Yangtze River Cruises
Sail the heart of China through the towering Three Gorges — from Chongqing to Yichang, past the great dam, ancient temples and sheer cliffs — with a specialist who knows the river and the region.
A Yangtze cruise is the scenic centerpiece of almost every China tour. The classic 3- to 4-night sailing runs between Chongqing and Yichang through the dramatic Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, calling at the Shibaozhai pavilion, the ghost city of Fengdu and the exquisite Lesser Gorges, and passing the vast Three Gorges Dam. Cruises pair naturally with Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. We help you choose the ship, cabin, direction and season, and send up to five free quotes.
Why cruise the Yangtze?
The Three Gorges
Qutang, Wu and Xiling — the soaring cliffs and misted peaks that are the icon of the Yangtze.
Chongqing to Yichang
The classic 3–4 night stretch, downstream (faster) or upstream, past temples and the great dam.
Part of a China tour
Yangtze cruises slot between Beijing, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and Shanghai — we build the whole trip.
Modern ships
Comfortable five-star vessels with balconies, pools and Western-friendly service and dining.
Through the gorges
The heart of the cruise is the gorges themselves — best seen from a private balcony or the top deck — plus a sampan excursion into the emerald Lesser Gorges and a stop at the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam and its ship locks.
Downstream sailings are shorter and cheaper; upstream are slower and more relaxed. We’ll advise on direction, the best ships and the clearest months for the scenery.
Most China tours start in the capital before flying to the river; compare Beijing hotel prices for the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
Downstream sailings finish in Yichang near the Three Gorges Dam; if your onward flight or train is the next day, see Yichang hotels.
Yangtze river cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your Yangtze river cruise?
Tell us your dates, preferred ship and China cities, and we’ll send up to five free, no-obligation quotes from China river cruise specialists.
Get up to 5 free Yangtze cruise quotesFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for a Yangtze cruise?
April–June and September–November offer the mildest weather and clearest gorge views. Summer is hot and can be hazy; winter is quiet and cool.
How long is a Yangtze cruise?
The classic sailing is 3 nights downstream (Chongqing–Yichang) or 4–5 nights upstream, usually within a 10–14 day China tour.
What will I see?
The Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, Xiling), the Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai, the ghost city of Fengdu and the Lesser (or Shennong) Gorges by sampan.
Which ships cruise the Yangtze?
Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, President Cruises, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer and Uniworld/Viking-marketed vessels — modern five-star ships built for international travelers.
How do I get a quote?
Request up to five free, no-obligation quotes and compare ships, cabins, direction and China itineraries.
