Welcome to Cruising China
Cruising China offers a window into one of the world’s oldest civilizations, blending history, culture, and innovation across both ocean and river itineraries. From the mighty Yangtze River to futuristic skylines in Shanghai, cruising through China delivers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Our curated guide brings together top-ranked search results and expert insights on Chinese cruise ports, shore excursions, river voyages, and attractions.
Top Ocean Cruise Ports in China
- Shanghai – A dynamic metropolis with the Bund promenade, traditional gardens, and high-speed Maglev connections.
- Hong Kong – Stunning Victoria Harbour, world-class shopping, and iconic skyline views from The Peak.
- Xiamen – Gateway to Gulangyu Island, colonial architecture, and coastal charm.
- Tianjin (for Beijing) – The Great Wall and Forbidden City within reach on pre- or post-cruise land tours.
- Qingdao – German colonial flair, Tsingtao Brewery, and coastal boardwalks.
Yangtze River Cruise Highlights
- Chongqing to Yichang – The classic 3-night downstream cruise through the majestic Three Gorges.
- Three Gorges Dam – One of the world’s largest engineering projects with scenic viewpoints.
- Shibaozhai Pagoda – A cliffside wooden pagoda rising dramatically along the riverbank.
- Fengdu Ghost City – Taoist mythology comes to life in this mysterious hilltop town.
Popular Itineraries in China
- 7-Night Yangtze River Cruises – Chongqing to Wuhan with cultural excursions and onboard performances.
- Eastern Asia Ocean Cruises – Stops in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan.
- Grand China Land & Sea Tours – Combine river cruising with visits to Xi’an, Beijing, and the Great Wall.
- Pearl River Delta Tours – Visit Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Macau via short sea itineraries.
Best Time to Cruise China
Optimal cruise months are April to June and September to November. These periods offer milder weather, beautiful foliage, and fewer crowds at major cultural landmarks. Avoid major public holidays like Chinese New Year or Golden Week unless seeking a festive atmosphere.
Must-Do Excursions
- Shanghai city tour including Yu Garden and Old Town
- Visit the Great Wall from Tianjin/Beijing port
- Yangtze River shore tours including Goddess Stream or White Emperor City
- Hong Kong night harbor cruises with Symphony of Lights
- Xiamen Gulangyu Island walking tours
Top Cruise Lines in China
- Viking River Cruises – Luxury Yangtze journeys with guided land extensions
- Century Cruises – Premier Chinese river cruise fleet
- Princess Cruises – Shanghai-based ocean cruise itineraries
- Silversea – Ultra-luxury Asia explorations
- Royal Caribbean – Large ship amenities and multi-port Eastern Asia routes
Why Choose Cruising China?
With in-depth port knowledge, expert-backed recommendations, and trusted vendor partnerships, Cruising China is your best resource for planning unforgettable Chinese cruise adventures. We combine modern travel convenience with time-honored cultural access.
Why book with the experts at Official Cruise Directory?
They are true experts, they know all the tricks, have all the tools, they will save you time, they will often save you money, and they will never charge you for their services!
