Yangtze River Cruises
Three Gorges, a great dam and central China by riverboat.
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Not every China cruise is at sea. The Yangtze, China’s longest river, carries river cruise ships through the Three Gorges, and a few days on the river are a popular part of a China tour.
Most Yangtze cruises sail between Chongqing and Yichang, through the Three Gorges and past the Three Gorges Dam, usually over three or four nights. Ships are larger than European river boats, and many offer balcony cabins for the scenery. Shore visits include temples, villages and the dam itself, and side trips on smaller boats explore narrower tributary gorges.
Some voyages extend beyond the gorges, continuing downstream toward Wuhan or even Shanghai on longer itineraries, but the Chongqing to Yichang stretch is the classic route and the one most international travelers choose. Chongqing itself, a vast hillside city where the Jialing River meets the Yangtze, is worth an evening before you sail.
How the Yangtze Fits a China Trip
A Yangtze cruise is usually part of a land itinerary that might include Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu or Shanghai. You fly to Chongqing or Yichang to board, then continue by air or high-speed train afterward. An ocean cruise from Shanghai or Tianjin can bookend such a trip, though the two are booked separately.
Because it is a river cruise rather than an ocean cruise, it has its own lines, seasons and ships. Our river cruise site Yangtze River Boat Cruises covers the Three Gorges, Chongqing to Yichang routes and the dam in depth.
Ocean Cruise or River Cruise?
| Ocean cruise from China | Yangtze river cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | East China Sea, Yellow Sea, Japan and Korea | Inland, Chongqing to Yichang through the Three Gorges |
| Length | Short cruises of 4–6 nights; longer international voyages | Usually 3–4 nights |
| Scenery | Harbors, islands and coastal cities | Cliffs, gorges, river towns and the dam |
| Best for | Combining China with neighboring countries | A deep dive into central China, as part of a land tour |
For other river journeys in Asia, including the Mekong and the Irrawaddy, see Asia River Cruises.
What You See on the River
- The Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, where limestone cliffs rise steeply from the water.
- The Three Gorges Dam: ships pass the dam through its locks or ship lift, and most cruises include a visit to the site.
- Side trips: smaller boats take guests up narrower tributaries such as the Shennong Stream.
- Riverside sights: stops can include the Shibaozhai pagoda and temples and towns along the banks.
Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons on the Yangtze; summer is hot and humid, and fewer ships sail in winter. Exact routes, stops and seasons vary by line, so check the details on Yangtze River Boat Cruises or ask our advisors.
Add the Yangtze to Your China Trip
Tell us your China travel dates and whether you want an ocean cruise, a Yangtze cruise or both. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price the combination and send free quotes.
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