How to Plan a Yangtze River Cruise | Yangtze Cruise Ultimate Planning for 2025/2026

Yangtze River stretches with a total length of 6387 kilometers from west to east. The most classic part for a Yangtze River cruise is between Chongqing and Yichang, with a distance of 648 kilometers. This section belongs to the upper and middle reaches of Yangtze with monsoon subtropical climate and enjoys distinct four seasons around the year.

Chongqing has early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter. The average temperature of Chongqing is 16-18℃, while the average temperature of 4-8℃ in the coldest month and 26-29℃ in the hottest month.

Yichang, located in Hubei Province, has humid subtropical monsoon climate. It has an annual average temperature of about 16.9℃, with the highest temperature of 41.4℃ in the hottest month around July and the lowest one of about 9.8℃ below 0℃ in about January.

As for the weather, temperature and sceneries along the river, the best time to take a Yangtze River cruise is in Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These months belong to the peak season. If you cruise in summer (June to August) and winter (December to Next February), you can enjoy the preferential price and the cruise prices are the lowest in winter. In a word, it is suitable for tourists to cruise Yangtze River at any time, and there are advantages and disadvantages for Yangtze cruise in peak season and shoulder season. Cruising in peak season, the weather is cool and comfortable but the cruise is crowded and cost is high; while cruising in shoulder season, the crowd is lessened and the cost is lower although the weather is not so perfect.

▶ Learn more about: Yangtze River Weather, Climate & Temperature | Best Time to Take a Yangtze River Cruise

In 2025/2026, the most popular section for a Yangtze River cruise is between Chongqing and Yichang. It means there are two classic routes for you: (1) cruise from Chongqing to Yichang; (2) cruise from Yichang to Chongqing.

How to select the starting point for a Yangtze cruise? Chongqing is a megacity in southwest China, with convenient transportation network well linking with Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, etc. If you get to China via these cities, then, you are recommended to choose Chongqing to start the cruise. While, Yichang is a small port city in Hubei Province, close to Wuhan, with limited flights and high speed trains with other cities. If you get to China via Shanghai, then you can choose Yichang as the start for the cruise.

With several cruise companies and many ships offered, you need to narrow your choice down. After having basic impression about the cruise companies, you can go deeper to look at top series Yangtze cruise.

• If you are any types of travelers looking for best-value cruise with good prices and new ship, you can go to select from our Best-value Yangtze Cruises;
• For those travelers who want to experience the brand new and high-tech on a cruise, you can enjoy from our Top Newest Yangtze Cruises;
• If you are on business or want a luxury vacation, it is highly recommended to select from our Luxury Yangtze River Cruises - all the ships are in high quality service and advance amenities and suitable cruise arrangements;
• If you are planing travel with your lovely kids (either infant or teenagers), you can get suitable cruise for your family. Just go to see at Family-friendly Yangtze River Cruises;
• Or, if you are on a budget, you won’t lose your chance to enjoy the same high level experience. Just go and find at Budget Yangtze River Cruises for your Holiday.

If you still cannot find the one you like after reading and comparing the ships, please head to our Find A Cruise, there are more ways to for you to find a PERFECT cruise.

You will spend 3 or 4 nights on a Yangtze River cruise in the same cabin. Choosing a suitable cabin during your vacation is an important thing. It is a personal choice depending on your budget and lifestyle. Before you make a decision, you should take some time to consider: The price of the cabin, the location of the cabin (higher deck cabin or lower deck cabin), cabin type, size and amenities. If you travel with a kid, you should know ahead whether the cabin you choose is suitable or not.

• Standard Cabins: Standard cabins with two beds on cruises are mainly about 13.00 to 31.00 square meters wide and arranged on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th floors. This is the common choices for most travelers.
• Business and Executive Cabins or Suites: They are larger than the standard cabins, which usually cover about 26.10 to 72.00 sq. m.. These rooms are mainly on the middle and upper decks of a cruise ship, like the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th floors. This is the choice for travelers who are in adequate budget.
• Luxury Suites: There usually are 1 to 4 luxury suites on a Yangtze River cruise ship. Most of them are more than 100 sq. m., However, luxury suites on some smaller ships may cover more than 70 sq. m. wide. Luxury suites locate usually at the bow of the middle deck, namely the 3rd and 4th floor.

▶ Learn more about: Yangtze Cruise Ship Rooms & Accommodation | How to Choose a Cruise Cabin

Normally, most Yangtze River cruise ship charges about $356~$551 (USA dollar), while the price for Yangtze Explorer, the top luxury cruise on Yangtze River, is higher, which is about $1,041~$1,716. The cruise belongs to all inclusive package which includes accommodation, meals, shore excursions, lectures and activities, guide service, accident injury insurance, service fee and government taxes.

But, you need to pay attention to the transportation for getting to the cruise port and leaving from the ports to the airport or railway station, personal expense, service fee, and optional shore excursions are excluded in the package.

▶ Learn more about: Yangtze River Cruise Price: What Included & Excluded | Detailed Prices of All the Yangtze Cruises

Three Gorges Dam is the No.1 must-see attraction arranged by every ship as the first or last shore excursion. Located in Yichang City, it has been the world’s largest power station. Three Gorges Dam is 3,335 meters long and the top of the dam is 185 meters above sea level. The dam consists of three parts - dam body, power plants and ship lift. It is used for producing electricity, but also increase the Yangtze River’s shipping capacity. Travelers with a Yangtze River cruise will spend about 2 to 3 hours visiting the dam. You will not only have a close look at the impressive huge dam, but also learn the history, social impact, economics about the dam. If you show your interests to experience the newly-built ship lift, you can do this.

• Recommended Visiting Time: about 2-3 hours
• Distance from Yichang Downtown: 40 km, about 50min-1 hour’s driving

Learn more about Three Gorges Dam >>

The Three Gorges span 311 kilometers, beginning at Baidi Town of Chongqing in the west and ending at Nanjing Pass in Yichang City in the east. It is composed of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. The most relaxing way to enjoy the stunning beauty of Three Gorges is on the sundeck or sitting at your private balcony with endless magnificent gorges scenery passing by. Your pulse races when you pass through the famous Kui Gate of Qutang Gorge which is the classic sight of 10 Yuan background of Renminbi. Besides viewing the scenery onboard, you will have the chance to go excursions along Three Gorges to White Emperor City, Lesser Three Gorges, Shennong Stream or Shennv Stream, Tribe of the Three Gorges and more sites.

• Recommended Visiting Time: about 1 day

Learn more about Three Gorges >>

Shennnong Stream is located at Badong County of Hubei, stretching about 60 kilometers from south to north. Travelers will switch to a smaller boat sailing along Shennong Stream and you can enjoy the peaceful gorge scenery by passing through Longchang Gorge, Yingwu Gorge and Shennong Gorge. On the deep cliff of the gorge, you can view the hanging coffins above. Also, you can experience the flavored Tujia minority folk culture.

Compared with Shennong Stream, Shennv Stream is more primitive. Close to Goddess Peak, Shennv Stream has a length of 15 kilometers and about 10 kilometers belongs to the original gorge. Experience will be similar to Shennnong Stream. You’ll first switch to a smaller boat from your ship and then sailing through Shennv Stream. Hanging coffins can be seen and Tujia minority singing and dancing show can be experienced.

• Recommended Visiting Time: about 2 hours

Learn more about Shennong Stream | Shennv Stream >>

Shibaozhai Pagoda, reputed as “Pearl of the Yangtze River”, has been praised as one of the “Top 7 Wonders in China” and the “World 8 Strange Constructions” by the US Discovery Channel. This pagoda is a red wooden pagoda built along the cliff facing with the Yangtze River. It is 12 storeys in total, with a height of 56 meters and the whole pagoda was made of wooden, without using any single nail in the construction. Travelers need to climb up to the pagoda where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the view in a different angle. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

• Recommended Visiting Time: about 2 hours
• Distance from Chongqing Downtown: 255 km, about 4 hours’ driving

Learn more about Shibaozhai Pagoda >>

Some cruise ships arrange Fengdu Ghost City as the must-do site and some ships take it as the optional one. Fengdu Ghost City is a large complex of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife located on Ming Mountain. You’ll have a learning about Chinese demons and beliefs of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Instead of visiting Fengdu Ghost City, some cruise hips will take you to its nearby attraction - Jade Emperor Scenic Area or Mount Shuanggui.

• Recommended Visiting Time: about 2-3 hours
• Distance from Chongqing Downtown: 150 km, about 2-3 hours’ driving

Learn more about Fengdu Ghost City >>

Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Party

The captain and all crew will welcome guests with a warming party. It is usually held on the second day during your cruise. The crew members will perform folk dances and traditional music for the guests. Dinner and drink will be provided. At the end of the party the Captain will toast the guests and all will be welcomed onboard. During the party guests can have their photo taken with the Captain.

To say goodbye to the dear guests, the ship's crew will put on a final performance. This performance will feature more song and dance performances. The farewell performance is the way the crew says thank you for taking a Yangtze River cruise with them. Other special activities are during the party are arranged sometimes.

Cultural Lectures & Activities

To fully know about Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam and Chinese culture, you can join to enjoy the lectures about the Yangtze River, as well, you can go with your partners to learn Chinese calligraphy, Taichi, play Mahjong, learn traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, etc. Enjoy every moment on cruise.

Evening Entertainment & Cabaret Shows

As the sun goes down on the Yangtze River, the lights turn up onboard as passengers are treated to a host of after-dinner entertainment. There are live performance, including folk dance, fashion show, comedians and much more to assure that you will not be bored during the evening. After the shows, you can treat yourselves a cup of beer in the bar or just breathe the gentle breeze before falling into sleep.

Spa, Gym, Swimming, Golfing, Reading & Kids Activities

To enjoy some personal time, many public facilities will satisfy your needs. Spa, massage, gym, swimming, surfing the Internet, golfing (only some cruise available)... can be done on the cruise. If you go with your kids, they can have their entertainment rooms for some activities also they can go to the reading room for some quiet reading time.

▶ Learn more about: All Kinds of Onboard Activities | Dining on the Cruise | Drinking on the Cruise | Service on the Cruise | Facilities on the Cruise

If you take the 4 days and 3 nights downstream cruise from Chongqing to Yichang, you will need to get to Chongqing first and then make a transfer from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport or Railway Station(s) to Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock. Chaotianmen Dock has 14 separated piers. Different cruise companies use different piers. It is recommended to use our private car service that we can take you to the correct port and pier directly without any trouble. If you go by taxi, you can check the following info to make a transfer.

Chongqing to Yichang Cruises for Boarding: All the cruise ships will depart from Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock. Travelers can board the ship during 18:00-21:00 and the ship usually departs from Chongqing at around 21:00.

• Check in Time & Process: 18:00-21:00; Get to the Right Port/Pier→ Show Your Passport to the Staff and Collect Cruise Ticket → Follow the Floating Bridge and Board the Ship → Security Check → Check in

Yichang to Chongqing Cruises for Boarding: No matter which ship you take, you should first arrive at Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal for the arranged The buses will send you to Yichang Maoping Port or Yichang Sandouping Port (only for Yangtze 1 Cruise) when your ship docked.  After free transfer service sending you to Maoping Port, you'll begin to embark and check in. The ship departs from Yichang on the following day.

• Check in Process: Arrive and Enter the Three Gorges Center Tourist Terminal → Show Your Passport to Get the Bus Ticket at the Window No.7/8 → Take the Tourist Bus to Maoping Port → Follow the Floating Bridge and Board the Ship → Security Check → Check in

▶ Learn more about: Yangtze Cruise Embarkation - Board Your Ship in Chongqing & Yichang

Chongqing to Yichang Cruises for Disembarkation: Sailing from Chongqing through Three Gorges, and you’ll arrive in Yichang for disembarkation. Most ships will disembark at Yichang Maoping Port and Yangtze 1 Cruise will arrive at Sandouping Port.

• Disembarkation Process: Arrive at Yichang Maoping Port in the morning → Pack your Luggage → Check Out → Three Gorges Dam Visiting → Take Arranged Buses from the Dam to Three Gorges Center Tourist Terminal. You may arrive at Yichang downtown area during 11:30~13:30. (You need to arrange transportation from Three Gorges Center Tourist Terminal to the airport / railway station by yourselves.)

Yichang to Chongqing Cruises for Disembarkation: After several days cruising on the Yangtze River from Yichang, you will finally arrive at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock for leave. Usually, the ships will arrive at the dock around 09:00 in the morning. After getting off the ship, you can use private car, taxi or other public transports to catch up your trains or flights.

• Disembarkation Process: Arrive at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock in the morning → Pack your Luggage → Check Out (You need to arrange transportation from Chaotianmen Dock to the airport / railway station by yourselves.)

▶ Learn more about: Yangtze Cruise Disembarkation Transportation - Get to Airports & Train Stations from Cruise Ports

Taking a classic exploration for half day or 1 day in Chongqing City is a popular choice before or after your Yangtze River cruise. Chongqing itself has a lot of highlights for visitors’ exploration. Apart from its mouth-watering spicy hot pot famous for long, Chongqing always stimulates all visitors to experience its peculiar “8-dimensional” mountainous landform and multi-layered urban system with complicated interlaced roads and bridges. Reputed as the “Little Hong Kong”, Chongqing boasts one of the best night cityscapes with shining neon sketching its skyline every day. Moreover, there not only exist harmoniously both traditional Ba featured ancient architectural clusters and novel Internet famous lifestyles, but preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of ancient carvings for mankind’s artistic culture and Karst landscape by nature’s skills as well, which contributes another hot idea for a half to 2 days’ short stay solo or in sized group. Check for All Chongqing Tours >>

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Since Chongqing and Yangtze River Cruise are usually planned as a middle part of a longer China trip, you are also recommended to do as most travelers to discover with more destinations to savor more amazing landscape, culture, history, folk culture, food, etc. Zhangjiajie with incredible Avatar Mountains, not far from Yichang, can be arranged before or after the cruise. Guilin with Karst landform wonders is usually put into the itinerary before the cruise with 2 to 3 days’ visiting. Chengdu with adorable giant pandas, Beijing with profound ancient royal Forbidden City, Shanghai with modern cityscape, Xian with impressing Terracotta Warriors, are also the hot destinations to combine with a Yangtze River cruise...

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