How to Cruise Yangtze River (2025)

Wanting to cruise Yangtze River? We share our full experience cruising through the Three Gorges and share how you can do the same!

The Yangtze River is Asia’s longest river and one of the most important in the world, playing a vital role in China’s economy, culture, and environment and a must on your China bucket list.

Stretching from the Tibetan Plateau to Shanghai, it supports transportation, trade, and agriculture, with fertile plains that feed hundreds of millions of people.The river powers the massive Three Gorges Dam, provides water for daily life, and sustains unique wildlife.

For thousands of years, it has also been central to Chinese history and culture, while today about one-third of China’s population depends on it for their livelihood.

The Yangtze River is a popular route for cruise boats and ferries to travel along, serving tourists who wish to experience the Three Gorges. We took a cruise on the Victoria Yangtze Cruise ship, this is our review and experience of our trip.

How to Cruise Yangtze River

1. Why Cruise the Yangtze River?

Unlike other famous rivers, to cruise Yangtze River is not only about scenery—it’s about stories. A cruise here is a journey into the soul of China, offering:

• Breathtaking Natural Beauty – The Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling) are world-renowned for their dramatic cliffs, misty mountains, and picturesque valleys.
• Cultural Immersion – Visit ancient temples, pagodas, and villages that reveal China’s rich traditions.
• World-Class Engineering – Witness the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project on Earth.
• Convenience – Cruising allows travelers to see remote areas with ease while enjoying modern amenities.
• Relaxation with Adventure – Unpack once, enjoy full-board meals, and take guided shore excursions without the stress of independent travel.

For many, a Yangtze cruise is the perfect balance of scenic discovery, cultural enrichment, and leisurely travel.

Main Routes for Yangtze Cruises

Most Yangtze River cruises focus on the central section of the river between Chongqing (a great trip from Shanghai) and Yichang, which covers the spectacular Three Gorges. However, longer itineraries can extend further.

• Chongqing to Yichang (or reverse)
  • Duration: 4–5 days
  • Most popular route, covering the Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam.
  • Ideal for first-time visitors who want a compact yet rich experience.
• Chongqing to Wuhan
  • Duration: 6–7 days
  • Includes more cultural sites and extra shore excursions.
• Chongqing to Shanghai
  • Duration: 9–14 days
  • Full-length cruise with in-depth exploration of the Yangtze Basin.
  • Great for travelers seeking a longer, immersive journey.
• Day Cruises / Short Excursions
  • In some areas, you can join shorter sightseeing boats to view sections of the Three Gorges without committing to a multi-day cruise.

Highlights Along the Yangtze River Cruise

For cruise Yangtze River options, many includes multiple shore excursions, where you disembark to explore important cultural and natural sites. The following are the top highlights:

1. The Three Gorges

• Qutang Gorge – The shortest but most dramatic, with steep cliffs and ancient inscriptions carved into the rock.
• Wu Gorge – Known for its misty, fairy-tale peaks and deep valleys.
• Xiling Gorge – The longest gorge, dotted with rapids, temples, and caves.

2. The Three Gorges Dam

• The world’s largest hydroelectric power station, a feat of modern engineering. Visitors can tour the viewing platforms and learn about its impact on China’s energy and environment.

3. Shibaozhai Pagoda

• A striking 12-story wooden pagoda built against a cliffside, offering panoramic river views.

4. Fengdu Ghost City

• A complex of temples and shrines dedicated to the afterlife, blending Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions.

5. Lesser Three Gorges

• Smaller gorges accessible by smaller boats, offering serene scenery and glimpses of rural life.

6. White Emperor City

• A historical site filled with relics, statues, and inscriptions, located on the Baidi Mountain at the entrance of Qutang Gorge.

7. Local Villages and Markets

• Some cruises include visits to small riverside towns where travelers can meet locals and witness traditional crafts.

Types of Yangtze River Cruise Ships

Cruise ships on the Yangtze range from luxury liners to budget vessels, offering different levels of comfort, service, and amenities.

• Luxury Cruises
  • Examples: Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer, Century Cruises.
  • Features: Spacious cabins, fine dining, personalized service, lectures, cultural shows.
• Mid-Range Cruises
  • Most popular choice for international travelers.
  • Comfortable cabins, buffet meals, English-speaking guides.
• Budget Cruises
  • Simpler facilities, basic meals, fewer amenities.
  • More commonly used by domestic Chinese tourists.

What to Expect Onboard

When you cruise Yangtze River, it is designed to be both relaxing and enriching. Here’s what you can expect:

• Cabins – Most have river views, private bathrooms, and balconies (on mid- to high-range ships).
• Dining – Meals often include a mix of Chinese and Western cuisine. Higher-end ships offer à la carte dining.
• Entertainment – Evening shows featuring Chinese music, dance, or acrobatics.
• Lectures & Workshops – Learn about Chinese calligraphy, tai chi, tea culture, or history.
• Facilities – Sun decks, lounges, fitness centers, and sometimes spas or pools.
• Excursions – Daily shore trips led by English-speaking guides.
• Connection – Most cruises don’t include wifi but these apps for China will help you navigate the country once on dry land.

Best Time to Cruise Yangtze River

The Yangtze can be cruised year-round, but the best times are:

• Spring (April–May) – Mild weather, flowers in bloom, good water levels.
• Autumn (September–October) – Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, ideal for photography.
• Summer (June–August) – Hot and humid; peak tourist season with larger crowds.
• Winter (November–March) – Fewer travelers and lower prices, but cooler weather and limited sailings.

How to Book a Yangtze River Cruise

You can book your cruise Yangtze River through:

• International Travel Agencies – Good for full packages including flights, hotels, and other tours in China.
• Chinese Cruise Operators – Direct booking often cheaper but may involve language barriers.
• Online Travel Platforms – Websites like Trip.com or China Highlights provide comparisons.

When booking, check:

• Ship type and star rating
• Route and duration
• Inclusions (meals, excursions, transfers)
• Language support (English guides)

Our Yangtze River Cruise Experience

DAY 1 – Boarding

When we first arrived at the Chongqing dock, we did struggle to figure out which boat was ours; there are quite a few options when you cruise Yangtze River.

Once we did find the correct boat, however, we were warmly greeted with a welcome drink and a friendly staff member who sat us in the lounge reception area of the cruise ship and talked us through the itinerary.

We were also told that the other people on the cruise were either part of a large Chinese tour group or part of a slightly smaller German tour group; meaning we would be the only two English-speaking guests onboard. This turned out to be ideal in our cruise Yangtze River experience.

We sat with the tour guides during meal times so could ask lots of questions about China and the river and for every attraction, we had our own private English-speaking guide; meaning we could explore the attractions at our own pace.

We hadn’t yet had dinner and the cruise didn’t include dinner for the first night but the chef was incredibly accommodating and cooked us a sweet and sour pork dish with rice; very nice! We then spent some time exploring the cruise ship; which had a massive chandelier hanging from the first floor and hovering over the ground floor, with an impressive spiral wooden staircase leading you through the levels of the ship. The restaurant area is spacious with a golden and red colour theme and most meals were served buffet style.

Our room was simple but clean and comfy. We paid $349 per person so were happy with the value for money we got. The room had a private bathroom, a small wardrobe and a nice balcony with two chairs and a table; perfect for relaxing whilst cruising through the Gorges.

We headed to the rooftop terrace just before 9 pm, the time our ship was scheduled to depart Chongqing. We enjoyed seeing the city lit up and met some other guests; with the limited conversation but lots of smiles and nods!

The 4th floor had a sundeck at the back of the boat along with a bar and dance floor area. We enjoyed a few drinks here most evenings with a selection of beers, wines and fancy cocktails available.

The third floor had more guest rooms and a massage centre that I am not sure was ever used by any of the guests.

DAY 2 – Fengdu & ‘Ghost City’

When you cruise Yangtze River, it is worth noting just how long your days are.

We woke up bright and early for our 8 am breakfast, which was made up of Western and Chinese food – the noodles and chicken sausages were an interesting mix. We headed out to explore the Fengdu Ghost City, the place where Chinese legend tells us is where the devil lives. It is known in China as purgatory where spirits go to heaven but evil goes to Fengdu.

This knowledge accompanied by the eerie, abandoned feel of the place, did give the visit an unusual atmosphere. For this trip we had a German and English-speaking tour guide but; because it was two English with 40 German-speaking tourists, we didn’t get much English explanation. Which, to be honest, was fine by us, as we were able to walk on ahead and explore the city ourselves without the crowd of our tour group.

At the ‘City’, you make your way up various steps and hills, moving through temples and among unusual (and slightly disturbing) statues. Although it was obvious that little restoration had been done to the city for many years, the faded colours still made interesting exploration and pictures.

We took our time wandering around the area, looking at the pagodas and temples along with the nature that was growing around the buildings and statues, following the pathway that leads to ‘hell’.

We crossed the Modoribashi; which translates to the Bridge to Hell and apparently connects the real world with the nether world. It was a foggy day during our visit but we managed to catch a glimpse and get a slightly murky picture of the Devil Hotel; a hotel that was being built in Fengdu to attract tourists but was only half completed due to several freak suicides during construction.

We then headed back to the boat for a Chinese lunch – buffet style in the dining room. The company did offer additional excursions but there were not enough people wanting to do the afternoon trip so it did not run. Instead, the ship played a film about the history of the Yichang River, which was interesting. We also learnt and had a go at Chinese glassware painting; where you dip an inked brush and paint a vase from the inside.

That evening we enjoyed a Welcome Reception from the captain and crew, including a Chinese fashion show; showcasing the fashions throughout the eras.

DAY 3 – Baidicheng & White Emperor City

We were up again for an 8 am breakfast on the next day of our cruise Yangtze River, and then headed to the White Emperor City for an optional excursion. This time we had our own private tour guide who was a lovely lady with lots of knowledge of the local area and history.

The mini-city is well known to the Chinese people because of the famous poetry written about the area. The city is home to various pagodas, temples, gates, gardens and breathtaking views of the Gorges; the White Emperor City is placed just at the entrance of the Gorges.

Visiting the Three Gorges

Once we had returned to the ship, we freshened up, had lunch and headed to the observation sundeck on the fourth floor to experience the Gorges.

We were then transferred to a smaller boat to explore the ‘Lesser Gorges’, where we sat on a long tail boat that was rowed along by a delightful singing man.

Moving through the Lesser Gorges, we were told the history of the river and learnt that by building the Dam, river levels rose and flooded entire towns. In fact, our tour guide explained to us how we were currently cruising over the old town that he grew up in.

That evening, we enjoyed a Captain’s Buffet – a lovely traditional meal with champagne. We then headed to our balcony to enjoy the sunset whilst having a natter and enjoying some chocolate we managed to buy from a market stall in White Emperor City – I am slightly addicted to chocolate!

DAY 4 – Three Gorges Dam

On our last day of this cruise Yangtze River, we were taken to visit the Three Gorges Dam, with a Museum documenting the history using a miniature model of the dam. We learnt a lot about how and why the Dam was built and enjoyed the slightly random statues and sculptures surrounding the Museum.

Once we had finished our time at the Dam, a coach drove us into the centre of Yichang where our tour guide flagged us a 10 CNY (£1) taxi to take us to our hotel; the Ramada Yichang Hotel, where we were spending a night before our flight to Shanghai the next morning.

Tips for First-Time to cruise Yangtze River

• Pack Smart – Bring comfortable walking shoes, light layers, a hat, and rain gear.
• Health & Safety – Bottled water is recommended. Some cruises have medical staff on board.
• Cash & Payments – Credit cards are accepted on luxury ships, but bring some cash (RMB) for tips and small purchases.
• Connectivity – Wi-Fi may be limited or slow on some ships.
• Tipping – Many cruises include a service charge; check beforehand to avoid surprises.
• Language – English is spoken on most international-friendly cruises, but a phrasebook can help in villages.
• Cultural Etiquette – Respect local customs, dress modestly for temples, and ask before photographing people.

Things to Know Before You go to China

Cruise Yangtze River F.A.Q

What is the Yangtze River?
The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. It runs over 6,300 km from the Tibetan Plateau to Shanghai, passing through China’s most scenic and historic regions.

Why should I take a Yangtze River cruise?
A cruise combines scenery, culture, and relaxation. Highlights include the famous Three Gorges, the Three Gorges Dam, ancient temples, local villages, and onboard comfort with guided excursions.

How long is a typical Yangtze cruise?
Most cruises last 4–5 days (Chongqing to Yichang). Longer options range from 6–14 days, reaching Wuhan or Shanghai.

What are the main highlights of a Yangtze cruise?

• The Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling)
• The Three Gorges Dam
• Shibaozhai Pagoda
• Fengdu Ghost City
• Lesser Three Gorges boat trips

When is the best time to cruise the Yangtze?
The best seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is mild and skies are clear.

Where do most Yangtze cruises start and end?
The most common route is Chongqing to Yichang (or reverse). Some longer itineraries extend to Wuhan or Shanghai.

What types of ships are available?

• Luxury ships – spacious cabins, fine dining, top service
• Mid-range ships – comfortable, good mix of amenities and value
• Budget ships – simpler, mostly for local travelers

What is included in a cruise package?
Most cruises include cabin accommodation, meals, shore excursions, entertainment, and English-speaking guides. Extras like drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips may cost more.

What should I pack for a Yangtze cruise?
Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, layers for cooler nights, rain gear, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring some cash in RMB for tips and local shopping.

Are Yangtze cruises suitable for children and seniors?
Yes. The pace is relaxed, and ships have amenities for all ages. However, some shore excursions may involve steps or uneven terrain.

Do I need to speak Chinese on board?
Not necessarily. Most international cruises have English-speaking staff and guides, though knowing a few phrases can be helpful in small towns.

Can I combine a Yangtze cruise with other China tours?
Absolutely. Many travelers pair a cruise with visits to Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City), Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors), Shanghai, or Chengdu (pandas).

How do I book a Yangtze River cruise?
You can book through international travel agencies, Chinese cruise operators, or online platforms like Trip.com. Always compare routes, ship quality, and inclusions.

Is it expensive to cruise the Yangtze?
Prices vary: budget cruises start around $250–$400 per person for 4–5 days, while luxury cruises can cost $800+ per person. Longer journeys are higher.

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