Yangtze River Cruise Routes Comparison: A Comprehensive Guide 2025
Choosing the perfect Yangtze River cruise route can be a daunting task with so many options available.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared the 4 main types of Yangtze River cruises based on their duration, highlights, and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or an extended journey, there’s a cruise route that suits your needs.
Top Recommended Yangtze River Ships in 2025
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Century Voyage
2025 Ultimate luxurious, newest & cozy cruise
4 days Chongqing→Yichang5 days Yichang→Chongqing
Only $770-$848
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Century Oasis
Best Yangtze choice with "2024 Asian Best" awards
4 days Chongqing→Yichang5 days Yichang→Chongqing
Only $611-$655
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Yangzi Explorer
2025 Launch unparalleled luxury "Celebrity Choice"
4 days Chongqing→Yichang5 days Yichang→Chongqing
Only $1,432-$1,737
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Victoria Sabrina
2025 Largest luxury cruise with international service
4 days Chongqing→Yichang5 days Yichang→Chongqing
Only $499-$566
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Century Paragon
Valuable luxury ship with excellent service & price
4 days Chongqing→Yichang5 days Yichang→Chongqing
Only $436-$484
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Yangtze 3
All-inclusive luxury cruise with featured routes
4 days Chongqing→Yichang5 days Yichang→Chongqing
Only $703-$732
No.1: Chongqing to Yichang: The Most Popular Yangtze Cruise Route
This route is the top choice for 95% of travelers, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural highlights in just 4 days downstream or 5 days upstream. It covers the essence of the Three Gorges, including iconic sites like the Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City, Lesser Three Gorges, and Three Gorges Dam (shore excursions varies by cruise ships).
You can choose from the top deluxe Yangzi Explorer, to branded Century Cruises and Victoria Cruises, and trust-worthy Changjiang Cruises. Wild choices of ships and sailing dates, please check the Yangtze Cruise Calendar.
Chongqing to Yichang (4 Days & 3 Nights) – Downstream Cruise
- Duration: 4 Days and 3 Nights
- Shore excursion:
Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City/Three Gorges Summit, Shennv Stream/Shennong Stream/Lesser Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam Site, etc. - Highlights: Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Three Gorges while cruising downstream. Chongqing’s convenient transportation links make it easy to start your journey.
Down stream
Yichang to Chongqing (5 Days & 4 Nights) – Upstream Cruise
- Duration: 5 Days and 4 Nights
- Shore excursion:
Three Gorges Dam Site, Tribe of the Three Gorges, Shennv Stream/Shennong Stream/Lesser Three Gorges, White Emperor City/Three Gorges Summit, Fengdu Ghost City, etc. - Yichang is less conveninet in traffic, but well connected with Shanghai
- Highlights: A more relaxed pace with additional time to explore the Three Gorges. The upstream cruise is also more affordable compared to the downstream cruise.
Up stream
No.2: Special Itineraries: Unique Experiences on the Yangzi Explorer and Yangtze Miracle
The Yangzi Explorer offers a unique opportunity to explore the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site known for its vibrant biodiversity and rare flora and fauna. This special cruise is designed for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, providing a rare glimpse into one of China’s most pristine natural environments.
The Yangtze Miracle also offers a special Shennongjia Nature Reserve cruise from July 15, 2025 to October 28, 2025, providing an immersive experience in this UNESCO-protected area. This itinerary is perfect for those who want to combine natural exploration with cultural insights into the Three Gorges region.
Yangzi Explorer: Shennongjia Nature Reserve Exploration
- Duration: 5 Days & 4 Nights
- From-To: Yichang-Chongqing
- Itinerary:
Day 1: Yichang (Embarkation; Three Gorges Dam visit, Ship Lift)
Day 2: Shennongjia Nature Reserve (Full-day exploration of the UNESCO site, including scenic drives and nature walks)
Day 3: Fengjie (Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City or Poetic Trail)
Day 4: Zhongxian (Shibaozhai Pagoda, Xituo Ancient Town or Huanghua Island)
Day 5: Chongqing (Disembarkation) - Highlights: Exclusive access to the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combined with iconic Three Gorges sites like White Emperor City and Shibaozhai Pagoda.
Up stream
Yangtze Miracle: Shennongjia Nature Reserve Discovery Cruise
- Duration: 5 Days & 4 Nights
- From-To: Yichang-Chongqing
- Itinerary:
Day 1: Yichang (Embarkation)
Day 2: Shennongjia Nature Reserve (Full-day exploration, including visits to Natural Bridge or Guanmenshan)
Day 3: Fengjie (Wu Gorge, Lesser Three Gorges, Luojiazhai Village, Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City or Three Gorges Summit)
Day 4: Zhongxian (Shibaozhai Pagoda or Zhongzhou Alley + Dongpo Garden)
Day 5: Chongqing (Disembarkation) - Highlights: In-depth exploration of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combined with cultural highlights like White Emperor City and Shibaozhai Pagoda.
Up stream
No.3: Chongqing to Shanghai: The Longest and Most Relaxing Cruise
This is the ultimate Yangtze River cruise experience, spanning 11-12 days and covering a wide range of cultural and historical sites along the river. In 2025, the only ship offering this route is the Century Legend.
Chongqing to Shanghai (11 Days & 10 Nights) – Downstream Cruise
- Duration: 11 Days and 10 Nights
- Shore excursions: Fengdu Ghost City, Feng Yan San Guo Show, Three Gorges, White Emperor City/The Three Gorges Summit, Three Gorges Dam Site, Five-stage Ship Locks, Jingzhou Ancient City Wall/The Chariot and Horse Mausoleum of the King of Chu, Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum, Lushan Mountain/Jingdezhen Porcelain Kilns, Mt. Jiuhua/Jindizang Temple, Niushou Mountain, Slender West Lake, and more.
- Highlights: A comprehensive exploration of the Yangtze River region, including stops in major cities like Wuhan, Jingdezhen, and Yangzhou.
Down stream
Shanghai to Chongqing (12 Days & 11 Nights) – Upstream Cruise
- Duration: 12 Days and 11 Nights
- Shore excursions Slender West Lake, Niushou Mountain, Mount Jiuhua/Jindizang Temple, Lushan Mountain/Jingdezhen Ancient Kiln Porcelain Yard, Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum, Yueyang Tower, Bianhe Street, The Chariot and Horse Mausoleum of the King of Chu/Jingzhou Museum, Three Gorges Dam, Five-stage Ship Locks, Three Gorges, White Emperor City/Three Gorges Summit, Return to the Three Gorges Show, Fengdu Ghost City, and more.
- Highlights: An in-depth journey through the Yangtze River’s rich cultural heritage, with a focus on ancient cities and traditional crafts.
Up stream
No.4: Chongqing to Nanjing: A Historical and Cultural Odyssey
This is the ultimate Yangtze River cruise experience for history and culture enthusiasts, spanning 10 days and offering a comprehensive exploration of the river’s rich heritage. The Yangtze 2 Cruise is the perfect vessel for this journey, combining modern comforts with an all-inclusive experience.
Chongqing to Nanjing (10 Days & 9 Nights) – Downstream Cruise
- Duration: 10 Days and 9 Nights
- Shore excursions: Project 816 Underground Nuclear Facility, Fuling Pickle Memory Museum, Shennv Stream, White Emperor City, Shennongjia Natural Reserve, Three Gorges Dam, Five-Step Ship Locks, Jingzhou Ancient City Wall, Jingzhou Museum, Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum, Mount Lu/Jingdezhen Taoyang Alley, Huangshan Scenic Area/Mount Jiuhua, etc.
- Highlights: A comprehensive exploration of the Yangtze River region, including stops in major cities like Wuhan, Jingdezhen, and Nanjing.Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites like Shennongjia Natural Reserve, Mount Huangshan and Mount Lu.Experience China’s rich cultural heritage through visits to ancient cities, museums, and natural wonders.
Down stream
Nanjing to Chongqing (11 Days & 10 Nights) – Upstream Cruise
- Duration: 11 Days and 10 Nights
- Shore excursions Huangshan Scenic Area/Mount Jiuhua, Mount Lu/Jingdezhen Taoyang Alley, Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum, Jingzhou Ancient City Wall, Jingzhou Museum, Three Gorges Dam, Five-Step Ship Locks, Shennongjia Natural Reserve, Shennv Stream, White Emperor City, Project 816 Underground Nuclear Facility, Fuling Pickle Memory Museum, etc.
- Highlights: An in-depth journey through the Yangtze River’s rich cultural heritage, with a focus on ancient cities and traditional crafts. Explore iconic sites like the Three Gorges Dam, Yellow Crane Tower, and ancient city walls of Jingzhou.Discover natural wonders such as Shennongjia Natural Reserve and Huangshan Scenic Area.
Up stream
Which Route is Right for You?
1. Short on Time? Opt for the 4-day Chongqing to Yichang downstream cruise.
2. Seeking a Balance? Choose the 5-day Yichang to Chongqing upstream cruise for a more relaxed pace.
3. Looking for a Unique Experience? The special itineraries on the Yangtze Explorer or Yangtze Miracle offer exclusive sites and a deeper exploration of the Three Gorges.
4. Want the Ultimate Journey? The 11-day Chongqing to Shanghai cruise is perfect for an in-depth exploration of the Yangtze River region.
No matter which route you choose, a Yangtze River cruise promises unforgettable memories and a journey through China’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
2025/2026 Cruise Calendar
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New to Cruising?
Do you have any questions about planning or booking a Yangtze cruise? The following articles introduce you to what makes cruising such a unique and memorable way to travel the Yangtze River, when is the best time to cruise Yangzi, how to choose your best route, how to choose a Yangtze ship, how to choose a cabin, what you can do onboard and ashore...
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