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How Many Days Do You Need for a Yangtze River Cruise?
| Travel Goal | Best Route |
|---|---|
| Fastest way to see the Three Gorges | Chongqing to Yichang, 4 days |
| Slower Three Gorges cruise | Yichang to Chongqing, 5 days |
| More river time but not too long | Chongqing to Wuhan, 6 days |
| Full Yangtze River journey | Chongqing to Shanghai, 11 days |
What Is the Best Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary & How to Choose
For most first-time travelers, the best Yangtze River cruise itinerary is the 4-day Chongqing to Yichang downstream cruise. It is short, scenic, and easy to add after a Chengdu or Chongqing trip.
Choose the 5-day Yichang to Chongqing upstream cruise if you are coming from Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, Shanghai, or Yichang. It is slower and ends in Chongqing, which is convenient if you want to continue to Chengdu.
Choose the 6-day Chongqing to Wuhan cruise if you want more time on the Yangtze but do not want a very long trip.
Choose the 12-day Chongqing to Shanghai cruise if you want a full Yangtze River journey and have enough time.
Main Yangtze River Cruise Routes: 4 Days, 5 Days, 6 Days & 12 Days
| Route | Duration | Direction | Main Ships | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chongqing to Yichang | 4 days / 3 nights | Downstream | Most Yangtze cruise ships | First-time travelers, Chengdu/Chongqing starters |
| Yichang to Chongqing | 5 days / 4 nights | Upstream | Most Yangtze cruise ships | Travelers from Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, Shanghai |
| Chongqing - Wuhan | 6 days / 5 nights | Downstream Upstream |
Yangtze 2, Yangtze Memory | Travelers wanting more river time |
| Chongqing to Shanghai | 12 days / 11 nights | Downstream | Century Legend | Slow travelers, full Yangtze journey |
| Shanghai to Chongqing | 12 days / 10 nights | Upstream | Century Legend | Travelers with more time |
4-Day Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary: Standard (Most Recommended for First Timer)
The 4-day Chongqing to Yichang cruise is the classic downstream route. It is the most popular Yangtze River cruise itinerary for first-time visitors.
This route is short, but it still covers the main sights. You will see the Three Gorges, take a shore excursion, enjoy a side-stream or side-gorge trip, and visit the Three Gorges Dam.
It is best for travelers who start from Chongqing or Chengdu. It is also a good choice if you want to continue to Yichang, Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, or Shanghai after the cruise.
| Day | Destinations | Attractions & Excursion |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chongqing | Setting Sail at Chongqing's Chaotianmen Dock |
| 2 | Fengdu/Fuling, Zhongxian | Fengdu Ghost City, Shuanggui Mountain, Xiaoguanshan, Threee Kindom Show |
| 3 | Fengjie, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge | White Emperor City, Shennv Stream, Shennv Sky Road |
| 4 | Yichang | Three Gorges Dam |
• Start your trip in Chengdu or Chongqing
• Want the fastest Three Gorges cruise
• Have limited time in China
• Want to continue east after the cruise
• Prefer a simple and classic route
Day 1: Boarding in Chongqing (Afternoon/Evening)
Check-in typically opens around 4:00 PM at Chaotianmen Port, with sailing around 9:00 PM. This dock is in the city center, near the meeting point of the Yangtze River and Jialing River.
You move into your cabin, attend the captain's welcome reception, enjoy the first onboard dinner, and watch Chongqing's illuminated skyline slide past as the ship departs.
How to Get to Chaotianmen Dock for the Yangtze River Cruise
Chongqing Airport to Chaotianmen Dock | 4 Options from Chongqing Jiangbei to Chaotianmen
Chongqing Train Stations to Chaotianmen Dock | Car, Metro or Taxi to Chaotianmen Dock
Day 2: Fengdu, Fuling or Cultural Shore Excursion
Day 2 is usually your first shore excursion day, and cruise itineraries start to differ here.
Most ships visit Fengdu Ghost City in the morning. It is a 2,000-year-old temple complex about Chinese afterlife legends. The walk has about 200 steps, but a cable car is available. It is the best choice for a classic Yangtze shore excursion.
Some ships stop at Fuling instead. Here, you may visit Baiheliang Underwater Museum, best for ancient inscriptions and Yangtze River culture, or the 816 Project Site, a unique modern engineering site.
After lunch, enjoy scenic cruising and onboard activities such as dumpling making or calligraphy. In the late afternoon or evening, many ships stop at Zhong County for the Three Kingdom Show.
Day 3: Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge & Side-Gorge Trip
Day 3 is the most scenic day of the 4-day cruise. Your ship sails through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge.
The ship enters Qutang Gorge at dawn - the narrowest and most dramatic of the three. Within 30 minutes, you're gliding past near-vertical walls so close you can see vegetation detail. Next comes Wu Gorge, twisting for 45 km past the legendary Twelve Peaks.
Some ships may also visit White Emperor City or Three Gorges Summit near Qutang Gorge.
- Choose White Emperor City if you like history, poetry, and Three Kingdoms culture.
- Choose Three Gorges Summit if you want high viewpoints and strong landscape photos.
Afternoon, the ship docks for a Shennv Stream/Shennong/Little Three Gorges excursion, where you transfer to smaller wooden sampans rowed by Tujia minority boatmen. This is many travelers' favorite moment of the entire cruise.
Three Gorges of Yangtze River: 3 Gorges Map, Dam & Cruise Guide
Day 4: Three Gorges Dam & Arrive in Yichang
The final day usually focuses on the Three Gorges Dam. Disembarkation at Maoping Port (most ships) typically completes by 08:00 AM. You may visit the Three Gorges Project Museum, River Closure Memorial Park, Tanziling Viewpoint, or 185 Platform.
Three Gorges Ship Lift offer it as an optional paid activity. After the visit, guests are usually transferred to the Three Gorges Tourist Center in Yichang. From there, you can go to Yichang East Railway Station, Yichang Airport, Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, or Shanghai.
Chongqing to Yichang Yangtze River Cruises: Best 4-Day Ships, Prices & Booking
Yangtze River Attractions: 18 Best Yangtze River Cruise Shore Excursions
4 Days Chongqing Yichang Yangtze River Cruise Tour (Downstream)
Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang
4 Days
3 Places5-Day Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary: Yichang to Chongqing (Upstream)
The 5-day Yichang to Chongqing cruise is the classic upstream route. It sails against the river current, so it takes longer than the downstream route.
This itinerary is best for travelers who come from Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, Shanghai, or Yichang and want to end in Chongqing or continue to Chengdu.
This route is more relaxed than the 4-day downstream cruise. It gives you more time on board and works well if your China trip moves from east to west.
| Day | Destinations | Attractions & Excursion |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Yichang | Boarding |
| 2 | Yichang | Three Gorges Dam |
| 3 | Fengjie | Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge, Shennv Stream |
| 4 | Fengdu | Fengdu Ghost City |
| 5 | Chongqing | Arrive in Chongqing |
• Start from Yichang or nearby cities
• Come from Zhangjiajie, Wuhan, or Shanghai
• Want a slower cruise pace
• Want to end in Chongqing
• Plan to continue to Chengdu after the cruise
Day 1: Arrive in Yichang & Board the Cruise
Your cruise starts in the Yichang area. Depending on the ship, you may board at Maoping Port, Zigui Port, or meet first at the Three Gorges Tourist Center / Yichang Port 9. Day 1 is mainly for arrival, transfer, check-in, dinner, and safety briefing.
How to Travel Between Yichang Airport and Yichang Port
How to Get to Yichang Port from Yichang East Station (2026)
Day 2: Three Gorges Dam, Ship Lift & Xiling Gorge
On many upstream itineraries, the first full day focuses on the Three Gorges Dam. After the dam area, the ship sails into Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges.
This day is best for travelers interested in modern China, large engineering projects, and the story of the Yangtze River.
Day 3: Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge & Small-Boat Excursion
Day 3 is usually the main scenery day. The ship sails through Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. You may also take a small-boat trip to Shennv Stream, Shennong Stream, or the Lesser Three Gorges, depending on your cruise ship.
Many itineraries also include White Emperor City or Three Gorges Summit near Fengjie. This is the best day for photos and classic Three Gorges scenery.
Day 4: Fengdu, Fuling, Zhongxian or Cultural Stop
Day 4 usually focuses on a cultural shore excursion. Common stops include Fengdu Ghost City, Baiheliang Underwater Museum, 816 Project Site, Shibaozhai, or other local sites.
Day 5: Arrive in Chongqing
The cruise ends in Chongqing, usually at or near Chaotianmen Dock. After the cruise, you can stay in Chongqing for hotpot, night views, Hongya Cave, Ciqikou Ancient Town, and Liziba Monorail. Many travelers continue to Chengdu for pandas.
Yichang to Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise: Best Upstream Ships with Cost
5 Days Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Yichang to Chongqing (Upstream)
Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise - Chongqing
6-Day Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary: Chongqing to Wuhan
The Chongqing to Wuhan Yangtze River cruise is the best middle option between the short Three Gorges cruise and the long Chongqing to Shanghai cruise. It usually takes 6 days and 5 nights.
You still enjoy the core Three Gorges highlights, but the cruise continues beyond Yichang to Wuhan, giving you more time on the Yangtze River.
This route is mainly operated by Yangtze Memory (Yangtze Gold 7) and Yangtze 2. Both ships run between Chongqing and Wuhan, with upstream and downstream schedules available.
The route includes classic sites such as Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, Shennv Stream or Shennong Stream, Three Gorges Dam, Gezhouba, and Yueyang Tower.
• Want more river time than the 4-day cruise
• Do not have enough time for a 12-day cruise
• Want to continue your trip from Wuhan
• Prefer a slower and fuller Yangtze experience
• Want something beyond the standard Three Gorges route
Chongqing to Wuhan Cruise Ships: Yangtze Memory & Yangtze 2
| Ship | Price From | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yangtze Memory | $596 | Good-value extended route | Travelers who want more river time at a fair price |
| Yangtze 2 | $879 | Luxury choice | Travelers who want better comfort and a richer itinerary |
Typical 6-Day Route: Chongqing to Wuhan
| Day | Yangtze Memory | Yangtze 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Board in Chongqing | Board at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock |
| 2 | Fengdu Ghost City | Fengdu Ghost City |
| 3 | White Emperor City, Shennong Stream | White Emperor City, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Dam five-step ship locks |
| 4 | Three Gorges Dam, Gezhouba | Three Gorges Dam Tanziling Area, Gezhouba |
| 5 | Yueyang Tower | Yueyang Tower, Bianhe Street |
| 6 | Arrive in Wuhan | Arrive in Wuhan |
Choose Yangtze Memory if you want a good-value 6-day Yangtze cruise with the main highlights.
Choose Yangtze 2 if you want a more comfortable luxury experience, stronger scenic coverage, and extra stops such as Bianhe Street and the Three Gorges Dam five-step ship locks.
11-Day Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary: Chongqing to Shanghai (Century Legend)
Century Legend is the only vessel in current operation offering a full-length Yangtze voyage from Chongqing all the way to Shanghai.
The 11-day, 10-night itinerary covers the Three Gorges, the Three Kingdoms cultural corridor, the poetic middle Yangtze, and the modern river-delta cities - a geographic and historical span no other Yangtze ship matches.
Typical route sequence: Chongqing → Fengdu → Baidicheng → Three Gorges → Three Gorges Dam → Yichang → Jingzhou → Wuhan → Jiujiang → Chizhou → Nanjing → Yangzhou → Shanghai.
Who it's best for: Travelers with 2+ weeks in China, cruise enthusiasts, photographers, and repeat Yangtze visitors who have already done the short Three Gorges route and want to see what lies downstream.
| Day | Destinations | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chongqing | Embarkation at Chaotianmen Dock |
| 2 | Fengdu | Fengdu Ghost City, Three Kingdoms Show |
| 3 | Fengjie | White Emperor City / Three Gorges Summit, Pass through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge |
| 4 | Yichang | Three Gorges Dam Site, River Closure Memorial Park, Three Gorges Dam Project Museum, Pass through Gezhouba Dam |
| 5 | Jingzhou | King Chu's Horse, Chariot Array / Jingzhou Museum and Jingzhou Ancient City Wall |
| 6 | Wuhan | Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum |
| 7 | Jingdezhen | Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Folk Museum + Jingdezhen Ceramic City or Mount Lu |
| 8 | Chizhou | Mount Jiuhua and Baisui Palace / Jin Dizang Temple |
| 9 | Nanjing | Niushou Mountain |
| 10 | Yangzhou | Slender West Lake |
| 11 | Shanghai | Disembark at Shanghai International Cruise Terminal |
Chongqing Shanghai Cruise (2,400 KM): 11-12 Days & Price 2026
Important Seasonal Note
Century Legend run the Chongqing to Shanghai route from March to November.
During the summer vacation season (July-August), Century Legend usually operates the Chongqing to Yichang route. Outside summer, it operates the longer Chongqing to Shanghai route.
• Slow travelers
• Retired travelers
• Repeat visitors to China
• Travelers who dislike changing hotels
• Guests who want a full Yangtze River journey
• Travelers with enough time and budget
Choose the 4-day Chongqing to Yichang cruise if your main goal is the Three Gorges.
Choose the 12-day Chongqing to Shanghai cruise if you want a long, slow, and more complete Yangtze River journey.
Recommended Ships for Different Yangtze Cruise Itineraries
Best for 4-Day Chongqing to Yichang
- Century Voyage / Century Vision / Century Oasis
- Vista Harmony / Vista Aurora
- Victoria Cruises
- Yangtze Gold Cruises
Century Cruises are good for first-time travelers who want comfort and strong service. Vista Cruises are good for travelers who want newer ships and more included experiences.
Victoria Cruises are good for travelers who prefer an American-managed service system. Yangtze Gold is a good value choice.
Best for 5-Day Yichang to Chongqing
Yangzi Explorer is best for travelers who want a high-end, quieter, more private cruise. Century and Victoria are strong choices for mainstream international travelers.
Best for 6-Day Chongqing to Wuhan
Yangtze 2 & Yangtze Memory. These are best for travelers who want more river time without choosing the long Shanghai route.
Best for 12-Day Chongqing to Shanghai
Century Legend is the key ship for the long Chongqing to Shanghai route outside the summer season.
How Much Does a Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary Cost? (2026 Prices)
Yangtze River cruise prices vary by route, ship, cabin type, season, and included services and prices from $412- from $2912.
| Company | Ships | Route | Prices from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Century Cruises | Voyage,Vision | Chongqing - Yichang | $798 |
| Century Cruises | Oasis/Victory/Glory | Chongqing - Yichang | $615 |
| Victoria Cruises | Sabrina/Isabella | Chongqing - Yichang | $538 |
| Victoria Cruises | Jenna/Anna/Katarina | Chongqing - Yichang | $415 |
| Vista Cruises | Harmony/Aurora | Chongqing - Yichang | $691 |
| Yangzi Explorer | Yangzi Explorer | Chongqing - Yichang | $1912 |
| Yangtze Gold Cruises | 2/3/5/6/8 | Chongqing - Yichang | $412 |
| Yangtze Gold Cruises | Miracle | Chongqing - Yichang | $740 |
| Yangtze Gold Cruises | Memory | Chongqing - Wuhan | $596 |
| Changjiang Cruises | Yangtze 1 | Chongqing - Yichang | $673 |
| Changjiang Cruises | Yangtze 2 | Chongqing - Wuhan | $879 |
| Changjiang Cruises | Yangtze 3 | Chongqing - Yichang | $723 |
| Century Cruises | Legend | Chongqing - Shanghai | $2912 |
What Is Usually Included & What May Cost Extra?
| Included | Extra Cost |
|---|---|
| Cabin accommodation | Three Gorges Ship Lift |
| Meals onboard | Optional shore excursions |
| Selected shore excursions | Tips |
| Basic onboard activities | Cabin upgrades |
| Some shuttle transfers | Private transfers |
When comparing prices, do not only look at the starting fare. A cheaper cruise may charge extra for the Ship Lift, shows, or optional shore excursions. A higher-priced cruise may include more services and be better value overall.
6 Easy Steps to Book Yangtze River Cruise (2026)
Yangtze River Cruise Cost (2026 Prices): Is It Worth?
Best Time for Different Yangtze River Cruise Routes
Spring and autumn are usually the best seasons for Yangtze River cruise. Spring brings fresh green scenery and mild weather. Autumn often brings cooler air and clearer views. These are the most comfortable seasons for shore excursions.
Summer can be hot and humid, but it is popular for family travel and school holidays. Winter is quieter and often better value. The weather is colder, but there are fewer travelers.
Best (and Worst) Times to Cruise Yangtze River: Tips for 12 Months
Plan Your Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary with Asia Odyssey Travel
A 4-day cruise, a 5-day cruise, a 6-day cruise, and a 11-day cruise are very different travel experiences. They fit different travelers, different budgets, and different China routes.
Asia Odyssey Travel helps travelers compare the routes clearly before booking. Our Yangtze cruise experts can help you choose between Chongqing to Yichang, Yichang to Chongqing, Chongqing to Wuhan, and Chongqing to Shanghai.
| What You Need | How Asia Odyssey Travel Helps |
|---|---|
| Route planning | Choose the best cruise direction and duration |
| Ship selection | Compare ships, cabins, and service styles |
| Excursion advice | Explain included and optional shore tours |
| Exclusive Offer | Enjoy a RMB 150 discount on many Century Cruises departures each month in 2026/27 |
| Transfers | Arrange Chongqing, Yichang, or Wuhan transport |
| China tour planning | Connect the cruise with Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, Beijing, or Xi'an |
Popular tour combinations include:
| Route Combination | Best For |
|---|---|
| Shanghai + Yichang + 5-day Cruise + Chongqing | First-time travelers from shanghai |
| Chongqing + 4-Day Cruise + Zhangjiajie | Nature lovers |
| Beijing + Xi'an + Guilin + Yangtze Cruise + Shanghai | Classic China tour |
How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise Trip: 10 Steps (2026)
13 Days Relaxing China Tour with Yangtze Cruise in Small Group
Beijing - Xian - Guilin - Chongqing - Yangtze River - Yichang - Shanghai
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