Chongqing Three Gorges Encounter the Most Poetic Yangtze River Amidst the Red Leaves

As the cruise ship passes through Kuimen, the forests on both banks are dyed in layers of color. This mountain and water corridor kissed by the autumn breeze is staging the most splendid annual red leaf feast.

🚢 Advantages of Viewing Red Leaves by Cruise

Panoramic Tour: Shuttle through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, gazing up at the towering red leaf cliffs
Easy and Comfortable: Avoid the fatigue of mountain climbing, with daily stops at key scenic spots for in-depth exploration
Multiple Experiences: Enjoy red leaves covering the mountains by day, fall asleep to the sound of river waves by night, fully savoring a poetic journey

🍁 Red Leaf Viewing Guide

Best Period
Mid-November to early December: Red leaves gradually dye from the mountaintop to the riverbank
Dawn and Dusk: The glow of the sunset intertwines with the red leaves, and the river reflects the shimmering light

Classic Routes
Qutang Gorge: Kuimen red leaves complement the cliff inscriptions beautifully
Wu Gorge: Under the Goddess Peak, the mountains are covered in red leaves, the most poetic and vibrant
Little Three Gorges: Transfer to a small boat to pass through the red leaf tunnel, experiencing autumn up close

📸 Must-Capture Scenes

Autumn at Kuimen: The filming location of the 10 yuan RMB note, capturing the classic composition of red leaves and river cruise ships
Under Goddess Peak: The mountains of red leaves dress the goddess in splendid robes
Atop Baidi City: Climb high to look far, watching the Yangtze River turn into a golden belt edged with red leaves

🗓️ Recommended Itineraries

3 Days 2 Nights Classic Route
Day 1: Board in Chongqing → Night tour of Fengdu Ghost City
Day 2: Qutang Gorge red leaves → Baidi City → Wu Gorge → Shennu Creek
Day 3: Three Gorges Dam → Disembark in Yichang

4 Days 3 Nights In-Depth Route
Add Little Three Gorges + Qu Yuan’s hometown, allowing ample time for red leaf photography

💡 Travel Tips

Ship Selection Suggestions
New generation luxury cruise ships: More spacious viewing decks, rooms with private balconies
Preferred routes: Include tributary tours such as Little Three Gorges and Shennu Creek

Packing List
Windproof jacket: The river breeze on the deck is chilly
Telephoto lens: Capture details of the cliff red leaves
Hanfu/long skirt: Complements the classical mountain and water scenery

Weather Warning
The condition of red leaves is closely related to temperature; check cold wave information before traveling
For foggy seasons, it is recommended to choose mid to late November to avoid heavy fog interference

When the first ray of morning light illuminates Chibi
When the red leaves fall along the ship’s side
This journey down the river
Becomes the most romantic appointment with autumn

Post by LaylaCarter | Oct 25, 2025

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