Hiking Around Yangtze River & the Three Gorges, 8 days

This itinerary allows you to fully appreciate the magnificent and grand panoramas of the Yangtze Three Gorges, while checking off Instagram-worthy landmarks and untouched natural secrets in one go. With a perfect combination of natural landscapes, cultural history and hiking experiences, this journey unlocks a truly different and in-depth Three Gorges adventure from every angle.

Linking the core hinterlands of the Three Gorges, this hiking journey weaves together the dramatic canyon scenery of the Yangtze River with cultural heritage. The route cuts through the most breathtaking stretches of the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, featuring a selection of classic and captivating trails. Beyond the well-trodden paths, the expedition uncovers hidden treasures – navigating the otherworldly terrain of the Dry Kuimen Gorge and trekking the ancient Baijiao Mountain Trail, where the untouched charm of “Three Gorges First Village” awaits.

Duration: 8 days

DEBUT Departure Date: 28 November – 5 December 2027

Itinerary

Highlights
~ Traverse the most scenic core sections of the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, with breathtaking views of the Yangtze River winding through dramatic cliff faces.

~ Hike through hillsides blanketed in vibrant autumn foliage at Wenfeng Guan and along Shennü Tianlu, with fiery red leaves contrasting against the emerald river below.

~ Stand atop the Summit of the Three Gorges for a sweeping bird’s-eye view of the majestic Kuimen Gate and the winding Yangtze far below.

~ Walk the Goddess Sky Road facing the legendary Goddess Peak, with unobstructed views and photo-worthy stops at Yaotai and Feifeng Peak.

~ Visit the iconic & historic poet’s city – Baidi, a cultural landmark celebrated in centuries of Chinese literature, and snap a photo at the famous 10-yuan banknote backdrop.

~ Follow the ancient Salt Trail, a route once used by the Ba people for salt trade, through remote forests, gorges, and cobblestone paths.

~ Explore hidden gems including the Dry Kuimen Gorge and the pristine, lesser-visited “Three Gorges First Village,” far from the tourist crowds.

~ Trek along the dramatic cliffside trails of Baijiao Mountain, with the Qutang Gorge stretching out below your feet.

Day 1 Arrive Wuhan – Yichang

Meet and Greet upon arrival at Wuhan. Transfer to the train station for the high-speed rail journey to Yichang.

Meal: Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Yichang

Day 2 Yichang – Wenfeng Guan – Wushan

Sit back and relax for a transfer (around 4 hours) to Wenfeng Guan.

Along the ridge line, the red autumn leaves along Wenfeng Guan (文峰观) presents an elegant and graceful form. Standing atop Wenfeng Guan and gazing into the distance, see fluttering red leaves blanketing the mountains, with the Yangtze River flowing like a soft, silken ribbon with emerald waters and crimson foliage complementing each other in a spectacular display. Through the blazing red leaves, you can look down upon the rainbow-like arch of the Wuxia Gorge (巫峡口) bridge, where “a single bridge spans north and south, turning a natural charm into a thoroughfare”. In the distance, Wushan County town rises in terraced layers against the mountain, its riverside charm unfolding like a painting – a scene that stirs in the heart with a grand sense of pride and adventure.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Wushan

Hiking Distance: approx. 5 KM Hiking Hours: est. 3 hours

Accumulated Elevation: -400 M Hiking Terrain: boardwalks & paved trails

Day 3 Goddess Sky Road & Yaotai Feifeng Peak

After a short transfer, hike along a stretch of trail renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage. Wander through the blazing red leaves and get an up-close encounter with the vibrant colours. Goddess Sky Road (神女天路) not only sits atop the Wu Gorge (巫峡) but also faces the legendary Goddess Peak (神女峰) directly. The path is flat and open, allowing you to stroll freely and take photos at your leisure. Along the way, arrive at the Yaotai Feifeng Peak (瑶台飞凤峰) viewing platform, offering sweeping vistas of the Wu Gorge’s magnificent scenery. Hike to the Qingshi Signal Station (青石信号台) by the riverside. In the afternoon, take a boat back to Wushan Pier, then transfer back to Wushan.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Wushan

Hiking Distance: approx. 8 KM Hiking Hours: est. 5 hours

Accumulated Elevation: -900 M Hiking Terrain: dirt trails & well-maintained surfaces

Day 4 Wushan – Ancient Salt Trail – Fengjie

Transfer to Dangyang Town (around 2 hours), arriving at the trailhead. Set foot on the Yangtze River section of the Ancient Salt Trail (巴盐古道). This stretch is part of the ancient Shu-Salt Trail – a route that rose to prominence and flourished because of salt. It stands as a legend of ancient Shu and a testament to the thousand-year journey and glory of the Ba people. Following the cobblestone paths into the forest, experience the raw, unspoiled rivers and mountains, passing through canyon gorges along the way. Hiking this truly off-the-beaten path route is our way of paying tribute to the ancients with every step.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Fengjie

Hiking Distance: approx. 9 KM Hiking Hours: est. 4-5 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +250 M/-200 M Hiking Terrain: dirt trails, stone steps & paved surfaces

Day 5 Baidi City & The Summit of the Three Gorges

Transfer (around 2 hours) to the Summit of the Three Gorges (三峡) scenic area. Stand atop the highest point and look down upon the majestic Yangtze River (长江) and the red leaves blanketing the mountains. From there, hike downhill all the way to Baidi City (白帝城), following the Weishi Bird Trail (危石鸟道), the Shiyi Plank Path (诗意栈道), and the Tianyin Divine Path (天音神道). Each step reveals a new vista, and every moment offering breathtaking views of the Yangtze. Along the way, pass by an orange orchard, where you can sample the local Zigui navel oranges. Arrive at Baidi City, immerse yourself in the charm of ancient poetry and check out the iconic backdrop featured on the 10-yuan banknote.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Fengjie

Hiking Distance: approx. 11 KM Hiking Hours: est. 6-7 hours

Accumulated Elevation: -1,400 M Hiking Terrain: boardwalks & stone-paved paths

NOTE: in case of adverse weather or other conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted to: visit Baidi City first, then hike the 8-KM uphill ‘highlights’ section from the orange orchard to the Summit of the Three Gorges.

Day 6 Fengjie – Three Gorges First Village – Yichang

A short transfer to Kuizhou Ancient Town (夔州古城), then take the boat ride to the trailhead. Hike along the cliffside trails of Kuimen (夔门), traversing Baijiao Mountain (白盐山) and taking in the stunning scenery of the Three Gorges, with a short rest stop at Three Gorges First Village (三峡第一村) along the way. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise through the Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡), getting up close to the most magnificent canyon of the Three Gorges. Return to Yichang. Enroute, take in the illuminated view of Yiling Yangtze River Bridge and the historic Zhenjiang Pavilion.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: 4* accommodation, Yichang

Hiking Distance: approx. 8 KM Hiking Hours: est. 5-6 hours

Accumulated Elevation: +450 M/-450 M Hiking Terrain: nature trails & stone-paved paths

Day 7 Yichang – Wuhan

A relaxing morning until transfer to the railway station for the high-speed journey back to Wuhan.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: 4* accommodation, Wuhan

Day 8 Depart Wuhan

Check out and the tour concludes.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 7 nights in 4* accommodation;

~ 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners;

~ non-alcoholic beverages during listed lunches and dinners;

~ 1 x return airport group transfers based on designated timing from/to Wuhan Tianhe Airport;

~ high-speed rail in 1^st Class seating, Wuhan – Yichang v.v;

~ necessary transportation as required;

~ necessary scenic area admission fee, entrance ticket/permit as required;

~ provision of drinking water;

~ Travel Wander 2027-themed dri-fit T-Shirt;

~ service of a Mandarin/English-Speaking Hiking Guide;

~ service of a bilingual (English/Mandarin) Travel Wander Trip facilitator.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Wuhan, China;

~ visa arrangement, if required;

~ meals not mentioned within the itinerary;

~ tipping for the Hiking Guide and Driver;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure on personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the trip inclusion and itinerary.

Price

Twin/Double Occupancy: SGD 2,468 per person

Single Occupancy: SGD 2,718 per person

< WBWG Rate Applicable >

Early Bird Savings!

Until 31 March 2027, save SGD 100 per person

Until 31 May 2027, save SGD 50 per person

Important Notes

~ A deposit, SGD 300 is required at the time of booking. Deposit paid is non-refundable and non-transferrable unless trip is withdrawn or cancelled by Travel Wander.

~ Travel Wander may cancel or withdraw the trip by providing notice at least 60 days before the trip start date. If you choose to withdraw from the trip before the withdrawal notice is issued, your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Wuhan, China when you have been informed to do so.

~ This trip requires minimum 8 hikers to depart and the maximum group size is 16 hikers.

~ Should you require a visa to enter China, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ For hikers who are travelling alone and have opted for twin-share occupancy, Travel Wander will do our utmost to pair you with another hiker of the same gender to share the room. If this is not possible, hikers are required to top up the difference for a single room. Should you choose not to go on this trip, the deposit paid will not be refunded.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the hikers and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it may not be suitable for hikers with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike.

~ If the hiker presents difficulty in completing the day’s hike, we strongly discourage the hiker from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the hiker and team in mind. At suitable terminating location, the hiker can fast track to the next accommodation by booking private transfer at hiker’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted hiking distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Hiking
Country	China
Hiking Grade	Grade 2 – Beginner, Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	11 – November, 12 – December

Hiking Around Yangtze River & the Three Gorges, 8 days