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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The trip was wonderful! As a senior woman traveling alone I could not have asked for a better trip. Everything was well organized and the guides were so friendly and knowledgeable. Arriving in China by myself I was nervous but the tour guide was waiting for me at arrivals at the airport, which right away put me at ease. In Chongquing , I was the only person arriving on that particular day. I had a guide and driver to myself that day. I believe the tour guide went way above what was required. He introduced me to some of the history of the city, and showed me the market area. He answered my many questions about the city and was so pleasant and concerned that I should not become too tired. Every tour guide treated us so well. I often felt like I had a member of my family with me because of the concern of the tour guides. When taking the bullet train, I was taken right to the car I was traveling in! When I arrived in Shanghai my new guide was there waiting for me. The five star hotels were very comfortable. The different sites we visited were interesting. I traveled in a group which was 18 when we started on the last days was only 9 because the others were visiting other cities. It was a great group of people, everyone arrived on time whenever a meeting time was set. At lunch we just enjoyed each other's company. This was my first visit to China and I was amazed at what a first world country with an rich history. Thank you for organizing this trip, I have memories for many years to come.
11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star CruiseIt was a wonderful tour. We had a very pleasant small group of seventeen people. Our guides were very good, particularly Candy in Beijing, Tracy in Xian and Ocean in Shanghai.
14-Day China Tour with 5-star Yangtze Cruise: Small Group & No ShoppingThis was a very organised trip and the programme was fully packed and useful and covers the most important and interesting places to see in china. I would strongly recommend this tour to any body to see the real china.
15-Day All-inclusive China Tour with Yangtze: Small Group, 5-star Cruise
10 best river cruises through China
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
- 11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
- Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 5D/4N from Yichang to Chongqing
- 11 Days Yangtze River Group Tour
- 14-Day China Tour with 5-star Yangtze Cruise: Small Group & No Shopping
- 15-Day All-inclusive China Tour with Yangtze: Small Group, 5-star Cruise
- 11-Day All-inclusive China Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze & Shanghai
- Majestic Yangtze
- Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights
- Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, Yangtze and Shanghai Group Tour 14D
- Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 4D/3N from Chongqing to Yichang
11-Day China Golden Triangle Trip: Luxury Small Group & 5-star Cruise
“Well organised tour in China. Would definitely recommend China Travel Guide to anybody.”
Michael, traveled in September
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel China Guide From $2,739
15% off- US$2,328
China's most scenic river journey flows from Yichang's Maoping Wharf to Chongqing's Chaotianmen Dock. This 5-star cruise features the Three Gorges Dam, dramatic Wu and Qutang Gorges, and the mysterious Fengdu Ghost City. A balcony cabin, 10 meals, and morning Taiji sessions complete the 4-night adventure.
Duration 5 days Destinations Yichang, Maopingzhen, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Chongqing Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
15% off- US$599
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges, Yichang, Shanghai, Wuzhen Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Top China Travel From
15% off- US$1,982
14-Day China Tour with 5-star Yangtze Cruise: Small Group & No Shopping
“It was a wonderful tour. We had a very pleasant small group of seventeen people.”
Leigh-Anne, traveled in October
Duration 14 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Yangtze, Three Gorges, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel China Guide From $3,559
15% off- US$3,025
15-Day All-inclusive China Tour with Yangtze: Small Group, 5-star Cruise
“the programme was fully packed and useful and covers the most important and interesting places to see in china”
Mohamed, traveled in April
Duration 15 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From $3,999
15% off- US$3,399
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From $2,739
15% off- US$2,328
Duration 13 days Destinations Shanghai, Yichang, Three Gorges, Yangtze, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $4,348
12% off- US$3,820
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."