How long are typical Yangtze River cruise itineraries in May?

Yangtze River cruises in May typically run between Chongqing and Yichang lasting 3-4 nights. Companies like Victoria Cruises operate ships that cover key attractions including the Three Gorges with daily shore excursions. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The 4-day cruise was perfect - enough time to see all major sights while enjoying the onboard amenities at the Century Legend Cruise ship."

What dining options are available on Yangtze River cruises in May?

Cruise ships along the Yangtze River serve both Chinese and Western dishes throughout the day. Vessels like the Victoria Anna provide buffet-style meals featuring regional Sichuan dishes along with familiar international options. Each cruise includes three daily meals plus special events like Welcome and Farewell dinners. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The food variety on Victoria Cruise was excellent with fresh seasonal ingredients and good options for different dietary requirements."

What is the weather like along the Yangtze River in May?

May brings pleasant temperatures to the Yangtze River region ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). The Three Gorges area sees mild weather with some rain making it good for outdoor activities. Observation decks on ships provide clear views of landmarks like Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. TourRadar travelers note "the weather was perfect for standing on deck and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the gorges."

How crowded are Yangtze River cruises in May?

May marks peak season on the Yangtze River though vessels like Victoria Anna and Victoria Jenna limit passenger numbers. Most ships run at 80% capacity ensuring comfort and space for all guests. Tours to shore sites follow staggered schedules to manage crowds. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Even during peak May season the Victoria Cruise ship never felt overcrowded and we could always find good viewing spots."

Are there any special events or festivals along the Yangtze River in May?

Cultural celebrations line the Yangtze River in May including Dragon Boat Festival preparations in Yichang and Chongqing. The "Beacon of Three Kingdoms" show at Three Gorges Harbor runs special performances. Hotels like Century Star and Sunrise on the Bund host cultural demonstrations and food events. A TourRadar traveler shared "The evening cultural performances and local festivals made our May cruise experience truly memorable."

Are there any special May promotions or deals for Yangtze River cruises?

Despite peak season timing operators like Victoria Cruises offer early booking rates from USD 799 for 3-night trips. Some packages include cabin upgrades on ships like Victoria Anna or complimentary excursions. Bookings through TourRadar often bundle cruise stays with nights at premium hotels like Sunrise on The Bund in Shanghai.

Yangtze Cruises in May 2027

10 Yangtze river cruises in May 2027

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City & Culture
Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights
4.2 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great experience in general. Would recommend to friends and family!"
Borislav, traveled in November
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Chongqing, Three Gorges, Yichang
Age Range
Ages 18+
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
Silk Road Trips
From
US$599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $29
7 May, 2027
10 spaces left
8 May, 2027
10 spaces left
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River Cruise
13 Days Spectacular China With Yangtze Cruise Small Group Tour (Max 16)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Yangtze, Shanghai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
5% Off
From $3,426
US$3,255per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $162
4 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
6 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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River Cruise
Totally China, Guilin & Yangtze Cruise - 14 days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Three Gorges,Yichang,Shanghai+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From $4,375
US$3,281per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $164
7 May, 2027
4 spaces left
14 May, 2027
4 spaces left
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River Cruise
China Discovery & Yangtze Cruise - 15 days
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Chongqing,Three Gorges,Yichang,Shanghai+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
25% Off
From $5,025
US$3,769per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $188
7 May, 2027
4 spaces left
14 May, 2027
4 spaces left
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River Cruise
Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise - 16 days
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Leshan,Chongqing,Three Gorges,Qutang Gorge+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $5,370
US$4,296per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $214
21 May, 2027
6 spaces left
28 May, 2027
6 spaces left
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River Cruise
15 Days China Upstream Yangtze Wonders: Marveling at the Scenic Beauty (private guide & driver）
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Yichang, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge,Chongqing,Guilin,Yangshuo,Shanghai+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
20% Off
From
US$4,085per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $204
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Best of China Tour with Yangtze(Private Tailored)
4.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"Wonderful personalized service. Excellent travel connections."
glenn, traveled in October
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chongqing,Shibaozhai Pagoda,Three Gorges,Yichang,Shanghai+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
Odynovo
10% Off
From $4,224
US$3,802per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $190
6 May, 2027
10 spaces left
7 May, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
Best China with Great Wall & Yangtze Cruise (Private Tailored)
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The tour was well planned but still allowed for changes when we wanted to switch up a planned activity."
Ben, traveled in April
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chongqing, Yichang, Shanghai
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
Odynovo
10% Off
From $4,257
US$3,831per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $191
6 May, 2027
10 spaces left
7 May, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
15Day Golden Ring of China with Hong Kong & Family (private guide & driver）
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Yichang, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge,Chongqing,Guilin,Yangshuo,Hong Kong+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
10% Off
From
US$4,932per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $246
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
11 Days Trace Imperial To Modern China With Yangtze Cruise (private guide & driver）
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge,Shanghai+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
10% Off
From
US$3,146per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $157
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
14 Days Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains & Yangtze River Cruise Small Group Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Well organized trip to see the highlights of China."
Marta, traveled in May
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Yichang, Shanghai
Age Range
Ages 6+
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
Top China Travel
10% Off
From
US$2,950per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $147
5 May, 2027
10 spaces left
12 May, 2027
10 spaces left
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River Cruise
Grand Tour of China
4.7 (34 traveler reviews)
"Nothing too much trouble, very well organised and professional."
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Dujiangyan, Chongqing,Shibaozhai Pagoda,Yangtze,Three Gorges,Qutang Gorge,Yichang,Shanghai+6 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
TUI China
15% Off
From $3,785
US$3,217per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $160
6 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
20 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Customized 16 Days China Family Trip with 5-star Cruise, Daily Start & Private Guide
Duration
16 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Chongqing,Yichang,Shanghai+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel China Guide
15% Off
From
US$4,129per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $206
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
2 May, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
China Essence: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Yangtze Cruise, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai 14 Days
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shibaozhai Pagoda,Three Gorges,Qutang Gorge,Yichang,Zhangjiajie,Shanghai+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
Silk Road Trips
15% Off
From
US$5,199per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $259
7 May, 2027
10 spaces left
14 May, 2027
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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River Cruise
11 Days Yangtze River Group Tour
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Yichang, Three Gorges, Shanghai,Zhujiajiao+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Yangtze
Operated in
English
Operator
Top China Travel
15% Off
From
US$1,982per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $99
5 May, 2027
10 spaces left
12 May, 2027
10 spaces left
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