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Why choose a Yangtze River cruise? Enjoy a luxurious 5-star cruise experience as you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of authentic China. Sail between Chongqing and Yichang (in Hubei Province) and explore iconic landmarks like the majestic Three Gorges and the world-renowned Three Gorges Dam.
There are five top Yangtze cruise lines operating over 20 ships with various itineraries. For first-timers, we highly recommend Century Cruises and Victoria Cruises. At Asia Odyssey Travel, our dedicated team of 180 experts specializes in Yangtze River cruises. We’ve gathered the latest information on each cruise ship to help you choose the ideal one based on your preferences and budget. From booking to cruising, we guide you through every step - from embarkation to disembarkation - ensuring a hassle-free and memorable vacation.
With our insider knowledge and price advantage, we offer the best deal to make your Yangtze River cruise and Yangtze tours an exceptional value. Let us help you create an unforgettable Yangtze cruise vacation!
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Choose from 5 top-rated cruise companies operating on the Yangtze River: (1) Century Cruises: Featuring 6 ships with the newest fleet and unbeatable value. (2) Victoria Cruises: A well-established brand with 4 ships, offering budget-friendly options. (3) Yangtze Explorer: For those seeking a luxurious, premium cruise experience. (4) Changjiang Cruises & Yangtze Gold Cruises: Chinese-owned brands offering authentic cultural experiences with a touch of local style. Click on each cruise line to explore ships and find your perfect match!
What’s your style on the Yangtze River? Our team of expert cruise specialists has carefully selected the “top ships” from over 20 options, so you can find the perfect match. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious experience, a budget-friendly option, a family-friendly cruise, or the new ships, we’ve got the ideal choice for you! Let us help you choose the perfect Yangtze cruise.
A Yangtze River cruise is just the beginning! Extend your vacation with hot destinations across China. Whether you prefer a short getaway combining a Yangtze cruise with a single destination like Guilin, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, or Xian, or a more comprehensive China tour with the Yangtze cruise as a relaxing break in between, we offer 10-17 day itineraries. Explore our 8 Top Yangtze River Cruise Tours and enjoy the best prices guaranteed! View All Yangtze Tours >>
Yes, all the ship journeys one planned shore excursion each day without any additional costs. And also offer optional shore excursions for an additional fee. Having both included and optional shore excursions provides a balanced and flexible itinerary, letting you tailor your experience to your own interests and priorities.
Natural Attractions:
Qutang Gorge: Known for its narrow width and towering cliffs.
Wu Gorge: Famous for its mysterious, misty landscapes and the Twelve Peaks.
Xiling Gorge: The longest of the Three Gorges, known for its rapids and serene landscapes.
Lesser Three Gorges: A tributary of the Yangtze, offering a more intimate experience of China's natural beauty.
Historical and Cultural Sites:
Shibaozhai Temple: An architectual marvel, this 12-story wooden pagoda is situated on a steep cliff.
Fengdu Ghost City: A complex of shrines and temples dedicated to the afterlife, based on Chinese mythology.
White Emperor City: Known for its historical significance and stunning views of the Qutang Gorge.
Modern Marvels:
Three Gorges Dam: The world's largest hydroelectric dam, it's an engineering marvel and also offers a viewpoint for tourists.
Ship Locks and Ship Lift: These are part of the Three Gorges Dam and offer a fascinating look at how ships navigate the change in water levels.
Yangtze River Bridge at Yichang: An important infrastructural development connecting the two sides of the river.
Local Villages:
Shennong Stream Villages: You can visit traditional villages where you may observe local customs and traditional ways of life.
Tribe of the Three Gorges: You can gain an intimate look at the local culture and traditions of the communities that have lived along the river for generations.
Learn more about Yangtze River Toursit Attractions >>
Best Times for Mild Weather:
Spring (March to May): Pleasant temperatures and blossoming landscapes.
Autumn (September to November): Mild weather and colorful autumn foliage.
Best Time for Deals:
Winter: Cruises are less crowded and prices are generally lower, but be prepared for colder weather.
Best Time for Family Vacation:
Summer: This season offers a more relaxed cruise experience at a relatively lower price compared to peak seasons, but it's also the hottest and can be crowded.
Learn more about Best Time to Visit Three Gorges >>
If starting from Chongqing: The primary dock is usually the Chaotianmen Dock in Chongqing. You can get there via taxi, public transport from your hotel or train station or, airport.
If starting from Yichang: The primary dock is usually the Maoping Port in Yichang. The cruise company offers a complimentary shuttle to Maoping Port from both Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal and Yichang East Railway Station. Shuttles operate from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Note: The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. To ensure accuracy, it's advisable to confirm the boarding information with the cruise company or your travel consultant at least a day in advance or in the morning before departure.
Chengdu: Located about 300 km from Chongqing, Chengdu is famous for its Sichuan cuisine and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It's a 2-hour high-speed train ride away from Chongqing.
Xi'an: Known for the Terracotta Army and its rich history as a former capital of several Chinese dynasties, Xi'an is reachable by 5 hours high-speed train or a short flight.
Guilin: Guilin is renowned for its dramatic karst landscapes and the Li River, Guilin is reachable by 5 hours high-speed train or a short flight.
Guiyang: It known for its ethnic diversity and beautiful landscapes like the Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guiyang is reachable by 2 hours high-speed train or a short flight.
The Yangtze River runs through several provinces in China and is adjacent to many cities that are popular with tourists. These cities offer a mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences.
Upper Reaches:
Yichang: Close to the Three Gorges Dam, it's another popular starting or ending point for Yangtze River cruises.
Wuhan: Known for the Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum, and its many lakes and parks.
Lower Reaches:
Nanjing: Offers historical sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Dynasty City Wall, and the Confucius Temple area.
Delta Region:
Shanghai: A global metropolis, known for its skyline, shopping, and cuisine.
Suzhou: Famous for its classical Chinese gardens like the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden.
Hangzhou: Although not directly on the Yangtze, it's fairly close and famous for the picturesque West Lake and its tea plantations.
Downstream Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang (4 Days & 3 Nights): Ideal for travelers coming from cities like Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, or Hong Kong due to Chongqing's extensive transportation links.
Upstream Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing (5 Days & 4 Nights): Best suited for those entering China via Shanghai, as Yichang a small port city and has limited connections to other cities.
A Yangtze River Cruise can last from 4 to 11 days, the most common options are 4-5 night cruises between Chongqing to Yichang that cover key attractions such as the Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam.
Chongqing to Yichang Downstream: 4 Days and 3 Nights
Yichang to Chongqing Upstream: 5 Days and 4 Nights
Wuhan to Shanghai Downstream: 7 Days and 6 Nights
Shanghai to Wuhan Upstream: 7 Days and 6 Nights
Chongqing to Shanghai Downstream: 11 Days and 10 Nights
Shanghai to Chongqing Upstream: 11 Days and 10 Nights
See More Yangtze River Cruise FAQs
Gary
Destination(s): YangtzeRiver
Date of Experience: Dec 15, 2024
Tour Customized by: Anthony
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Lena
Australia
The Century Voyage was pure luxury! From the moment I stepped onboard, I was impressed by the attention to detail. The cabins were spacious, beautifully designed, and had amazing river views. The staff was exceptional—always helpful, professional, and fluent in English, which made communication so easy. Shoutout to Asia Odyssey Travel for suggesting this brand-new cruise — it was the perfect way to experience the Yangtze!
Destination(s): YangtzeRiver
Date of Experience: Dec 05, 2024
Tour Customized by: Rex
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Tom
Canada
I loved every moment onboard the Century Voyage! The facilities are top-notch—modern, elegant, and designed for comfort. The dining experience was a highlight; the food was delicious, with both local Chinese dishes and international options. Plus, it’s all included in the price! The onboard activities were fun and engaging, from cultural performances to relaxing yoga sessions. Asia Odyssey Travel recommended this cruise, and they really nailed it. Everything felt so polished and well-organized.
Destination(s): YangtzeRiver
Date of Experience: Nov 24, 2024
Tour Customized by: Leo
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