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 18 China tours
- 6 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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- B
Borislav • traveled in November
Great experience in general. Would recommend to friends and family!
Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights - 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 cruises through China
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
- 11-Day China Highlights Tour with Yangtze Cruise: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai
- Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights
- Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights
- 11 Days Trace Imperial To Modern China With Yangtze Cruise (private guide & driver）
- 11 Days Trace Imperial To Modern China With Yangtze Cruise with family (private guide & driver）
- 7 Days China Shanghai Chengdu and Yangtze Cruise (private guide & driver）customizable
- Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 5D/4N from Yichang to Chongqing
- 15 Days China Upstream Yangtze Wonders: Marveling at the Scenic Beauty (private guide & driver）
- 14 Days China Yangtze Cruise and Li River with family (private guide & driver）
- 14 Days China Yangtze Cruise and Li River(private guide & driver）
The Yangtze River cruise runs for 3 nights, sailing through Qutang Gorge with its towering 1,000-meter limestone cliffs and past Wu Gorge's Goddess Peak. Onboard, you'll join Tai Chi sessions and watch a traditional Crew Cabaret. The UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi'an houses 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers standing in formation. Then hike along the Mutianyu Great Wall, checking out 23 watchtowers while taking in panoramic mountain views. Shanghai's 400-year-old Yu Garden and a Chinese Tea Ceremony show traditional culture. A cruise past The Bund's neoclassical buildings and a stop at Jade Buddha Temple to see its 1.9-meter white jade Buddha round out the city portion.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Joy Travel From
- US$1,963+$450 local payments
Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was good for us especially as we chose to upgrade to the Presidential suite for an extra 3000000.”
Mike, traveled in November
This premier river cruise from Chongqing to Yichang glides past limestone cliffs of Three Gorges. The 5-star vessel provides daily buffets and excursions to Three Gorges Dam, plus either Goddess Stream or Shennong Stream visits. Modern amenities and river views grace each cabin.
Duration 4 days Destinations Chongqing, Three Gorges, Yichang Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
- US$599
Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The ships staff were great and tried to make me comfortable especially Cathy, the ship's officer.”
EUSTACE, traveled in September
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
The Victoria Cruises ship sails through the Three Gorges, passing through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge before reaching the Three Gorges Dam. Shore excursions take you to the Goddess Stream and up Fengdu's ShuangGui Mountain. This 11-day trip pairs the river voyage with stops at Beijing's UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, Xi'an's Terracotta Army, and Shanghai's French Concession. English-speaking guides and private transportation come included throughout China.
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, Three Gorges, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
- US$3,450
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
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, Three Gorges, Chongqing Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Silk Road Trips From
- US$799
The upstream cruise through the Three Gorges aboard a Victoria Cruises ship navigates the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge while checking out the mystical Goddess Stream at dawn. Starting from Beijing's UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, you'll see the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, then board at Yichang's Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for five days of river travel, including shore excursions to the Three Gorges Dam Site and Fengdu's Snow Jade Cave. A Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo passes karst peaks and bamboo rafts, before walking through Shanghai's historic Bund and French Concession neighborhoods wraps up the trip.
Duration 15 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Yichang, Three Gorges, Chongqing, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
- US$4,085
The Yangtze River voyage from Chongqing through Three Gorges highlights Fengdu's Ghost City and Goddess Stream excursions. White Emperor City and Three Gorges Dam round out this waterway adventure.
Duration 14 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Yangtze, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
- US$4,952
Victoria Cruises' route through the Three Gorges showcases Goddess Stream and Fengdu Ghost City. The Li River's karst landscapes unfold from Guilin to Yangshuo, while Three Gorges Dam's engineering marvel precedes the final stop in Shanghai.
Duration 14 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Guilin, Yangshuo, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From
- US$4,885
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."