from Chongqing to Shanghai, disembarkation typically occurs between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM on the 11th day.
Kind reminder:
>> Recommended Shanghai tour packages:
FAQ about Yangtze River Cruise Disembarkation
Do I need to settle my bill on board?
Yes. You need to pay for drinks, shopping, and paid activities before disembarking. Standard services included in the cruise fare do not require additional payment.What if I have an early flight/high-speed train to catch?
You can contact the ship's staff to disembark early. Some cruise ships allow disembarkation before 6:00 a.m. The cruise ship front desk can arrange taxi or private car services upon request.Does the cruise ship handle luggage after disembarking?
Generally not. Therefore, you must carry your luggage yourself or pay to store it at the port or hotel.
>> Recommended 11-day China Golden Triangle with Yangtze Cruise