Drift through the most dramatic of the Three Gorges aboard a chartered traditional sampan, the towering limestone walls rising 1,200 metres on either side. This is the Yangtze at its most elemental, and a private vessel makes it an intimate, unforgettable encounter.
What to expect
Your private sampan sets off from the Fengjie or Wushan pier as the gorge walls close in around you. The boatman and guide explain the geology, the ancient plank roads carved into the cliffs, and the enigmatic Ba culture hanging coffins perched in rock crevices far above. The light shifts constantly as you move through the canyon — photographers will fill their memory cards. The entire 8-kilometre passage takes roughly 90 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Good to know
Availability is limited; book your private charter a minimum of 3 weeks ahead. Life jackets are provided. The gorge is best photographed in morning light — request an early departure. Confirm your ship's schedule at Fengjie or Wushan before booking. Seasonal water levels affect the experience; the gorge is navigable year-round but most dramatic in spring and autumn.