Two Rivers Night Cruise
The Two Rivers Night Cruise along Chongqing’s Yangtze and Jialing Rivers offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and urban splendor. Departing from Chaotianmen Port, this iconic cruise illuminates the city’s skyline—featuring landmarks like Hongya Cave, Raffles City, and Dongshui Gate Bridge—against a backdrop of misty mountains. A symbol of Chongqing’s modernity and heritage, it attracts millions annually as a "must-do" nocturnal experience.
Historical Overview
Chongqing’s history as a strategic river port dates to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), but its night cruise tradition flourished in the 1980s with the city’s economic rise. The 2009 renovation of Chaotianmen Port and the 2019 opening of Raffles City (the world’s tallest horizontal skyscraper) elevated the cruise’s global appeal, merging ancient river culture with futuristic architecture.
Structural Layout
The cruise typically follows a 1.5-hour loop:
- Departure: Chaotianmen Port, near the Ming Dynasty-era Chaotian Gate.
- Route: Passes Hongya Cave (18th-century stilted houses), crosses the Jialing River, circles Raffles City, and returns via Dongshui Gate Bridge.
- Key Stops: Some cruises include short stops at Hongya Cave or Nanbin Road for photography.
Major Attractions
Hongya Cave: A 12-story wooden complex lit by golden lanterns, resembling a "floating city on water."
Raffles City: The "Horizontal Skyscraper" glows with LED displays, offering panoramic city views.
Dongshui Gate Bridge: A cable-stayed bridge illuminated in rainbow hues.
Nanbin Road: A riverside promenade lined with bars and restaurants.
Chaotianmen Port: Historic gate ruins juxtaposed with modern cruise terminals.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Cruise (1.5 hrs):
Chaotianmen Port → Hongya Cave → Jialing River → Raffles City → Dongshui Gate Bridge → Return.
Highlights: Core landmarks and photo opportunities.
Dinner Cruise (2.5 hrs):
Includes buffet dinner onboard, with extended views of Nanbin Road.
Highlights: Culinary experience + nightscapes.
Premium Experience (3 hrs):
Private cabin access, Champagne service, and guided commentary.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Ctrip, Meituan, or official cruise websites (e.g., Chongqing Two Rivers Sightseeing). Prices range from ¥98 (standard deck) to ¥298 (VIP cabin).
On-Site: Tickets available at Chaotianmen Port, but popular times (7–9 PM) often sell out.
Discounts: Students/seniors save 20%; children under 1.2m free.
Transportation
Metro: Line 1/6 to Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 3), 10-min walk to Chaotianmen Port.
Bus: Routes 181, 503, or 881 to Hongya Cave Station.
Taxi: Direct to "Chaotianmen Port" Chaotianmen Wharf, Yuzhong District.
Best Time & Tips
Ideal Time: 7:30–9:00 PM (sunset to full darkness).
Avoid: Rainy nights (views obscured) and Chinese holidays (crowded).
- Essentials:
Bring a light jacket (riverside breezes).
Use a tripod for long-exposure photography.
Arrive 30 mins early for prime deck seating.
Cash recommended for onboard snack purchases.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
