Written by Natalia |
As the golden waterway in China, a cruise along the Yangtze RiverĀ has been a popular and ideal way to go sightseeing for most travelers, because the journey has integrated natural wonders, Ā cultural heritages and modern comfortable travel methods. As the luxury cruise ships pass through the Three Gorges, you will relax on the deck, being amazed by some of Chinaās most stunning scenery without having to step off your ship. Also, included and optional excursions to the well-known scenic spots are offered to further enhance your experience, such as White Emperor City, Fengdu Ghost City and Yellow Crane Tower.
Most cruise ships are well-equipped and like mobile star-rated hotels. There are plenty of delicious Chinese and Western dishes, cultural performances and activities, and recreational facilities on the cruise, so tourists can also enjoy a satisfying life along the journey.
Besides the classic cruising route between Chongqing and Yichang, there are also longer routes for more comprehensive experiences. Follow this article to find your perfect Yangtze River cruise routes.
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- Major Yangtze River Cruise Routes at a Glance
- The Most Classic Yangtze River Cruise Routes
- Upstream vs. Downstream: Which to Choose?
- Beyond the Classics: Longer Yangtze River Cruise Itineraries (11-12 days)
- Other Special Routes in 2025
- Top Yangtze River Cruise Ships and Which to Choose
- Planning Your Trip: Combine Yangtze River Cruise with Top Destinations in China
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Yangtze Cruise Routesā
- Book Your Yangtze River CruiseĀ with China Xian Tour
Major Yangtze River Cruise Routes at a Glance
With a length of over 6,300 kilometers, the cruise routes along Yangtze River are also various. The most classic is undoubtedly the 4-day or 5-day Chongqing – Yichang route, which covers almost all the essence of the Three Gorges. Another famous route is the long cruise route from Chongqing to Shanghai, which passes through all the major cities along the Yangtze River, so the journey takes about 11 or 12 days and offers more abundant experiences. The scenic spots of the downstream and upstream routes are similar, but due to the upstream flow, the sailing time is slightly longer and the daily activity schedule is more relaxed.
| Duration | Direction | Best For | Highlights |
| 4 days and 3 nights | Chongqing – Yichang
(downstream) |
First-comers and tourists with limited time | Cover Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam, Fengdu Ghost City, have the chance to experience the Three Gorges five-level ship lock. |
| 5 days and 4 nights | Yichang – Chongqing
(upstream) |
||
| 11 days and 10 nights | Chongqing – Shanghai
(downstream) |
Tourists with sufficient time and those who seek a full and in-depth experience | All-inclusive price, nine famous historic cities like Nanjing, Wuhan and eight 5A scenic spots like the Yellow Crane Tower and Slender West Lake will be passed through. Tourists can experience the ship locks of the Gezhou Dam and the Three Gorges Dam |
| 12 days and 11 nights | Shanghai – Chongqing
(upstream) |
The Most Classic Yangtze River Cruise Routes
The Classic 4-Day Chongqing to Yichang: Downstream Cruise
This classic Yangtze River cruise routeĀ covers all the representative scenic spots but takes less time. And the itinerary is usually reasonable with both shore excursions and time for rest and activities on board, so tourists will not feel very tired. It is highly recommended for first-comers.
In this 4-day trip, tourists can appreciate the spectacular natural scenery of Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, experience the unique ghost culture in Fengdu Ghost City, explore the renowned āpoetry cityāĀ – White Emperor City and feel the magnificence of the worldās largest water conservancy project – Three Gorges Dam. The basic arrangements are listed below, and they may vary ship by ship.
Day |
Main Activities & Scenic Spots |
Day 1 |
Boarding the ship in Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier,Ā then an orientation meeting will be held. |
Day 2 |
Morning: Disembark to tourĀ Fengdu Ghost City.
Afternoon:Ā Visit Shibaozhai or enjoy free time. Evening: Optional large-scale live-action show, āBattle of the Three Kingdomsā, at your own expense |
Day 3 |
Morning: Optional visit to White Emperor City;Ā sail through the Qutang GorgeĀ andĀ view Kuimen Gate.
Afternoon:Ā Sail through the Wu GorgeĀ and view Goddess Peak; Transfer to a smaller boat at Wushan to tour the Lesser Three Gorges or Shennv Stream. |
Day 4 |
Morning: Disembark the ship and visit the Three Gorges Dam. Some cruise lines offer the option to experience the Three Gorges Ship Lift (at your own expense).
Noon: The tour concludes. Dismiss at the Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center or Yichang East Railway Station. |
The 5-Day Yichang to Chongqing: Upstream Cruise
Compared with the above downstream Yangtze River cruise route, this upstream cruise takes more time, so tourists can enjoy a more relaxing experience to appreciate the scenery on both banks and take part in the activities on board. So it is better for tourists with enough time and who prefer an in-depth and slow tour or families. Besides, the ship will sail through the essence of the Three Gorges at daytime, while the downstream route may pass some sections at night. Because it includes an additional nightās accommodation and meals, the total price is slightly higher, but the average daily cost is more cost-effective than the downstream cruise route.
DayĀ |
Main Activities & Scenic Spots |
Day 1 |
Boarding theĀ ship in YichangĀ Maoping Pier;Ā Enjoy a welcome dinner and attend anĀ orientation meeting. |
Day 2 |
Morning: Optional visit to Three Gorges Tribe or Longjin Stream at your own expense.
Afternoon:Ā Disembark to tour the Three Gorges Dam. Evening: Experience the Three Gorges Ship Lift at your own expense, join in theĀ captainās welcome reception. |
Day 3 |
Morning:Ā Transfer to a smaller boat to tour Shennv Stream; sail through the Wu GorgeĀ and Qutang Gorge;Ā admire Goddess Peak and Kuimen Gate.
Afternoon:Ā OptionalĀ visitĀ toĀ White Emperor City at your own expense. |
Day 4 |
Morning: Free time on the ship or participate in onboard cultural activities.
Afternoon: Disembark to tour Fengdu Ghost City. |
Day 5 |
After breakfast, disembarkĀ at the Chongqing Chaotianmen Pier. |
Upstream vs. Downstream: Which to Choose?
Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison
- Duration and travel pace: Usually, the duration of downstream Yangtze River cruise routes takes one day less than the upstream routes, so its travel pace is also faster and more efficient than the upstream routes.
- Price and value: The total price of downstream routes is lower. Though the total cost of upstream routes is higher, its daily cost is actually loer as it includes one more nightās accommodation and more meals.
- Onboard experience: On the cruise ships of downstream routes, tourists will spend more time on excursions due to the relatively tight schedule. While ships of upstream routes offer more cultural activities on board, such as lectures, Tai Chi teaching, and traditional performances.
Which Route is Right for You?
You can choose the cities either Chongqing or Yichang according to your departure place or the subsequent itinerary. If you have a longer vacation, prefer a more relaxing pace and want more time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures, or you are interested in the cultural activities, then the upstream routes suit you more. While downstream routes are recommended for tourists who have less time but want to experience the classic itinerary.
Besides, if you value a low total price, choose downstream routes. If you value low daily costs and overall cost performance, choose upstream routes. Another main benefit of downstream routes is that tourists can appreciate the night scenery of Chongqing, because the ships usually depart at 20:00 or 21:00 from Chaotianmen Pier. While the ships of upstream routes arrive at Chongqing in the morning, so you can not see the night landscapes.
Recommended Tour: 6 Days Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Wuhan
Beyond the Classics: Longer Yangtze River Cruise Itineraries (11-12 days)
This route is operated by the Century Legend cruise ship, which is currently the only luxury cruise ship offering this full route.
The Full Yangtze Experience: 11 Days Chongqing to Shanghai Route
The charm of this long Yangtze River cruise routeĀ lies in its breadth and depth. Tourists can tour diverse landscapes of the Yangtze River in this single journey, including the majestic Three Gorges in the upper reaches and the expansive water surface and historic cities in the middle and lower reaches. And this route connects several regional cultures, so you can experience salt merchant culture, Buddhist culture, Three Kingdoms culture, Three Gorges culture, poetry culture and so on. Besides, the stunning scene of the ship passing through the five-level ship lock will leave a deep impression on you.
Day |
Main Stops |
Main Activities & Scenic Spots |
Day 1 |
Chongqing |
Board the ship in the afternoon at Chaotianmen Pier.Ā Attend the Captainās Welcome Reception. Enjoy the stunning nighttime landscapeĀ of Chongqing. |
Day 2 |
Fengdu |
Go ashore to visit Fengdu Ghost CityĀ in the morning. OptionalĀ large-scale liveĀ performanceĀ in the evening, āThe Battle of the Three Kingdomsā. |
Day 3 |
Fengjie |
Sail through Qutang GorgeĀ and view Kuimen Gate; OptionalĀ excursions toĀ Ā White Emperor City or the Three Gorges Summit;Ā Continue sailing through Wu Gorge. At night, experience the Three Gorges Damās five-level ship lock. |
Day 4 |
Yichang |
Visit the Three Gorges Dam. Cruise through Xiling GorgeĀ and pass through the Gezhouba Dam Ship Lock. |
Day 5 |
Jingzhou |
Optional excursions to the Chu Kingās Chariot and Horse Burial Pit or the Jingzhou Museum and Jingzhou City Wall. |
Day 6 |
Wuhan |
Visit the Yellow Crane Tower and the Hubei Provincial MuseumĀ to see precious artifacts. |
Day 7 |
Jiujiang |
Optional excursions to Jingdezhen, the Porcelain Capital,Ā to explore its ceramic culture, or visit Mount Lu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
Day 8 |
Chizhou |
Optional excursions to the famous Buddhist mountain, Mount Jiuhua, or Jidizang Temple. |
Day 9 |
Nanjing |
Go ashore to visit NiushoushanĀ Cultural and Tourism Area to experience its profound Buddhist culture and unique architectural artistry. |
Day 10 |
Yangzhou |
Visit Slender West Lake, a perfect blend of water, willows, and classical gardens. |
Day 11 |
Shanghai |
Disembark in the morning at the Shanghai International Cruise Terminal. |
Shanghai to Chongqing: The Longest Upstream Route
The experience is basically the same with the above routes, the main difference is that this ship sets out from Shanghai and traveling upstream along the Yangtze River, so it is in a slower pace. Till now, it has been the longest upstream route among Yangtze River Cruise routes.
Day |
Main Stops |
Main Activities & Scenic Spots |
Day 1 |
Shanghai |
Board the ship in the afternoon at the Shanghai International Cruise Terminal. Attend the cruise safety and itinerary briefing. Enjoy the āShanghai Nightā buffet dinner and the Captainās Welcome Reception. |
Day 2 |
Yangzhou |
Go ashore to visit Slender West Lake. |
Day 3 |
Nanjing |
Visit the Niushoushan Cultural and Tourism Area. |
Day 4 |
Chizhou |
Optional excursions to Mount JiuhuaĀ orĀ Jidizang Temple. |
Day 5 |
Jiujiang |
Optional excursionsĀ to the Porcelain Capital, Jingdezhen, orĀ Mount Lu. |
Day 6 |
Wuhan |
Climb the Yellow Crane TowerĀ and visit the Hubei Provincial Museum. |
Day 7 |
Yueyang |
Visit Yueyang TowerĀ and overlook the vast Dongting Lake. |
Day 8 |
Jingzhou |
Optional excursionsĀ toĀ Chu Kingās Chariot and Horse Burial Pit orĀ Jingzhou Museum and the Jingzhou City Wall. |
Day 9 |
Yichang |
Experience the Gezhouba Dam Ship Lock. Go ashore to visit the magnificent Three Gorges Dam,Ā Memorial Park, and the Three Gorges Project Museum. At night, experience Three Gorges Damās five-level ship lock. |
Day 10 |
Wu Gorge & Qutang Gorge |
Sail through the spectacular Wu GorgeĀ and Qutang Gorge.
Optional excursionsĀ to White Emperor CityĀ orĀ the Three Gorges Summit. |
Day 11 |
Fengdu |
Go ashore to visit Fengdu Ghost City. In the evening, attend a Farewell Gala. |
Day 12 |
Chongqing |
After breakfast, disembark at the Chongqing Pier. |
Other Special Routes in 2025
Chongqing – NanjingĀ & Nanjing – Chongqing
This Yangtze River Cruise routeĀ is operated by Yangtze Cruise No. 1, which also covers the nine historic cities and eight 5A scenic areas, so travelers can have an in-depth cultural experience during the journey. The itinerary and catering arrangements are very rich, and many scenic spots offer A and B route options. The downstream route from Chongqing to Nanjing takes 10 days, which is one day less than the upstream route from Nanjing to Chongqing.
Chongqing – WuhanĀ & Wuhan – Chongqing:
The President No. 6 and the Yangtze River Futai are the two main cruise ships of this route. This journey also includes Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, The Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam, and Yueyang Tower. The President No. 6 cruise ship can pass through the five-level ship lock of the Three Gorges Dam directly. The downstream route from Chongqing to Wuhan takes 5 days and the duration of the upstream route from Nanjing to Chongqing varies from 7 – 10 days according to cruise routes.
Top Yangtze River Cruise Ships and Which to Choose
See key features, price range and routes of top Yangtze River Cruise ships.
| Cruise Series | Representative Ships | Newness of Ship | Classic Routes | Average Cost (per person) | Key Features |
| Century Series | Century Glory/Oasis/Triumph/Myth | 2019/2023/2022 | Chongqing – Yichang | CNY 2,900 – 18,000 | Quiet and stable, excellent food, meticulous service, all-inclusive package. Ideal for travelers seeking high quality and a peaceful environment. |
| Century Legend | 2013 | Chongqing – Shanghai | CNY 9,980 – 49,800/CNY 2,700 – 13,000 | Stable, quietĀ and eco-friendly sailing, varietiesĀ of onboard activities. | |
| Victoria Cruises | Victoria Sabrina | 2024 | Chongqing – Yichang | CNY 2,500Ā – 13,000 | One of the largest cruise ships on the Yangtze River, a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisines, paint-free decor, and stylish design. |
| Victoria Jenna/Anna | 2018/2018 | Chongqing – Yichang | CNY 1,800Ā – 13,000/CNY 1,900 – 11,500 | American management and service, with a focus on details and consistent quality. | |
| Changhang Series | YangtzeĀ CruiseĀ No. 3 | 2022 | Chongqing – Yichang | CNY 3000 – 1,8000 | All-inclusive package, new facilities, indoor heated pool andĀ children’s play area. A top choice for families with children. |
| YangtzeĀ CruiseĀ No. 1 | 2024 | Chongqing – Yichang | CNY 4280 – 1,3000 | The only cruise that doesn’t use the ship lockĀ and passesĀ directly through the ship lift and Gezhouba Dam. All-inclusive with no optional fees,Ā aĀ unique route, and suitable for senior travelers. | |
| Yangtze Explorer | 2025 | Chongqing – Yichang | CNY 6,500Ā – 33,000 | TopĀ luxury, 1:1 passenger-to-crew ratio, all-suite accommodations, niche itineraries, and private butler service. | |
| President Series | President No. 6 | 2022 | Chongqing – Wuhan | CNY 3,500 – 19,200 | The exclusive operator of the Chongqing – Wuhan route, passes through the five-level ship lock and Gezhouba Dam, offering consistent service. |
| President No. 7/8 | 2024/2024 | Chongqing – Yichang | CNY 2,100 – 8,700/CNY 2,000 – 9,000 | Large tonnage, spacious rooms, and wide beds, with a variety of entertainment facilities like an indoor pool. A good value for families and groups. |
Planning Your Trip: Combine Yangtze River Cruise with Top Destinations in China
From Chongqing: Chengdu Pandas, Dazu Rock Carvings
About 300 kilometers away from Chongqing, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingĀ boasts the worldās largest captive giant panda breeding population, where you can observe the cute pandas closely. There are also other rare animals like lesser pandas.
Dazu Rock Carvings is a hot scenic spot for a Chongqing tourĀ and was carved in the Tang and Song Dynasties. The content integrates the culture of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism and reflects the secular life and social customs.
From Yichang: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
About 350 kilometers away from Yichang, Zhangjiajie National Forest ParkĀ is world-famous because of its quartz sandstone peak forests. The forest coverage rate in the park is extremely high, so the air is fresh, making it a natural oxygen bar. Besides, the floating mountain in the movie Avatar was shot here.
From Shanghai: Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Beijing
Both Suzhou and Hangzhou are famous for the beautiful natural scenery and profound cultural heritage of watertowns in southern China. The Zhuozheng Garden and Liu Garden in Suzhou and West Lake in Hangzhou are popular scenic spots. Tourists can travel from Shanghai by high-speed train in 1 – 1.5 hours.
As an ancient capital, Beijing boasts plenty of historic and cultural heritages and imperial gardens. The unmissable tourist attractions include the royal palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties – the Forbidden City, one of the Eight Wonders in the world – the Great Wall, the imperial garden Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven.
Related reading: How to Plan a Yangtze River Tour
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Yangtze Cruise Routesā
What is the most scenic part of the Yangtze River cruise?
The Three Gorges is definitely the most perfect section combining the natural scenery and cultural history. It consists of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, which are featured by grandeur, beauty and uniqueness, respectively.
Which Yangtze cruise route is best for seniors?
Most of the cruises are quite leisurely, and the excursions to the scenic spots onshore are also not difficult. So the elders can enjoy the cruise. And the recommended routes include Chongqing – Yichang Route, Chongqing – Shanghai Route and the Two Dams and One Gorge Route.
Are all shore excursions included in the cruise price?
It depends on the cruise. Usually, about 3 free shore excursions are included in the price of most cruises. Meanwhile, they also offer optional excursions for tourists to choose from. There are also cruises including all the costs, but usually the ticket price is relatively more expensive.
How far in advance should I book my Yangtze River cruise?
In the peak seasons like spring, autumn, public holidays and the season for red leaves, it is necessary to book one – two months in advance to ensure you can choose the preferred ship type and cabin. During other periods, at least half a month earlier is enough.
Book Your Yangtze River CruiseĀ with China Xian Tour
With plenty of splendid natural scenery and cultural heritages along the Yangtze River, a cruise tour has been increasingly popular in recent years, so the tickets are always in short supply. If you want to experience it, China Xian tourĀ can help you book the tickets. Also, we can plan a China tour with Yangtze River cruiseĀ based on your preference. So just contact us now to talk about your tour.
