China River Cruises
Ever dreamed of gliding past misty karsts and emerald rice paddies along old rivers? Visit the historic Tiananmen Square and the grand Forbidden City, walk on the famous Great Wall, and enjoy real local food. Relax on your cruise while watching China's many different landscapes with en-route visits to beautiful villages. Adventures are waiting for you in China!
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- Choose from 19 China tours
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Claire • traveled in July
Thank you for a fantastic cruise, all the staff were very welcoming and really helpful. The shore excursions were great, the local tour guides were excellent, great English and very knowledgable.
Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights
10 best river cruises through China
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
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You'll sail through the UNESCO-listed Yangtze Three Gorges, navigating the 8-kilometer Qutang Gorge with its 1,000-meter limestone cliffs and Wu Gorge past Goddess Peak. Check out Fengdu's Ghost City with the eerie Hall of Hell and stone demon statues, then cruise to Shennv Stream.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Maopingzhen, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Joy Travel From
- US$1,963+$450 local payments
Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The shore excursions were great, the local tour guides were excellent, great English and very knowledgable.”
Claire, traveled in July
The upstream journey from Yichang to Chongqing showcases China's most spectacular gorges. Marvel at the Three Gorges Dam's engineering, choose between Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream, and visit the sacred Jade Emperor Sanctuary. Regional cuisine and cultural performances highlight the Captain's Welcome Party.
Duration 5 days Destinations Yichang, Three Gorges, Chongqing Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
- US$599
Sail the Yangtze River with Victoria Cruises through Qutang and Wu Gorges, then take a shore trip to Goddess Stream. You'll pass the Three Gorges Dam and stop at Fengdu's Shuangui Mountain. This 11-day trip mixes river time with cultural stops like Xi'an's Terracotta Army and Beijing's Forbidden City.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
- US$3,146
Victoria Cruises' passage through the Three Gorges showcases the magnificent Three Gorges Dam. The route through Qutang and Wu Gorges includes shore excursions to Goddess Stream and Fengdu Ghost City, while traditional performances celebrate local culture aboard.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
- US$3,450
Duration 15 days Destinations Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, Juyongguan, Xi'an, Yichang, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Chongqing, Chengdu Age Range Ages 18-18 Operator Inspiring Vacations From
- US$3,352
This 4-night Yangtze River cruise runs aboard the Victoria Jenna, where every cabin comes with a private balcony. The ship has two restaurants, three bars, and fitness facilities onboard. You'll pass through the Three Gorges - Xiling, Wu, and Qutang - and get to see the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. The cruise also goes along the Goddess Stream. Shore trips take you to Fengdu Ghost City's ancient temples and Ciqikou Old Town, which features Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture from 1,700 years ago.
Duration 14 days Destinations Shanghai, Yangtze, Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Just You From
- US$5,649
Victoria Cruises' route from Chongqing winds through the spectacular Three Gorges. The itinerary features Fengdu Ghost City and Goddess Stream, complemented by onboard entertainment, before concluding at Three Gorges Dam and continuing to Shanghai via high-speed rail.
Duration 7 days Destinations Shanghai, Chengdu, Yangtze Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
- US$2,165
What our customers ask about China River Cruises
When is the best time to take a Yangtze River cruise in China?
Plan your Yangtze River cruise during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) to experience moderate temperatures and manageable rainfall. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities on deck and shore excursions. The spring months bring flowering landscapes along the riverbanks while autumn offers clear visibility. Summer cruises (June-August) face temperatures up to 35°C (95°F) and high humidity. Winter journeys (November-March) see cooler weather around 10°C (50°F). A TourRadar traveler notes "We traveled in October and the weather was perfect - clear skies and comfortable temperatures made the deck activities and shore excursions very enjoyable."
What is the typical duration of a Yangtze River cruise in China?
The core cruise experience runs 3-5 days though extended packages lasting 11-15 days include visits to Beijing Xi'an and Shanghai. Downstream routes from Chongqing to Yichang take 3-4 days while upstream journeys require 4-5 days. The Three Gorges passage a central highlight needs 1-2 days to traverse. One TourRadar traveler shared "Our 4-day downstream cruise from Chongqing was the perfect length to see all the major highlights while maintaining a relaxed pace."
What are the most scenic sections of the Yangtze River cruise in China?
The Three Gorges stand out as the river's most remarkable stretches. These include Qutang Gorge Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge each offering distinct views. Qutang presents narrow passages between towering cliffs while Wu Gorge reveals quiet mountain landscapes wrapped in forest. Xiling Gorge combines unique rock formations with views of the Three Gorges Dam. A TourRadar traveler noted "The Three Gorges scenery was absolutely magnificent especially sailing through the dramatic Qutang Gorge at sunrise."
What shore excursions are typically included in China river cruises?
Standard packages include visits to the Three Gorges Dam explorations of Goddess Stream or Shennong Stream and tours of the Shibaozhai Pagoda or Fengdu Ghost City. Cultural programs often feature local village visits and temple tours. Additional options include White Emperor City and Ship Lift experiences. A TourRadar traveler notes "The shore excursions were well-organized and provided fascinating insights into local culture and history especially the Goddess Stream tour with its stunning scenery."
How do embarkation and disembarkation work for China river cruises?
Boarding starts late afternoon between 4-6 PM at main ports such as Chongqing's Chaotianmen Wharf or Yichang's Maoping Wharf. Cruise operators send dock details 24 hours before departure. Morning departure times run from 8:30-9:30 AM. Airport transfers can be arranged through cruise services. A TourRadar traveler shared "The embarkation process at Chongqing was very organized - staff helped with luggage and check-in was efficient. Just make sure to arrive at the specified dock as locations can change based on river conditions."