River Cruise Tours & Trips in China
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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Lily • traveled in December
This tour is very good in creating a personalized tour based on what you want.
China's Historical Legacy and Modernity with Yangtze River Cruise(Private Custom) - K
Kendra • traveled in March, 2025
The tour schedule is excellent, and the different guides are good, friendly and very professional. BUT..... Bravo, the tour operator books very poor hotels in 2 of the most important stays- Beijing and Shanghai. For a hotel to be classified as 3 or 4 star on a tour, it's not just the hotel facilities that need to be taken into consideration, but also location. The hotels were each over an hour (double this in traffic) away from the main attractions of the city's. It made the time spent in each city very difficult. In the evenings after been dropped off by the guide it was impossible to get back into the city to go for meals or a look round at night. Very disappointing. And the operator refused to help find a better located hotel, just stated that was it. I would not recommend Bravo Tours on this basis.
Best of China Tour From Great Wall to the Yangtze 13 Days - C
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 Cruise China tour packages
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
- UNIQUE CHINA DISCOVERY TOUR: PREMIUM SMALL GROUP TOUR
- Majestic China & Yangtze River Cruise
- Grand Tour of China
- China's Historical Legacy and Modernity with Yangtze River Cruise(Private Custom)
- Best of China Tour From Great Wall to the Yangtze 13 Days
- Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights
- Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 4D/3N from Chongqing to Yichang
- 11 Days China Private Tour: Beijing-Xi'an-Yangtze Cruise-Shanghai
- Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, Yangtze and Shanghai Group Tour 14D
- Giant Panda & Yangtze River Group Tour 14D
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Yangtze, Qutang Gorge, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range Ages 35+ Operator Tweet World Travel From
- US$4,299
Majestic China & Yangtze River Cruise
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip makes sightseeing better as you have no idea in a foreign country where to go. Guided tour are great!”
Cliff, traveled in October
Duration 9 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges, Yichang Age Range Ages 35+ Operator Tweet World Travel From
- US$3,640
Grand Tour of China
34 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Knew as far as I was able to his knowledge of China. Very personable and joined in with the group.”
Duration 13 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Chongqing, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Yangtze, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, YichangSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator TUI China From $3,785
15% Off- US$3,217You save $568
China's Historical Legacy and Modernity with Yangtze River Cruise(Private Custom)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour is very good in creating a personalized tour based on what you want.”
Lily, traveled in August
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Odynovo From $2,679
10% Off- US$2,411You save $268
Best of China Tour From Great Wall to the Yangtze 13 Days
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good tour with excellent guides, always on time and very knowledgeable.”
Martin, traveled in September
Duration 13 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Three Gorges, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Spanish Operator Bravo Indochina Tours From
10% Off- US$2,779
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
10% Off- US$599
The mighty Yangtze flows from Chongqing to Yichang aboard a luxury vessel. Expert commentary enhances views of Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges. Shore tours include Fengdu Ghost City, Small Three Gorges excursion, and the impressive Three Gorges Dam.
Duration 4 days Destinations Chongqing, Wanzhou, Qutang Gorge, Three Gorges, Yichang Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
10% Off- US$999
What our customers ask about River Cruise Tours & Trips in China
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."