How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise: 10 Steps (2025)

Yangtze River Facts & Yangtze River Cruise Map

Yangtze River Cruise Map

The Yangtze River, also known as Chang Jiang (长江), is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It is the longest river in the world to flow entirely within one country, stretching 6,300 kilometers.

Originating from the Tanggula Mountains on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, it traverses southwest (Qinghai, Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing), central (Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi), and eastern (Anhui, Jiangsu) China before emptying into the East China Sea in Shanghai.

Top Yangtze River Cruise Attractions

Beautiful Qutang Gorge

Three Gorges Dam

Qutang Gorge (瞿塘峡)

Known for its narrow, dramatic cliffs, Qutang Gorge is the first of the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River. Its steep, towering mountains create a breathtaking, awe-inspiring landscape, often considered the most picturesque of the three.

Wu Gorge (巫峡)

Famous for its mist-covered peaks and deep valleys, Wu Gorge is known for its mystical beauty. The gorge is flanked by rugged mountains and dotted with ancient temples, creating a serene and picturesque environment.

Xiling Gorge (西陵峡)

The longest of the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge is characterized by winding, dramatic landscapes. The area is rich in cultural history, with ancient bridges and towns that provide a glimpse into China’s past.

The Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝)

The Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest hydropower project. Its immense size and engineering marvel are impressive, and it serves as a critical structure for flood control, power generation, and river navigation in China.

Related Article(s):

Three Gorges Dam on Yangtze River: Facts, Map & How to Visit

Yangtze River Attractions: 18 Best Yangtze River Cruise Shore Excursions

How Many Days Should You Plan? Depends on the Cruise Route You Pick

Most Yangtze River cruises operate between Yichang and Chongqing, offering travelers stunning views of the Three Gorges - Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge & Xiling Gorge.

A few Three Gorges cruises, such as the Century Legend (世纪传奇), provide extended cruise routes between Chongqing and Shanghai, expanding the adventure to include Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shanghai, in addition to Chongqing and Hubei.

Let's get back to the Chongqing - Yichang section of the Yangtze River cruise! Most downstream cruises from Chongqing to Yichang are 4 days long, with the exception of a 5-day downstream cruise offered by Yangtze 1. Upstream cruises from Yichang to Chongqing typically take 5 days.

Tips:

1. If you have 5 days, you can choose either a 4-day or 5-day downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang or a 5-day upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing.

2. Upstream Yangtze River cruises often offer one more shore excursion than downstream cruises. Check more differences between upstream and downstream cruises >>

4 Days for a Downstream Yangtze River Cruise

White Emperor City

War Fire of Three Kingdoms Show

Downstream cruises begin in Chongqing and mostly end in Yichang, lasting 4 days, except for the Yangtze 1, which takes 5 days.

Along the way, you’ll marvel at the breathtaking Three Gorges and Shennv Stream, the engineering wonder of the Three Gorges Dam, and visit cultural highlights such as Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城), White Emperor City (白帝城), and Xiaoguanshan ancient architecture clusters. Folk performances like The Three Kingdoms Show (烽烟三国) are also included.

5 Days for an Upstream Yangtze River Cruise

Upstream cruises last 5 days, starting in Yichang and ending in Chongqing. The journey typically takes longer than downstream cruises, with slight differences in shore excursion offerings.

Choosing between an upstream or downstream cruise depends on your travel schedule.

Extend Your Yangtze River Cruise Trip to Explore More Destinations

Chaotianmen Port

Chengdu Pandas

• Chongqing (1-3 Days)

Before or after the Yangtze River cruise tour, consider spending 1-3 days exploring Chongqing, the magical 4D mountain city in China.

Explore landmarks like Hongya Caves (洪崖洞), Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口), and the Three Gorges Museum. Savor the iconic Chongqing hot pot and enjoy scenic river views. This takes one day.

For a deeper experience, spend one day visiting the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻) or take another day to venture to the breathtaking Wulong Karst Scenic Areas, featuring the Three Natural Bridges (天生三桥) and Longshuixia Gorge (龙水峡地缝).

Recommended Tours:

1 Day Chongqing City Tour: Explore the 3D Magic City, History & Rivers

• Chengdu (2-4 Days)

Renowned as the hometown of giant pandas, Chengdu blends cultural richness with a laid-back charm.

A 2-day tour highlights the Giant Panda Base, People’s Park (人民公园), Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子), and historic sites like Wuhou Temple (武侯祠) and Jinli Street (锦里).

For a longer stay, take another 2 days to explore nearby wonders such as the Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛) or Mount Qingcheng (青城山), perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Recommended Tours:

2 Days Classic Chengdu Tour: Meet Old & Modern Chengdu

• Zhangjiajie (3-5 Days)

Zhangjiajie captivates visitors with its otherworldly landscapes and cinematic allure.

A 3-day tour covers must-see sites like Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源景区), Tianzi Mountain(天子山), the Glass Bridge at Grand Canyon, and Tianmen Mountain (天门山).

Or, extend your trip to 4-5 days to include the picturesque Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古镇), where history and culture enhance the stunning natural scenery.

Recommended Tours:

4 Days Zhangjiajie Best Natural Tour with Glass Bridge & Tianmen Mountain

Suggested Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary

The following sample itineraries for the Three Gorges Cruise are provided only for your reference.

4-Day Itinerary for a Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang

Recommended Tours:

4 Days Chongqing Yichang Yangtze River Cruise Tour (Downstream)

5-Day Itinerary for a Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang

5-Day Itinerary for a Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Yichang to Chongqing (Upstream)

How to Choose a Yangtze River Cruise Ship?

Century Voyage

Victoria Sabrina

There are more than 20 ships sailing on the Yangtze River for both upstream and downstream. How to choose a Yangtze River Cruise ship? Consider these key factors:

• Cruise Route: Decide between a downstream cruise (usually takes 4 days) or upstream cruise (usually takes 5 days) based on your preference and schedule.

• Shore Excursions: Check if the attractions you want, like the Three Gorges Dam, Fengdu Ghost City, or White Emperor City, are included or optional.

• Boarding Date: Ensure the departure date aligns with your travel plan by referring to the Yangtze River Cruise Departure Calendar >>

• Cruise Company: Each shipping company has its own exclusive advantages.

Still unsure? Check the cruise information below. Or, contact us for personalized guidance!

• Best-Value Yangtze River Cruises: Victoria Sabrina, Century Oasis, Yangtze 1, Century Paragon, Yangtze Gold 3/5/6/8
• Luxury Yangtze River Cruises: Yangzi Explorer, Century Voyage, Victoria Sabrina, Yangtze 3
• Cheap Yangtze River Cruises: Victoria Katarina, Century Paragon, Yangtze Gold 3/5/6/8
• New Yangtze River Cruises: Yangzi Explorer, Century Voyage, Century Oasis, Yangtze 3
• Large Yangtze River Cruises: Victoria Sabrina, Yangtze 3, Century Voyage, Century Oasis/Victory/Glory
• Family-Friendly Yangtze River Cruises: Yangtze 3, Yangzi Explorer, Century Glory/Victory/Oasis, Victoria Sabrina, Yangtze Miracle

Yangtze River Cruise Accommodation: How to Opt for a Cabin?

Standard Cabins with Private Balcony

A Standard Cabin with a private balcony offers the best value for money. The sliding glass doors let you enjoy stunning river views right from your bed or balcony. You can relax with a coffee or wine while enjoying the breeze and watching the sunrise or sunset.

These cabins include a private bathroom with a shower, toiletries, a hairdryer, slippers, a clothesline, a kettle, and tea bags.

Century Voyage Cruise Superior Deluxe Cabin

Century Paragon Deluxe Cabin

Suite Cabins

Options include executive suites, family-themed suites, etc. Executive suites provide a spacious layout with a bedroom, private bathroom, independent balcony, and VIP services.

Presidential Suite Cabins

Enjoy ultimate luxury with a one-bedroom, one-living room, private bathroom, and a dedicated deck. The private balcony and VIP services make this an exceptional choice for an unforgettable experience.

Century Voyage Cruise Presidential Suite

Victoria Sabrina Executive Suite

Yangtze River Cruise Ports: Where to Embark and Disembark the Cruise?

Yangtze River Ports in Chongqing

Cruise at the Chaotianmen Port

Chongqing Chaotianmen

• Chaotianmen Dock (朝天门码头)

Located at No. 19, Yangtze River Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, Chaotianmen Dock is centrally situated in downtown Chongqing. It's near major attractions like Hongya Cave (2 km), Three Gorges Museum (4 km), and Ciqikou Ancient Town (18 km).

• Alternate Ports for Chaotianmen Dock in Times of High & Low Water

Fengdu Port (丰都港): An alternate docking location near Fengdu County, it is used during high or low water levels.

Fuling Port (涪陵港): Another backup port located in Fuling District, Chongqing, occasionally utilized when Chaotianmen Dock is unavailable.

Note: Cruise companies offer free transfer bus from Chongqing city center to Fengdu Port or Fuling Port.

Yangtze River Ports in Yichang

View of the Three Gorges Dam from Zigui Port

Disembark at Zigui Port

• Maoping Port (茅坪码头): Mostly-Used Yichang Port

Found in Zigui County, Yichang City, about 200 meters east of Binhu Road, Maoping Port is the primary docking site for most Yangtze River cruises. It's 60 km from the Visitor Center of Three Gorges Tourist Resort, requiring a 1–1.5-hour drive.

• Sandouping Port (三斗坪码头)

Situated on the southern bank of the Yangtze River near Provincial Highway 334, it is approximately 47 km from downtown Yichang and close to the border between Yiling District and Zigui County.

• Yichang No.9 Dock (九码头)

Located at No.142, Yanjiang Avenue, Wujiagang District, Yichang, this dock is exclusive to the Yangtze 1 Cruise. It's a short walk from the Visitor Center of Three Gorges Tourist Resort, the main hub for cruise transfer services.

How to Get to/from Chaotianmen Dock?

Driving is the best option, especially the private car service from Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT), which will take you straight to the right embarkation pier with no transfers and no language barriers.

Related Article(s):

Chongqing Airport to Chaotianmen Dock | 4 Options from Chongqing Jiangbei to Chaotianmen

Chongqing Train Stations to Chaotianmen Dock | Car, Metro or Taxi to Chaotianmen Dock

How to Get to/from Maoping Port?

Related Article(s):

How to Travel Between Yichang Airport and Yichang Port

How to Get to Yichang Port from Yichang East Station (2025)

Yangtze River Cruise Food: What to Eat on Board?

• Three Meals a Day Included

All cruises include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, except on embarkation and disembarkation days.

• Chinese and Western Buffet

Meals are served buffet-style with a mix of Chinese and Western dishes to suit diverse tastes.

Yangtze River Cruise Food

Yangtze River Cruise Food

• Dinner on Boarding Night & Breakfast in the Morning off the Ship

Cruises such as Century Cruises (e.g., Century Voyage, Century Oasis, Century Glory, Century Legend, Century Paragon), Yangtze Explorer, Yangtze 1, 2, and 3, and Yangtze Gold Cruises (e.g., Yangtze Miracle & Yangtze Gold 3, 5, 6, 8) provide dinner on the boarding night.

All cruises offer breakfast on the day of disembarkation.

Best Time to Cruise Yangtze River

The ideal time to cruise the Yangtze River is April, May, September, or October. These months offer mild temperatures (20-25°C), sunny weather, and minimal rainfall—perfect for enjoying the Three Gorges' scenic beauty.

• Avoid: Labor Day (early May) and National Day "Golden Week" (early October) due to heavy crowds and higher prices.
• Main Cruise Season: April-October. Book early during the main cruise season to secure the best cabins!

Related Article:Best (and Worst) Times to Cruise Yangtze River: Tips for 12 Months

Insiders’ Travel Tips for a Yangtze River Cruise

Before Boarding

• Bring motion sickness medication if needed, though the Three Gorges cruises are generally smooth.
• Store luggage at Raffles City or Chaotianmen Dock ticket office to avoid carrying heavy bags in Chongqing.
• Hire porters for luggage at Chaotianmen Dock and confirm luggage condition before paying (from 10 RMB/item).
• Boarding is typically 18:00–21:00, but some winter cruises may board earlier, around 19:30–20:00. It’s advised to board between 16:30 and 20:00.

Chaotianmen Dock Porters

Chaotianmen Dock Porters

Onboard

• Inform the cruise provider in advance of dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, halal).
• Follow the local guide’s instructions for shore excursions, including gathering points and times.
• A mandatory service charge (US$23-45/person) is required at boarding; prepay for convenience.
• Tipping is optional in China and based on personal preference.

Family Tips

• Kid-friendly activities include playground, swimming, movies, shore excursions, mahjong lessons, and welcome performances.

Yangtze Cruise Children Playground

Family fun on the Yangtze River

Senior-Friendly Advice

• Cruises are relaxing with senior-friendly facilities like elevators and accessible design.
• Senior-friendly activities include movies, welcome performances, Chinese medicine lectures, and Three Gorges Dam visits (note: some excursions have many steps).

Experience a Yangtze River Cruise with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Choose Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for a seamless Yangtze River Cruise Planning. Here's why:

• Ship Selection Tips: Insiders advice to help you choose the right Three Gorges cruise ship, cabin and itinerary.
• Specialized Services: Advance arrangements for dietary needs (vegetarian, halal) and hassle-free prepayment of service charges.
• Effortless Transfers: Private car services to/from ports eliminate language barriers and ensure timely arrivals.

Let Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) be your trusted partner for planning the perfect Yangtze River cruise. Start your adventure today!