Yangtze River
Yangtze River Cruise
The Yangtze River is the most powerful river in China and the strongest flowing river in the world outside of the tropics. It originates on the Tibetan Plateau and is 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) long, eventually joining the East China Sea at Shanghai. The Yangtze River plays an important role in China’s history and economy, and connects many of the country’s major cities and magnificent landscapes.
A boat trip on the Yangtze is the best way to explore this great river and the beauty along its length. It is recommended that you combine it with other popular destinations on your first trip to China. If you are an expat living in China, a trip on the Yangtze River is also a great option for a short break.
We are always ready to offer our best advice and tips, arrange cruise and other bookings, transportation, guidance and support to ensure you enjoy a hassle-free trip to the Yangtze River.
Popular Yangtze River Tours
The following itineraries suggest a Yangtze River tour or a China tour that includes a Yangtze River cruise. All itineraries can be customized to suit your interests and schedule.
14 Days Beijing-Xi’an-Chengdu-Changtze River-Shanghai Trip
6-Day Guilin and Yangtze River Cruise
5-Day Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise
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Positive reviews from tour customers
Tan Li - Ann
This Yangtze River cruise was an absolute dream! China365travel handled everything flawlessly. The guides were super knowledgeable and made every moment unforgettable.
Emily Carter
I’m blown away by my Yangtze River adventure! China365travel planned the perfect itinerary. The guides’ stories about the region added so much depth to the trip.
Khalid ibn Fahad Al Saud
The Yangtze River cruise organized by China365travel was top – notch! From amazing views to excellent service, everything was perfect. I’ll be back for sure!
William Foster
Wow! Cruising along the Yangtze with China365travel was magical. The ship was luxurious, and the staff’s attention to detail was incredible. Can’t recommend enough!
Yangtze River Tips
1. Yangtze River Cruise Line
There are four Yangtze River cruise lines (in order of popularity):
Chongqing to Yichang (downstream) takes 3 nights and 4 days.
Yichang to Chongqing (upstream) takes 4 nights and 5 days.
Chongqing to Shanghai (downstream) in 6 nights and 7 days.
8 nights 9 days from Shanghai to Chongqing (Upstream).
2. The best time to visit the Yangtze River
Yangtze River cruises are available all year round. The peak season is from April to October, when cruise fares are slightly higher than in the colder months.
It is usually recommended to travel during the middle season months (April, May, September and October) when the temperatures are most comfortable and you can enjoy the mountains in full bloom or the colorful canyons in autumn.
July and August are the rainy season when the water level is at its highest and the water is sometimes yellow in color. However, during this season, the view of the Three Gorges Dam is made even more spectacular by the powerful flood discharge.
Since cruise ships carry a fixed number of passengers, the Yangtze River cruise experience is not affected by overcrowding even on Chinese public holidays (especially Labor Day and National Day), although shore excursion sites may be more crowded.
3. How to combine a Yangtze River cruise with your trip to China
Chongqing, Yichang and Shanghai are the port cities for Yangtze River cruises. Chongqing and Shanghai are major cities in China that are easily accessible by air or high speed train. From
Chongqing is a short flight or high speed train ride to Xi’an, Chengdu and Guilin, all popular China destinations. Shanghai is usually the last stop on a China tour, so it is ideal if you want to take a cruise down the Yangtze River.
Yichang is a smaller city with fewer flights and high speed trains to and from it. With the exception of Zhangjiajie (which requires a 5-hour train ride), all other popular destinations are more difficult to get to.
When you choose China 365 Travel to travel, you don’t need to worry about transferring. Simply tell us what you want to see and your travel consultant will take care of the logistics. Whatever else you need from your China trip, we’ll make sure you enjoy a well-designed, once-in-a-lifetime tour of the Yangtze River.
Start planning your customized tour with one-on-one help from one of our travel consultants.
Why Choose China 365 Travel
★Customize your tour
★Maximize your flexibility
- Unparalleled flexibility, not possible with group tours
