Choose the Yangtze River Cruise Lines | Destinations & Itineraries

Without delving into the details, currently, there are only two operating routes for luxury cruises on the Yangtze River: the classic 4-5 day Three Gorges route (Chongqing-Yichang line) and the 11-12 day Yangtze River panoramic journey (Shanghai-Chongqing line).

Simply looking at these two routes, the choice seems easy to make, and the primary consideration is definitely time, followed by attraction inclinations, travel habits and budgets, etc. However, how do you choose between upstream and downstream? Ever considered including surrounding hot destinations in your travel?

This article gives you a clearer idea of how to plan your 2025 Yangtze Cruise Tour route.

How to Choose a Cruise Route: Time, Sightseeing & Budgets

Chongqing - Yichang (Three Gorges Route)

Chongqing Yichang Cruise Route Map

Time: According to the preferences of the past Yangtze travelers, the 4-day Chongqing to Yichang Route (Downstream) and 5-day Yichang to Chongqing Route (Upstream) are the picks of best. If you just head to the luxury river cruise experience, the stunning scenery of the three gorges and the millennium project the Three Gorges Dam. Then this 4~5 days itinerary can fully meet your needs.

Sightseeing: For shore excursions of three gorges cruises, you can refer to the two itineraries below, but for detailed arrangements, which vary from ship to ship, please refer to the specific cruise’s itinerary page, 2025 Yangtze River Cruise Ships >>

Price: In addition to the super 5-star cruise - Yangtze Explorer, which offers one-to-one service onboard, the base price of a Three Gorges luxury cruise typically fluctuates from $350 to $570, including cabins, meals, entertaining activities, arranged shore excursions, guides, cleaning, etc.

Chongqing - Shanghai Route (Panoramic Yangtze River Route)

Shanghai Chongqing Cruise Route Map

Time: Currently, only Century Legend offers the 11~12 Days whole cruise exploration of Yangtze River. The downstream Chongqing to Shanghai Route takes 11 days and the upstream Shanghai to Chongqing Route takes 12 Days.

Sightseeing: The 11/12-day all-inclusive itinerary takes guests on a journey across half of China, cruising through the breathtaking canyons of the Yangtze River, experiencing the three major Chinese cuisines, exploring eight of China's 5A scenic spots, visiting four major metropolises (Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chongqing), and nine historical and cultural cities. With this package, you can enjoy a luxurious cruising experience while relaxing in comfort. It's a once-in-a-lifetime vacation opportunity you don't want to miss!

Price: The cost of an 11 to 12-day trip in 2024 starts at $2,200. Though the price may seem high, it includes everything from shore excursions to delicious meals and excellent service. Considering the length of the trip and all-inclusive benefits, it's a fantastic deal.

Upstream Or Downstream

Do You Have Preferred Yangtze River Cruise Ship?

Apart from the trip length and your China trip plan, you can also choose a cruise route according to your favorite ship. The itinerary of different ship varies. Some ships may cruise along the classic routes only, while there are also ships cruise along the in-depth route.

Check more about All Yangtze River Cruise Ships >>

Check more about How to Choose a Yangtze River Cruise Ship >>

2025/2026 Hot Deals

 

Three Gorges Cruise with Hot Destinations in China

As one of China's longest and oldest rivers, the Yangtze River connects numerous popular tourist destinations, such as Zhangjiajie, the filming location of many blockbusters, Huanglong Jiuzhaigou, known as the ceiling of natural scenery. Now that you’re around, it would be a pity not to spend a couple of days hitting up these places that appeal to you.

How to plan transportation and itinerary when connecting to neighboring destinations? You are welcome to refer to our well-formulated itineraries.

Book a tour with us, check 2025 Top Ranked Yangtze China Tours >>

Cruising Yangtze River with yangtze-river-cruises.com

 

 

Popular China Tour Packages including Yangtze Cruise