Yangtze River Cruises
4.6 stars on(9,282 reviews)- Choose from 16 Yangtze tours
- 27 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best Yangtze cruises
Compiled by
MelissaYangtze travel expert at TourRadar
- China Tour with Chengdu and Yangtze Cruise (Private Tailored)
- Yin and Yangtze - 15 days
- 11 Days Yangtze River Group Tour
- Best of China Tour with Yangtze(Private Tailored)
- Yangtze River Deluxe Cruise 4D/3N from Chongqing to Yichang
- Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights
- Majestic China & Yangtze River Cruise
- Customized China Family Trip with Cruise, Daily Start & Private Guide
- Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise - 16 days
- Inspirational China & Yangtze Cruise (4 destinations)
China Tour with Chengdu and Yangtze Cruise (Private Tailored)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a great customized vacation. Odynovo is an exceptional travel company.”
GLORIA, traveled in October
The Yangtze flows from Chongqing to Yichang on this 3-night cruise featuring Fengdu Ghost City and Shennv Stream excursions. Three Gorges Dam visits combine with onboard Tai Chi and evening entertainment. Premium cabin accommodations offer balcony views throughout.
Duration 13 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range Ages 12+ River Yangtze Operator Odynovo From $6,126
10% Off- NZ$5,513You save $613
Yin and Yangtze - 15 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We enjoyed every minute of the tour. The guides were of an extremely high standard.”
FPalmer, traveled in November
A three-night Yangtze River cruise takes you through the Three Gorges, with stops at Jade Emperor Scenic Area and Three Gorges Dam. The stunning Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges unfold before you, while shore excursions lead to Goddess Stream. Comfortable accommodation comes standard aboard Century Star or Century Sky Cruiser.
Duration 15 days Destinations Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Leshan, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Shanghai Age Range Ages 15+ River Yangtze Operator On The Go Tours From $7,995
25% Off- NZ$5,996You save $1,999
The Victoria USA hosts a three-night cruise through Three Gorges' dramatic landscapes. White Emperor City stands proudly overlooking Qutang Gorge, while Wu Gorge's forest-covered peaks and Goddess Stream await exploration. Shore excursions include Fengdu Ghost City and Three Gorges Dam.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome River Yangtze Operator Top China Travel From
25% Off- NZ$3,468
Best of China Tour with Yangtze(Private Tailored)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour is amazing taking in all the popular tourist spots from Shanghai to Beijing.”
Sally, traveled in October
Your three-night Yangtze River adventure includes visits to Shibaozhai Pagoda and Shennv Stream. The Three Gorges Dam project and scenic river valleys unfold from your comfortable cruise accommodations. Onboard meals and guided shore excursions complete the experience.
Duration 13 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Yangtze, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range Ages 12+ River Yangtze Operator Odynovo From $7,039
10% Off- NZ$6,335You save $704
A 5-star vessel takes you along the legendary Yangtze River through Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges. Luxury balcony cabins serve as your home while visiting Fengdu Ghost City and Three Gorges Dam. Morning Taiji and regional cuisine enhance your journey, with optional excursions to White Emperor City and Ship Lift.
Duration 4 days Destinations Chongqing, Three Gorges, Yichang Age Range Ages 18+ River Yangtze Operator Silk Road Trips From
10% Off- NZ$1,398
Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang Downstream in 4 Days 3 Nights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great experience in general. Would recommend to friends and family!”
Borislav, traveled in November
The Yangtze reveals its most spectacular section as you sail through Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges. Your downstream route from Chongqing features Three Gorges Dam and either Shennong Stream or Goddess Stream. The 5-star vessel provides buffet dining and comfortable berth cabins.
Duration 4 days Destinations Chongqing, Three Gorges, Yichang Age Range Ages 18+ River Yangtze Operator Silk Road Trips From
10% Off- NZ$1,048
Majestic China & Yangtze River Cruise
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The food and accommodation were great. The guides & escort work well.”
Jack, traveled in October
The Yangzi Explorer welcomes you aboard for unique visits to Dachang Ancient Town and Project 816. Champagne flows at private lookout points, while world-famous Fang Weng cave restaurant offers exceptional dining. Morning Tai Chi sessions complement your sail through Qutang Gorge.
Duration 9 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, Yichang Age Range Ages 35+ River Yangtze Operator Tweet World Travel From
10% Off- NZ$5,427
The 5-star President Ship offers private balcony cabins for your Yangtze adventure. Three Gorges Dam, Qutang Gorge, and Shennv Stream highlight the itinerary, complemented by onboard entertainment and guided excursions.
Duration 16 days Destinations Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yichang, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome River Yangtze Operator TravelChinaGuide From
10% Off- NZ$7,032
This 3-night luxury voyage through Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge, and Wu Gorge showcases China's natural beauty. The itinerary includes Fengdu's Jade Emperor site, traditional riverside villages, and Three Gorges Dam. Comfortable cabin accommodations provide stunning views throughout.
Duration 16 days Destinations Shanghai, Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Leshan, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Qutang Gorge Age Range Ages 15+ River Yangtze Operator On The Go Tours From $9,615
25% Off- NZ$7,211You save $2,404
What people love about Yangtze Cruises
- Yin and Yangtze - 15 days
We were disappointed that we were given so few details of our itinerary especially that we as a group of 4 would start out as a group of 16 then half way through our 16 day tour would be travelling as a group of 4 without a national guide, and only with local guides at each stop. We were also not aware if we would travel to our next stop by train or van (coach) The not knowing caused anxiety at times, which spoilt an otherwise amazing holiday. Helene...
- Yangtze River Cruise from Yichang to Chongqing Upstream in 5 Days 4 Nights
The trips was what I went for and got. The ships staff were great and tried to make me comfortable especially Cathy, the ship's officer who bought me the daily cruise guide and took me through it. Although I spoke little to no Chinese only using my translator she spoke to me in English and helped me with everything I needed.
- Best of China Tour with Yangtze(Private Tailored)
Wonderful personalized service. Excellent travel connections. Great local guides helped create a life long memory.
What our customers ask about Yangtze River Cruises
When is the best time to take a Yangtze River cruise?
The most favorable conditions for Yangtze River cruises occur from April through October. The data from operators like Victoria Cruises and Goddess 2 shows that winter months (November-March) have limited sailings and cold temperatures. July and August bring the warmest weather and largest crowds while April and May offer mild temperatures and fewer tourists. A TourRadar traveler noted "The spring weather was perfect for viewing the Three Gorges and enjoying deck activities like morning Tai Chi."
What are the main highlights typically included in a Yangtze River cruise?
The journey takes travelers through the Three Gorges (Qutang Wu and Xiling) with stops at significant landmarks. Passengers explore the Three Gorges Dam Fengdu Ghost City and Shennv Stream during shore excursions. Ships like Victoria Anna and Goddess 2 Cruise provide balcony cabins and cultural programs. Visits to sites such as Shibaozhai Pagoda connect visitors with local traditions. As a TourRadar traveler shared: "The Three Gorges were breathtaking and the shore excursions especially to Shennv Stream gave us amazing insights into local life along the river."
What types of accommodations are available on Yangtze River cruises?
The ships operating Yangtze River cruises maintain 4-5 star standards with Victoria Cruise and Goddess 2 Cruise leading the fleet. Most rooms come with private balconies and twin beds while luxury seekers can book Executive or Presidential Suites. Land accommodations at properties like Novotel Hotels in Beijing and Holiday Inn in Shanghai bookend many cruise packages. A TourRadar traveler shared "Our balcony cabin on Victoria Cruise was comfortable and well-appointed offering spectacular views of the gorges from our private veranda."
Are shore excursions included in Yangtze River cruise packages?
The standard packages cover three main excursions: the Three Gorges Dam Shennv Stream (or Goddess Stream) and either Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai Pagoda. Guests can add optional tours like the White Emperor City experience for around USD 295. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The included shore excursions were well-organized and provided excellent insights into local culture and history."
How much does a typical Yangtze River cruise cost?
Prices range from USD 799 for basic 4-day cruises to USD 5415 for extended 16-day tours that include stops in Beijing and Shanghai. The rates cover lodging meals guided excursions and onboard activities. Extra costs include optional tours and staff gratuities which average USD 25-30 per person. A TourRadar traveler noted: "While not inexpensive the value was excellent considering the quality of accommodations meals and included excursions."
What kind of dining options are available on Yangtze River cruises?
Ships serve three meals daily combining Chinese and Western dishes. Victoria Cruise offers buffet options along with special events like the Captain's Welcome Dinner and Farewell Banquet. The menus often feature regional specialties from ports along the route. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The variety of both Chinese and Western dishes at the buffets was impressive and the special themed dinners were memorable experiences."
More about Yangtze
President Cruise 8 from Intertrips