China Yangtze River Cruise 2026 | Yangtze River Tours
As one of the top things to do in China, taking a Yangtze River Cruise is popular among travelers who want to sit back and take in a wealth of natural wonders and cultural treasures of China. Capture exciting opportunities to cruise on the Yangtze River between Chongqing and Yichang for a life-affirming voyage. Escape from the hustle and bustle, immerse yourself in the spectacular Three Gorges and enriching experiences, and relax your mind with the leisure-paced journey.
Just like an ocean cruise, the best Yangtze River cruise will offer
Why You Will Love a Yangtze River Cruise?
- High-end Yangtze Cruise ships, renowned for having all the facilities and service standards of a five-star hotel, mean you can travel in utmost comfort.
- Close-up with nature, history, and culture as you discover from river to land: Shennong Stream, Fengdu Ghost City, Shibaozhai, etc.
- Expert-curated immersive experiences onboard, from morning Tai Chi training to Chinese language learning and calligraphy class.
- Classic itineraries sailing on China’s most iconic and fascinating waterway.
Choose China Xian Tour for Your Yangtze River Cruise
Always 1-on-1 travel consultant who helps you plan the holiday
20+ Yangtze cruise ships from best-in-class lines
Luxurious fleets, optimal comfort, and affordable price
Expertly designed China tours with Yangtze River Cruise
Most Recommended Yangtze River Cruises 2025
Every year, we’ve been fussy about hand-picking Yangtze Cruise fleets that drift by gorges, valleys, cities, villages, and hidden gems. Searching for an immersive experience that doesn’t compromise on the small pleasures in life? See the top recommended 12 cruise ships with the best deals for 2025 at Chinaxiantour. On board, you’ll find superb levels of service, cuisine, amenities and slick design that aim to make your journey as comfortable as possible, while the enriching shore excursions bring riverside communities and every destination to life – whether taking a small boat venturing into the quiet backwaters or exploring ancient architectural gems.
Best Seller
Century Paragon
Best Seller
Century Legend
Best Seller
Victoria Sabrina
Best Seller
Victoria Jenna
Best Seller
Yangtze 1
Best Seller
Century Victory
Victoria Katarina
Classic Yangtze River Cruise Routes 2025
A cruise on the Yangtze River between Chongqing and Yichang is the best way to celebrate the beauty and charm of the Three Gorges, the essence of the mighty Yangtze. There are two classic routes: downstream cruises sail from Chongqing to Yichang for 4 days and 3 nights, while upstream cruises travel from Yichang to Chongqing for 5 days and 4 nights. For an in-depth cultural journey through Wuhan and Nanjing, you can choose the Chongqing-Shanghai route, which takes 11 to 12 days.
Day1: Embark your ship in Chongqing
Day2: Sail through Fuling/Fengdu/Zhongxian
Day3: Sail through Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge & Wu Gorge)
Day4: Three Gorges Dam, disembark from Yichang
Day1: Embark your ship in Yichang
Day2: Three Gorges Dam, set off from Yichang
Day3: Sail through Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge & Wu Gorge)
Day4: Sail through Fuling/Fengdu/Zhongxian
Day5: Disembark from Chongqing
Top Recommended Yangtze Cruise Companies
Century Cruises
Spacious, modern, eco-friendly, five-star luxury cruise ships
Victoria Cruises
American-operated, the most international cruise line on the Yangtze
Changjiang Cruises
One of the longest-established and best value-for-money cruise companies
President Cruises
Ideal for groups, families, and conference travel
Top 9 China Tours with Yangtze River Cruise
To integrate your memorable Yangtze River experience with highlights of other Chinese tourist destinations, we dedicately designed the following multi-day China tours including Yangtze River Cruise. Beyond the memorable natural wonders and cultural experiences along Yangtze River, you can also explore interesting culture, history, life, and impressive architectures in Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai, Chongqing. You can choose from the following tours or contact our travel consultant to customize your own trip with the Yangtze River Cruise.
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Explore China’s Golden Triangle cities & Yangtze River; Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Army, the Bund
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Visit the iconic Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Army; meet lovely pandas; Shanghai highlights & Yangtze exploration
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A China highlight trip with Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Three Gorges scenery, the Bund…
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From Chongqing to Wuhan, Three Kingdoms history, Fengdu Ghost City, Feng Yan San Guo performance, the magnificent Three Gorges, the pristine Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam…
Forbidden City & Great Wall in Beijing, Li River in Guilin, Terracotta Warriors in Xian, Navigating the Three Gorges, Shanghai Skyline Spectacle
From the fairy land of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, to the captivating Yangtze River Cruise and the surreal Avatar Mountain, embrace China’s natural wonders.
Explore the spiritual wonders of Lhasa, witness the adorable giant pandas, sail through breathtaking Three Gorges.
See giant and red pandas, cruise through breathtaking river gorges, and walk the glass bridge over dramatic canyons.
Shanghai Skyline, Yangtze River Cruise, Terracotta Warriors, Li River Scenery, Forbidden City Grandeur, Mutianyu Great Wall
China Tours by Themes & Interests
Whether you’re craving a China Yangtze River tour from Shanghai, or are in search of a trip combining the Chengdu giant panda and Jiuzhaigou Valley with a Yangtze Cruise, there’s something for everyone.
Discovering Beijing & Xian’s ancient wonders from Badaling Great Wall to Terracotta Army on guided tours, cruise Yangtze River in luxury.
Discover the mystery of the Terracotta Army; Experience the energy of Chongqing, Cruise along the picturesque Yangtze River
Admire the timeless Mutianyu Great Wall & Forbidden City; Savor Peking Roast Duck; Cruise the Majestic Yangtze, explore Shennv Stream.
Explore the dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity. The Bund, Yangtze River cruise, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Dam
The upstream Yangtze tour allows you to immerse in the beauty, history & charm of Shanghai & the Yangtze River.
Experience the rich tapestry of Sichuan. Witness playful pandas, marvel at the colossal Leshan Giant Buddha, Ascend Mount Emei to the Golden Summit.
Treat yourself with lovely pandas, tasty Sichuan food, cultural activities in Ciqikou Ancient Town & leisure Yangtze cruise
Panda Volunteer program at Dujiangyan Panda Base, Leshan Giant Buddha, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Yangtze Cruise
Longji Rice Terrace Panorama, Li River Cruise, Panda Encounter in Chengdu, Shibaozhai Pagoda along the Yangtze, Shanghai’s Urban Splendor
Hong Kong skyline from Victoria Peak, Cruise the enchanting Li River, Terracotta Warriors, Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City
Including Hong Kong, Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, Xian, and Beijing.
Shorter China Tours Including Yangtze River Cruises
Discover China’s past and present. Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Sailing through the Three Gorges.
Explore the natural wonders of Guilin and the cultural richness of the Yangtze River. Drift along the Li River, Yangshuo Cycling, Explore Hongya Cave…
Explore the dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity. The Bund, Yangtze River cruise, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Three Gorges Dam
See Real Yangtze Cruise Reviews from Our Clients on Trip Advisor
5(out of 5)
★★★★★
September 9, 2025
We are happy to have a Yangtze River cruise part of our first-trip to China. When we heard that China Xian Tour offered a cruise, we didn't hesitate to book a Victoria Cruise. Excellent food and service. Interesting excursions. The cruise did not disappoint! We also enjoyed the tai chi practice on the deck!
★★★★★
August 27, 2025
We chose the Explorer, and booked from Kelly through China Xian Tour. Instead of booking on our own. Kelly give us the 20% off early booking discount, and was very helpful throughout our journey. Luxurious ship and reasonable price, especially when compared to the cruises in Europe and North America. We visited Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, then started the cruise from Chongqing, disembark from Yichang, then we fly to Shanghai. We can confirm cruising the Yangtze was a wonderful experience.
★★★★★
August 19, 2025
In August, I made reservation for a Yangtze River Cruise. We are grateful to Sophia’s assistance in booking the tickets, transfers, and our local guides in Chengdu, Chongqing, Yichang, Zhangjajie, and Shanghai. The ship cabin was comfortable, with other luxurious amenities and beautiful views. Our China itinerary was also well organized, nice guides in every place.
★★★★★
July 22, 2025
The Yangtze cruise ship was excellent, in our opinion. The personnel was very friendly, and the staterooms were very pleasant and roomy. We loved the trips, and the commentary was excellent as we navigated the river. The meal was good, but it was much more Chinese-style than Western-style, so there weren't many Western-style dishes to choose from. Without a doubt, I would suggest this trip to my friends.
FAQs on China Yangtze River Cruise
How many days for a Yangtze River Cruise?
The classic route between Chongqing and Yichang usually takes 4 to 5 days and is the choice of 99% of our clients. If sailing between Chongqing and Shanghai, it will take 11 to 12 days.
What is the difference between upstream and downstream Yangtze River cruises?
The downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang travels with the current at a faster pace, taking 4 days and 3 nights. In contrast, the upstream cruise from Yichang to Chongqing needs 1 extra day and 1 night, totaling 5 days and 4 nights. Whether traveling upstream or downstream on the Yangtze, the scenic spots and shore excursions remain the same, despite that the order of visits is reversed.
Are meals included in the Yangtze cruise package ticket?
Yes, most of the Yangtze River cruise ships offer a full package service, so the ship provides three daily buffet meals featuring a blend of Chinese and Western cuisine. Some premium vessels, such as the Century Series, Meilun Series, and Yangtze Explorer, also offer à la carte Chinese or Western dining options. However, specialty dining and beverages may incur additional charges.
What types of onboard entertainment and facilities can I expect?
Different cruise lines organize distinct onboard entertainment and activities. You can expert Sichuan opera face-changing, calligraphy lessons, tea ceremony workshops, morning Tai Chi training, traditional Chinese medicine wellness classes, and song and dance performances, etc.
Are shore excursions included?
Most cruise packages include visits to some of the important shore attractions such as the Three Gorges Dam, Shennong Stream, Fengdu Ghost City, etc. Some special attractions or performances are optional and require an additional fee, such as White Emperor City and “Fengyan Sanguo”.
Top Attractions along Yangtze River: Yangtze River Cruise Shore Excursions
- Three Gorges – is the general designation of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, offering breathtaking scenery and many cultural and historical sites.
- Fengdu Ghost City — One of the most popular attractions along the Yangtze River, is where you can see impressive ancient constructions, learn about the “ghost” culture and hell in Chinese mythology, and know the influence of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist beliefs in Chinese traditional values.
- Shibaozhai — An exceptional example of Chinese ancient architecture, Shibaozhai is an eye-catching 12-storey wooden pagoda which was built into a cliff. The top of the pagoda will offer fantastic river scenery.
- Shennv Stream — Located at the Wu Gorge, Shennv Stream is an ideal place for serene sailing, rewarding tourists with awesome scenery of surrounding gorges, mountains, and cliffs.
- Shennong Stream — Nestled between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, Shennong Stream is where tourists can hop on a local sampan to appreciate peaceful gorge scenery, discover old coffins hanging on steep cliffs, and learn about mysterious local history and customs.
- Three Gorges Dam — Being 2.3km long and 185m high, the Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Tourists can stand on the 185 Platform (with a height of 185m, the same as the dam) to observe the main architecture of the dam and feel its majesty.
What is the best time to take a Yangtze River Cruise?
Based on our expertise and feedback from past clients, the optimal seasons for taking Three Gorges cruises are spring and autumn—specifically April–May and September–October. You can expect pleasant weather, stunning scenery.
Summer (June to August) sees higher temperatures and increased domestic tourist crowds. Cruise companies offer discounted rates in Winter (November to February), and there are fewer crowds, but some attractions may be closed.
How to board/embark a Yangtze Cruise ship?
You must present your passport and boarding pass to check in at Chongqing Chaotianmen Wharf or Yichang Maoping Port. If you booked through China Xian Tour, we will confirm your specific berth and boarding time in advance. Your guide will assist you with boarding, check-in and luggage.
Are there any cruises from Chongqing to Shanghai or Shanghai to Chongqing?
Yes. The Century Legend (the only ship in 2025) offers routes between Chongqing and Shanghai, traversing over 2,300 kilometers, and taking approximately 11-12 days.
How can I combine Yangtze cruise in a China tour?
At CXT, our travel experts can customize a private China tour for you by combining Yangtze River cruises with popular cultural and natural destinations. Here are two perfect itinerary ideas: 1) 12 to 15 days in Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River cruise, Yichang, Shanghai 2) 10 to 13 days in Beijing, Xi’an, Yangtze River cruise, Shanghai.
What is the dress code on a Yangtze River cruise ship?
No special requirements. During the day, we recommend casual and comfortable attire for easy boarding and disembarking for sightseeing. For evening events such as the Captain’s Welcome Reception, business casual or simple formal attire is suggested.
