The Ultimate Travel Guide to Yangtze River Cruise
The Yangtze River, with a total length of 6,387 kilometers, ranks the longest river in Asia and the third-longest river in the world. Besides, it is also one of the 2 mother rivers of China (the other one is the Yellow River in the north), which nourishes a vast land of China and nurtures numerous Chinese people and creatures. Hailed as the granary of China, the Yangtze River basin is the home to some of the most majestic scenery in Asia, which should be included in the must-see list of your China tour. Among them, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, stretching from Fengjie County of Chongqing City in the west to Yichang City of Hubei Province in the east, is the most iconic section with breathtaking scenery, making it the best section to enjoy a Yangtze River cruise journey.
As one of the first two golden tourist routes recommended by China to the world, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River is the only grand canyon in the world that can be visited by boat and the best way to visit the Three Gorges is to take a cruise. By eating, drinking, and having fun all the way, you can enjoy the leisure time surrounded by the water and the sky without missing the most essential scenic spots of Yangtze Three Gorges. In addition, you don't need to travel all the way with luggage and have to suffer from the pain of changing hotels every day. Then you may wonder what you need to know to better plan your Yangtze River cruise trip, follow our ultimate travel guide here to get some inspiration.
- Select an upstream or downstream route?
- Best time to cruise on Yangtze River
- Where to start Yangtze River Cruise
- What to see on Yangtze River Cruise
- Available cruise to choose on Yangtze River
- Best cruise to choose on Yangtze River
- What's the right cabin to choose on Yangtze River Cruise?
- What activities to enjoy on Yangtze River Cruise?
- Cost for Yangtze River Cruise
- Extend your Yangtze Cruise holidays
Select an upstream or downstream route?
The Yangtze River cruises route can be divided into downstream and upstream. Both pass through the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, the most beautiful and magnificent landscape galleries on the Yangtze River, with a total length of 191 kilometers. The downstream route refers to cruises from Chongqing to Yichang, Wuhan, or Shanghai, which you can enjoy the peculiar scenery of the Three Gorges at a fast pace. While the upstream route is just the reverse, embarking from Shanghai, Wuhan, or Yichang, upstream to Chongqing.
In general, there are almost no differences in scenic spots to see on both routes, and the cruise companies have paid more attention to the arrangements of the onboard activities and shore excursions. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of both sailing directions, which are worth considering when you plan the cruise trip.
Downstream:
- Advantages: A faster speed with an average speed of 28-30 kilometers per hour to save time. Shore excursions are arranged in the daytime. No night sailing, guests can have a better rest and entertainment on the boat.
- Disadvantages: Quicker to pass the scenic spots, making it hard to take photos and listen to the explanation of the guide at the same time. In addition, it has a relatively higher cost.
Upstream:
- Advantages: A lower speed with an average speed of 15-18 kilometers per hour, with enough time to enjoy the scenery, hear the explanation, ask questions, take photos. The price is 10-30% lower than the downstream route.
- Disadvantages: A longer time to complete the whole journey, and with evening or early morning sailing time, which might affect your rest, activities, or sightseeing the next morning.
Best Time to Cruise on Yangtze River
Generally, the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Shanghai is suitable for the cruise all year round, in particular, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River from Chongqing to Yichang. However, the most suitable season is Spring and Autumn, when the climate is mild and the sun is shining, whether the green trees or autumn leaves are very beautiful. If you travel in summer and winter, the weather is extreme, making the shore excursions always uncomfortable.
Relatively speaking, winter is not a good time due to the cold weather, in addition, the cruise ships need to be suspended for routine maintenance every year, so basically, most of the Three Gorges cruise ships began to be suspended gradually in December and gradually resumed in March. However, it provides the cheapest cost and has fewer tourists, it's cost-effective for budget travelers to tour China.
Besides, the scenery of the Three Gorges varies from season to season. No matter when you come to the Three Gorges, there will be beautiful landscapes with different scenery. March to May is the time to enjoy the flowers blooming, June to September to watch waterfalls everywhere, October to December to appreciate the red maple leaves.
Where to Start Yangtze River Cruise
Among all the sections, the section between Chongqing and Yichang is the most popular section for a Yangtze River cruise, in other words, there are 2 classic routes for you to choose: one is sailing from Chongqing to Yichang, the other is sailing from Yichang to Chongqing.
Now you may wonder which is the best place to start the cruise. Honestly speaking, Chongqing would be the start best place because Chongqing is a megacity in southwest China with convenient transportation, which can be easily reached by high-speed trains from the main cities (Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Kunming, Guilin, Guiyang, etc.), and flights from all over the world. While Yichang is just a small port city in Hubei Province close to Wuhan with limited flights and high-speed trains linked with fewer cities in China. However, if you get to China via Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Changsha, Wuhan, or travel from Zhangjiajie, then Yichang can also be a great start place for your Yangtze River Cruise.
Yangtze River Cruise Facts Between Chongqing and Yichang
| Route | Chongqing to Yichang | Yichang to Chongqing |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Meeting Point | Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock | Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal |
| Embarkation Port | Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock | Maoping Port* |
| Disembarkation Port | Maoping Port* | Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock |
| Duration | 4 days 3 nights | 5 days 4 nights |
| Embarkation Process | Get to the Right Port/Pier→ Show Your Passport to the Staff and Collect Cruise Ticket → Follow the Floating Bridge and Board the Ship → Security Check → Check-in | Arrive and Enter the Three Gorges Center Tourist Terminal → Show Your Passport to Get the Bus Ticket at the Window No.7/8 → Take the Tourist Bus to Maoping Port* → Follow the Floating Bridge and Board the Ship → Security Check → Check-in |
| Disembarkation Process | Arrive at Yichang Maoping Port* in the morning → Pack your Luggage → Check Out → Three Gorges Dam Visiting → Take Arranged Buses from the Dam to Three Gorges Center Tourist Terminal with arrival at about 11:30~13:30 | Arrive at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock in the morning → Pack your Luggage → Check Out |
| Itinerary (Please kindly note that the actual itinerary might have some slight differences from the itineraries listed, depending on the actual situation. Please refer to the given itinerary from your travel advisor.) |
Day 1 Board your Ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock
Day 2 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise & Disembark at Yichang Maoping Dock (B)
|
Day 1 Yichang & Board your Ship at Maoping Port
Day 2 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 3 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 5 Arrive in Chongqing & Disembark at Chaotianmen Dock (B)
|
* For the Yangtze 1 Cruise, it will be Yichang Sandouping Port instead of Maoping Port.
What to See on Yangtze River Cruise
1. Three Gorges Dam
Yangtze River's top highlight. Located in Sandouping Town of Yichang, it is the main project of the Three Gorges Hydropower Station, the largest hydropower project in the world today.
2. Three Gorges
Composed of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, it is the most essential and charming part of Yangtze River Cruise offering breathtaking landscapes: precipitous cliffs, narrow river paths, lofty peaks covered with dense forests, unique villages.
3. Fengdu Ghost City
Famous as "Ghost Country Kyoto" and "Yin Cao Difu", Fengdu Ghost City is said to be the home of the death of human beings. It is a treasure house of folk culture and art that integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism and a shining pearl on the Yangtze River.
4. White Emperor City (Baidi City)
The current White Emperor City refers to the White Emperor Temple, houses numerous relics of the hanging coffins of Qutang Gorge, cultural relics of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and poetry inscriptions, which are of great ornamental value.
5. Shibaozhai Pagoda
The largest surviving bucket-type wooden structure in China with the largest number of floors, located between Zhongzhou Town and Wanzhou, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chongqing and the Three Gorges. It is a twelve-story attic at the height of 50 meters and built on Yuyin Mountain on the north bank of Yangtze River.
6. Shennong Creek
Shennong Creek, also known as Yandu River, its unique landscape integrates the “majestic, peculiar, beautiful and dangerous” of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. The stream is dark green, and waterfalls are everywhere. Hanging coffins, plank roads, primitive flatboats, ancient villages, and Tujia customs constitute the primitive, simple, natural, and wild beauty of Shennong Creek.
7. Little Three Gorges
Regarded as the most charming highlight of Yangtze Cruise with its super gorgeous and elegant natural landscapes, it is the general name of the Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge that flow through Wushan in the lower reaches of the Daning River, with a total length of over 60KM. They are adjacent to the Great Three Gorges of the Yangtze River covered with dense forests and bamboos.
8. Tribe of Three Gorges
Located in the most fantastic and magnificent Xiling Gorge, it is one of the most popular shore excursion sites for those cruising on the Yangtze River. It is a nice place to explore with picturesque landscapes, the primitive lifestyle of local people, historical folk culture and traditions, and the perfect mixture of Ba and Chu culture.
Available Cruise to Choose on Yangtze River
As of 2020, there are six cruise companies operating about 28 ships on the Yangtze River, with rich experience, and providing excellent service in every detail and good arrangement during several days’ voyage. They sail stably between Chongqing and Yichang all year around.
Generally speaking, the New Century Cruises and American Cruises are great options to enjoy the best service with new vessels. Yangtze Explorer is the best choice to experience the luxury lodge and one-to-one VIP service. While President Cruise, Yangtze Gold Cruises, and Changhai Cruises are the best for those who want to travel in a Chinese-styled way.
New Century Cruises
Founded in 1994, the New Century cruise leads the most top luxury Yangtze cruise ships with its excellent facility quality and first-class European styled service for the superior sailing experience. It's recognized by the European media as a "luxury cruise ship on the inland river" and the only Yangtze cruise brand winning the MAGELLAN AWARDS Silver Award organized by United States <TRAVEL WEEKLY>.
Cruises in Use: Century Paragon, Century Legend, Century Glory, Century Sun, Century Sky, Century Emerald, Century Diamond.
Sanctuary Retreats
The world-famous brand devoted to bringing the global tourists a top-notch Yangtze River cruise experience to the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River with unparalleled scenery in China with their luxury lodges and expedition ships. The only super 5-star ship, Yangtze Explorer, will steer you to dramatic destinations while you enjoy the finest and most personalized service on the Yangtze River.
Cruises in Use: Sanctuary Yangtze Explorer.
American Victoria Cruises
Since it was put into operation in 1994, Victoria cruises, operated by the American management team, have become the preeminent and leader 5-star cruise line on the Yangtze River Three Gorges with its outstanding international service quality, selected innovative routes, and excellent hardware facilities of the cruises. To date, it has won the high satisfaction and loyalty of more than 400,000 global travelers.
Cruises in Use: Victoria Jenna, Victoria Katarina, Victoria Anna, Victoria Sabrina, Victoria Selina, Victoria Lianna, Victoria Sophia.
President Cruises
It is a reputable and competitive luxury Yangtze River cruise brand managing 4 large-scale and luxury vessels. Its new world's first-class super five-star luxury cruise ships "President No. 7" and "President No. 8" in operation were built by internationally renowned ship designers with double-layer double-bottom shells, which offers better safety guarantees. The whole cruise was made of green and environmentally friendly materials. With a more user-friendly design and more entertainment facilities to experience, the large & comfortable cabins offer a wonderful cruise trip for travelers, especially with family.
Cruises in Use: President No. 6, President No. 7, President No. 8, President No. 1.
Changhai Cruises
The largest and most professional state-owned cruise travel brand in China owns 5 "Changhai Series" luxury ships, which boldly adopts the design concept and style of sea cruise ships. With high-quality service and carefully built top inland cruise ships have realized the leap-forward development of cruise ships' new generation. Besides, the Changhai series has been hailed as the "national guest fleet" in the industry because it has been used as a special reception ship for state leaders, foreign political, economic dignitaries to inspect the Yangtze River many times.
Cruises in Use: Yangtze 2, Yangtze 1.
Yangtze Gold Cruises
It has 7 of the newest, largest, safest, most luxurious, most comfortable, most environmentally friendly, and most diverse fifth-generation super five-star luxury cruises sailing on the Yangtze River. With advanced facilities and hardware and the super-five-star standard of "butler service", it lets every guest on the Yangtze Gold Cruise experience the quality of being at home, besides, it also has won the prizes of "the best luxury river cruise-popular among tourists" and "the Best Inland River Cruise Brand" and other over 40 awards.
Cruises in Use: Yangtze Gold 8, Yangtze Gold 7, Yangtze Gold 6, Yangtze Gold 5, Yangtze Gold 3, Yangtze Gold 2, Yangtze Gold 1.
Best cruise to choose on Yangtze River
With more than 20 cruises sailing on the Yangtze River, travelers can choose the cruise based on their vacation as different cruises have different sailing dates. For travelers who have unfixed date and choice difficulties, see below recommendations to get some inspiration.
- For those looking for best-value cruises with good prices and new vessels, here are the top cruises recommended by our previous clients: Victoria Jenna, Century Sky, Century Sun, President No. 7, President No. 8.
- For those preferring to experience the brand new and high-tech on a cruise, Victoria Sabrina, Century Glory, Century Paragon, Century Legend, Yangtze Gold 7, Yangtze Gold 8, and the top 2 newly-refurbished ships including Victoria Anna and Yangtze Explore are ideal choices.
- For those on business or who want a luxury vacation, Yangtze Explorer, Century Glory, Victoria Sabrina, Century Paragon, and Century Legend are the best options with high-quality service, advanced amenities, and appropriate cruise arrangements.
- For those on a family trip with kids or parents, then Yangtze Explorer, Century Glory, Victoria Sabrina, Century Paragon, Century Legend, President No. 7, President No. 8, Yangtze Gold 2, Yangtze Gold 5, Yangtze Gold 6 are the top cruises. They all offer comfortable rooms for adults with kids and entertainment areas for kids and elders.
- If you are on a budget trip and don’t want to lose the chance to enjoy the same high-standard experience, you may choose Century Sun, Victoria Katarina, President No.6, Yangtze 2, or Yangtze 1.
What's the right cabin to choose on Yangtze River Cruise?
As you are going to spend 3 to 4 nights on a Yangtze River cruise in the same cabin, it's very important to choose a suitable cabin according to your budget and interests. In addition, there are many factors you should take into consideration: cabin's rate, location, type, size, and amenities, and if you are traveling with kids, you should also know whether the cabin is suitable or not in advance.
Generally, there are three or four types of cabins on the cruises for you to choose from. For example, standard cabins, standard cabins with balconies, deluxe suites, and presidential suites are available on President Cruises, while Victoria Cruises are suited with superior cabins, executive cabins, deluxe suites, and Shangri-la suites.
Standard cabin with balcony: The size of this cabin ranges from 14 m² to 26 m², while the cabin of Yangzi Explorer, one of the most luxurious cruises, enjoys the largest size of 31 m². These cabins are usually suited with twin beds, carpet, individual air-conditioning system, LCD TV, satellite programs, telephone, dresser, mini-bar, hairdryer, and a private bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, and toiletry shelves. Private balconies are available on the cabins of many of the Yangtze cruise ships, such as the Victoria Cruises, New Century Cruises, and President Cruises.
Deluxe cabins with private balconies: Most deluxe cabins with private balconies are located on the third or fourth deck, offering better views than standard cabins located on the second floor, making it an ideal place to enjoy a coffee or wine while watching the stunning scenery pass by.
Executive suites: In terms of size, these suites are usually 10 m² larger than standard cabins, almost double in size, which has coffee tables, a small sofa, and a larger bathroom with a bathtub. The room is large enough to add an extra bed for the family groups.
Supreme deluxe suites: The supreme deluxe suites have different names depending on the cruise - Presidential Suites on President cruises and New Century Cruises, Shangri-la suites on Victoria Cruises. Usually, only two supreme deluxe suites are available on a cruise, which is located at the bow of the middle deck with a private sunbathing deck with chaise lounges, making them perfect for customers who only want to experience the best.
What activities to enjoy on Yangtze River Cruise?
In order to avoid the guests feeling bored when on board, various activities are held on the cruise for guests to join for fun: such as the captain's welcome & farewell party, cultural lectures & activities including Chinese calligraphy class, Taichi class, Mahjong playing, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture learning, as well as evening entertainment & cabaret shows including folk dance, fashion show, comedians, etc. Besides, there are the spa, gym, swimming pool, golf course, etc. to enjoy.
Cost for Yangtze River Cruise
Usually, the cost of taking a Yangtze River cruise, except for the Yangtze Explore, varies from US$356 to US$1,100, which really depends on when to cruise, which cruise, and which cabin you take. If you spend your vacation on the Yangtze Explore, the top luxury cruise on the Yangtze River, the cost is much higher: ranges from US$1,150 to US$4,400, based on your traveling season and preferred cabin. The cruise tickets include accommodation, meals, shore excursions, onboard activities, guide service, accident injury insurance, service fee, and government taxes, while it hasn’t included the transportation for getting to the cruise port and leaving from the ports to the airport or railway station, personal expense, service fee, and optional shore excursions.
Extend your Yangtze Cruise holidays
China is a vast country with natural and cultural wonders scattered throughout every corner, when cruising on the Yangtze River, it is highly recommended to combine the cruise with iconic sights such as the Forbidden City and Great Wall of Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, the picturesque karst landscape in Guilin, the cosmopolitan Shanghai, as well as the breathtaking natural wonders such as Jiuzhaigou and Zhangjiajie national parks.
If you want to discover deeper about China's 5,000 years history, watch the cute pandas, enjoy the delicious foods of different places of China, together with the splendid Yangtze River cruise, this 13 days China highlights tour with Yangtze River cruise should be the best option.
If you are looking for a tour to China nicely-balanced with spectacular natural landscapes, cultural heritage, as well as a Yangtze River cruise, we would highly recommend our 15 days Essence of China with Yangtze River cruise tour.
If you are a nature lover, it is highly recommended to take one of our 2 routes: 7 days Chengdu - Jiuzhaigou tour and Yangtze Three Gorges cruise and 7 days Chongqing Yangtze cruise plus Zhangjiajie National Forest Park tour to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of China.
If you are short on time but want to have a taste of the history and culture of China and have a cruise tour on the Yangtze River, we would recommend 7 days Beijing highlights tour with Yangtze River cruise.
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