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Exclusive Century Cruise Deal 2026 & 2027!Save ¥150 CNY on
Select Century Cruises!
We are thrilled to announce our new exclusive partnership with Century Cruises!
Starting in June 2026, five Century Cruise ships will offer special savings on select sailings each month. Regardless of when you book or which cabin type you choose - whether upstream or downstream - you will receive an instant ¥150 discount (approx. $21 per person). Pick your Century Cruise today and save ¥150 (RMB 150) instantly!
Taking Yangtze River cruise is a popular activity during China travel. Based on 2025 travel data, Chongqing & Yangtze River cruise ranked as a TOP 6 choice in China for world travelers! We have served 2,000+ travelers for Yangtze cruise experience!
In 2026, there are 24 cruise ships sailing the Yangtze River, mostly between Chongqing and Yichang. Also cruise between Chongqing and Shanghai or Wuhan.
All travelers can experience the Three Gorges scenery and the Three Gorges Dam Site. This section really shows you AUTHENTIC CHINA. With itineraries of 3-5 days, many onboard activities, shore excursions, cultural displays, and various dining options are included in Yangtze cruise package.
With local team (180+ cruise experts) & offices based in Chongqing/Chengdu, we have personally inspected all the Yangtze cruises over the past few years. For first-timers, we highly recommend Century Cruises and Victoria Cruises. We know every ship’s features, have gathered latest information on each cruise ship, and most importantly, we know how to match different cruises for different types/budgets of travelers. (Tip: contact us to select a ship for you!)
How to Book a Yangtze River cruise with AOT?
(If you want to add Chongqing & Yichang land tours, or need transfer service, just feel free to tell us your ideas. We can handle it all.)
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Yangtze Gold 7 (Yangtze Memory)
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$441
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
Alan
New Zealand
Our Yangtze cruise on Victoria Isabella was part of a longer China tour arranged by Asia Odyssey Travel. We had visited Shanghai, Guilin, and Xi’an before joining the cruise in Chongqing.
The cruise was a welcome break from busy sightseeing. The ship was comfortable, and our cabin had a balcony with excellent views. The main guides spoke good English and explained the schedule clearly. Excursions were interesting and not too rushed.
The ship is a solid mid-range choice. It was clean, well managed, and enjoyable. We were happy with Asia Odyssey Travel’s recommendation.
Destination(s): Xian, Shanghai, Guilin/Yangshuo, YangtzeRiver
Date of Experience: Sep 04, 2024
Tour Customized by: Victor
You May be Interested in This Tour: Victoria Isabella
Helen
Singapore
Destination(s): Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, YangtzeRiver, Chongqing
Date of Experience: Apr 23, 2025
Tour Customized by: Victor
You May be Interested in This Tour: Yangtze Miracle
Susan
United States
Destination(s): YangtzeRiver
Date of Experience: Apr 25, 2025
Tour Customized by: Victor
You May be Interested in This Tour: Victoria Isabella
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