Yangtze River Cruise Tips | Yangtze Cruise FAQs & Travel Guide

A Yangtze River Cruise can last from 4 to 11 days, the most common options are 4-5 night cruises between Chongqing to Yichang that cover key attractions such as the Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam.

Chongqing to Yichang Downstream: 4 Days and 3 Nights

Yichang to Chongqing Upstream: 5 Days and 4 Nights

Wuhan to Shanghai Downstream: 7 Days and 6 Nights

Shanghai to Wuhan Upstream: 7 Days and 6 Nights

Chongqing to Shanghai Downstream: 11 Days and 10 Nights

Shanghai to Chongqing Upstream: 11 Days and 10 Nights

Downstream Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang (4 Days & 3 Nights): Ideal for travelers coming from cities like Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, or Hong Kong due to Chongqing's extensive transportation links.

Upstream Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing (5 Days & 4 Nights): Best suited for those entering China via Shanghai, as Yichang a small port city and has limited connections to other cities.

The Yangtze River runs through several provinces in China and is adjacent to many cities that are popular with tourists. These cities offer a mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences.

Upper Reaches:

Yichang: Close to the Three Gorges Dam, it's another popular starting or ending point for Yangtze River cruises.

Wuhan: Known for the Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum, and its many lakes and parks.

Lower Reaches:

Nanjing: Offers historical sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Dynasty City Wall, and the Confucius Temple area.

Delta Region:

Shanghai: A global metropolis, known for its skyline, shopping, and cuisine.

Suzhou: Famous for its classical Chinese gardens like the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden.

Hangzhou: Although not directly on the Yangtze, it's fairly close and famous for the picturesque West Lake and its tea plantations.

Chengdu: Located about 300 km from Chongqing, Chengdu is famous for its Sichuan cuisine and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It's a 2-hour high-speed train ride away from Chongqing.

Xi'an: Known for the Terracotta Army and its rich history as a former capital of several Chinese dynasties, Xi'an is reachable by 5 hours high-speed train or a short flight.

Guilin: Guilin is renowned for its dramatic karst landscapes and the Li River, Guilin is reachable by 5 hours high-speed train or a short flight.

Guiyang: It known for its ethnic diversity and beautiful landscapes like the Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guiyang is reachable by 2 hours high-speed train or a short flight.

If starting from Chongqing: The primary dock is usually the Chaotianmen Dock in Chongqing. You can get there via taxi, public transport from your hotel or train station or, airport.

If starting from Yichang: The primary dock is usually the Maoping Port in Yichang. The cruise company offers a complimentary shuttle to Maoping Port from both Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal and Yichang East Railway Station. Shuttles operate from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Note: The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. To ensure accuracy, it's advisable to confirm the boarding information with the cruise company or your travel consultant at least a day in advance or in the morning before departure.

Best Times for Mild Weather:

Spring (March to May): Pleasant temperatures and blossoming landscapes.

Autumn (September to November): Mild weather and colorful autumn foliage.

Best Time for Deals:

Winter: Cruises are less crowded and prices are generally lower, but be prepared for colder weather.

Best Time for Family Vacation:

Summer: This season offers a more relaxed cruise experience at a relatively lower price compared to peak seasons, but it's also the hottest and can be crowded.

Natural Attractions:

Three Gorges:

Qutang Gorge: Known for its narrow width and towering cliffs.

Wu Gorge: Famous for its mysterious, misty landscapes and the Twelve Peaks.

Xiling Gorge: The longest of the Three Gorges, known for its rapids and serene landscapes.

Lesser Three Gorges: A tributary of the Yangtze, offering a more intimate experience of China's natural beauty.

Historical and Cultural Sites:

Shibaozhai Temple: An architectual marvel, this 12-story wooden pagoda is situated on a steep cliff.

Fengdu Ghost City: A complex of shrines and temples dedicated to the afterlife, based on Chinese mythology.

White Emperor City: Known for its historical significance and stunning views of the Qutang Gorge.

Modern Marvels:

Three Gorges Dam: The world's largest hydroelectric dam, it's an engineering marvel and also offers a viewpoint for tourists.

Ship Locks and Ship Lift: These are part of the Three Gorges Dam and offer a fascinating look at how ships navigate the change in water levels.

Yangtze River Bridge at Yichang: An important infrastructural development connecting the two sides of the river.

Local Villages:

Shennong Stream Villages: You can visit traditional villages where you may observe local customs and traditional ways of life.

Tribe of the Three Gorges: You can gain an intimate look at the local culture and traditions of the communities that have lived along the river for generations.

Yes, all the ship journeys one planned shore excursion each day without any additional costs. And also offer optional shore excursions for an additional fee. Having both included and optional shore excursions provides a balanced and flexible itinerary, letting you tailor your experience to your own interests and priorities.

Most modern, 5-star cruise ships offer free or paid Wi-Fi, although connectivity can be limited or unavailable in remote areas.