Yangtze River Cruise Travel Tips

1. Overview
Taking the Yangtze River Cruise is once in a lifetime tour experience in China and one of the best choice for those who want to take a break from a long time China tour. The Yangtze river also called Chang Jiang in Chinese with a total length of 3,915 miles, it is the longest river in China and the third-longest river in the world. And there are lots of scenic spots along the way that you can visit. A Yangtze River cruise in China is one you will never forget, we listed the most important Yangtze River Cruise Travel Tips for reference due to many tourist have no idea about how to take a Yangtze River Cruise Tour in China.

2. Best Time to Take Yangtze River Cruise
You can take the Yangtze River all year around, spring and autumn are the best seasons to take the Yangtze River Cruise in China with the most beautiful scenery and the most comfortable weather. The price will be higher during this period due to they are many vistors from all over the world. But the ‘BEST’ depends on what you are mostly concerned about, such as the best weather and scenery, the best price, best travel experience and others. If you take the Yangtze River Cruise during the winter, you can get the best deals and less tourists.

3. Yangtze River Curise Ships & Itinerary
President Cruises Price from 370USD per person (Tip is not included 150RMB/p.p)

President Cruise will be the best value for the money and one of most popular cruise ships along the Yangtze River. Established by Wuhan Yangtze Cruise Co., Ltd. The classical sailing routes are between Chongqing and Yichang. The president cruise ships include 3 five star cruise ships: President 6, President 7(newly launched) and President 8(newly launched), and 1 four star cruise ship: president 1, all ships are complementary with advanced facilities and excellent service.

Cruise Itinerary

4D3N downstream Chongqing-Yichang
D1 Board the ship from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Depart Chongqing at 9:00 pm
D2 Shore excursion to Shibaozhai; Optional visit Fengdu Ghost City; Welcoming Banquet
D3 Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennong stream; Optional visit White Emperor City
D4 Three Gorges Dam & departure

--Higlight: Taking 4D3N Yangtze River Cruise Tour from Chongqing to Yichang will take you to visit the most famous sightseeing spots in a short time, you will visit the Shibaozhai Pagoda, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Three Gorges Dam as well as Shennong Stream. However, you can choose the optional sightseeing spots includes the Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City. 

Fengdu Ghost City is one of the highlight optional activity along the Yangtze River, if you are planning a Yangtze River cruise, be sure you add Fengdu Ghost City to your choice of places to visit. Folklore states that this city is home to devils but some people do not put much credence in this tale. However, along with the dark side, Fengdu is one of the most beautiful areas in China

5D4N Upstream Yichang-Chongqing
D1 Board the ship from 7pm to 9pm. Depart Yichang at midnight.
D2 visit Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam Site & Welcome Banquet; Optional visit Tribe of Three Gorges
D3 Shennong Stream, Wu gorge and Qutang Gorge; Optional visit White Emperor City
D4 Shibaozhai, Captain’s Farewell Banquet and Gathering Party on the cruise
D5 Arrive at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock around 9am

--Highlight: Beside the classic sightseeing tourist attractions along the Yangtze River, you can also choose to visit the Trible fo Three Gorges and White Emperor City during this 5 days Upstream Yangtze River tour from Yichang to Chongqing. 

1) Trible of Three Gorges: One of the highlights of any Yangtze River cruise is a stop at the breath-taking Three Gorges Tribe Scenic Spot. Nestled in the stunning Xiling Gorge, right near the city of Yichang, this area looks just like a painting. Combining the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, rivers and valleys, with the colorful culture of the area, this spot draws visitors from around the world.

2) White Emperor City: Visitors can still see the remains of the ancient city walls, and the nearly 2,000 year old temple complex that was built to mark Sunshu’s death. The temple now sits on an island, connected by a footbridge to the north bank of the Yangtze, ever since the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.

Victoria Cruises  Price from 355USD per person (Tip is not included 150RMB/p.p)

Victoria Cruises is the only American cruise line sailing on Yangtze River. The company aims to create the most luxurious cruise operating on the Yangtze. The Victoria fleet is the: Victoria Sophia, Victoria Anna, Victoria Katarina, Victoria Grace, Victoria Lianna, Victoria Jenna and Victoria Selina. All cabins have a private balcony which allows passengers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Yangtze from cabin. 

Cruise Itinerary

4D3N downstream Chongqing-Yichang
D1 Board the ship from 5pm to 7pm. Depart Chongqing at 9:00 pm
D2 Studying Chinese traditional Tai Chi Boxing & Chinese acupuncture and medical theories lecture; Visit the Sanbaozi and enjoy the Cruise welcome party; Optional visit at Fengdu Ghost City
D3 Pass by the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge & Xiling Gorge; Visit the Goddess Stream and optional visit at White Emperor City; Enjoy Farewell Buffet.
D4 Learning traditional Chinese Taiji boxing; Visit the Three Gorges Dam Site; Arrive Yichang around 13:00.

--Highlight: Book this 4 days Chongqing Yichang Yangtze River Cruise Tour, you will not only go for sightseeing along the way but also learn about the Chinese culture inlcudes the Taichi Boxing, traditional medicine culture. You will visit the classic tourist sites plus the Goddess Stream or Shen Nv Stream, optional sightseeing to Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City.

Goddness Stream: The Three Gorges Dam raised the water level of the stream and it now flows from the southern bank of the Yangtze, opposite Goddess Peak. Surrounded by beautiful peaks, this tributary is home to many protected species including monkeys, mountain goats, deer, and boar, as well as a variety of Chinese medicinal herbs. You will have chance to view the quiet beauty of the stream’s narrow gorges while enjoying local folk songs along the way.

5D4N Upstream Yichang-Chongqing
D1 Board the ship from 6pm to 8pm. Depart Yichang in the next day early morning around 6am.
D2 Studying traditional Tai Chi Boxing; Visit the Three Gorges Dam Site and sail through Xiling Gorge; Cruise welcome party in the evening; Optional visit Tribe of Three Gorges
D3 Learning traditional Chinese Taiji boxing; Pass by the Wu Gorge, Qutang and visit the Shennong Stream
D4 Shibaozhai, optional visit at Fengdu Ghost City; Farewell Buffet and party.D5 Arrive at Chongqing C
haotianmen Dock around 9am

--Highlight: Board the ship in the evening and depart in the next day, the most sightseeing spots and activities will be same as 4 days cruise route. You will visit the Shennong Stream instead of the Goddness Stream in this cruise tour. Arrive in Chongqing in the morning and you will be more flexible to choose your departure train or flight.

Shennong Stream: It is one of the tributaries of the Yangtze River and connected with the Shennongija Nature Reserve in Hubei’s Badong County. Throughout China are beautiful areas, especially along the Yangtze River but without a doubt, it is an oasis unlike any other. The landscape that envelops the stream is emerald green and lush. Forestland is untouched, home to many of China’s native wildlife. 

New Century Cruise  Price from 410USD per person (Tip is not included 150RMB/p.p)

With more than ten years development and named super 5 star deluxe fleet cruises, the five deluxe-5-star cruises are: Century Diamond, Century Sun, Century Sky, Century Star, Century Emerald (rented by Viking), Century Legend and Century Paragon. New Century Cruises has been hailed as "the most dynamic cruise corporation on the Yangtze River" by New York Times. 

Cruise Itinerary

4D3N downstream Chongqing-Yichang
D1 Board the ship from 6:30pm to 9pm. Depart Chongqing at 9:30pm
D2 Tai Chi exercise; Visit the Shibaozhai and enjoy the Captain's welcome dinner, crew cabaret; Optional visit at Fengdu Ghost City.
D3 Tai Chi exercise; Take a Sampan boat to visit Shennv Stream and sail through the Qutang Gorge; Optional visit at White Emperor City.
D4 The Three Gorges Dam Site and sail through the Xiling Gorge. You will arrive in Yichang around 12:30pm.

--Highlight: No need to wait a long time for the ship departure, get up and join in the morning Taichi exercise and visit the Shibaozhai, Qutang Gorge, Qu Gorge, Xiling Gorge and Three Gorges Dam. You will have a special travel experience to visit the Shennv Stream by a sampan boat. The cruise will through the Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City, you will choose to visit according to your own interests (optional)

5D4N Upstream Yichang-Chongqing
D1 Board the ship from 5pm to 9pm. Depart Yichang in the next day early morning around 6am.
D2 Tai Chi exercise; Sail through the Xiling Gorge and visit the Three Gorges Dam Site, enjoy the Captain's welcome party, dinner and Fashion Show; Optional visit to the Tribe of Three Gorges.
D3 Tai Chi exercise; Sail through the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge and visit the Shennv Stream; Optional visit to White Emperor City.
D4 Tai Chi exercise; visit the Shibaozhai and enjoy the crew show
D5 Arrive at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock around 9am

--Highlight: Stay overnight at the dock for the first night, you will have a cruise tour from Yichang to Chongqing. You will have chance to learn about the Chinese Taichi, enjoy the scenery along the river such as the Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam Site, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge, Shennv Stream and more. Beside the sightseeing, you can relax yourself on the cruise to enjoy the welcome party, fashion show and crew show.

4. Cabin Types on Yangtze River Cruises
Normally, there are Standard Cabins, Junior Cabins, Deluxe Suites and Supreme Deluxe Suites. The standard cabins are usually equipped with twin beds and the basic cabin facilities, the large outside windows and private balconies are available in some cabins. The Junior Cabins is larger than the standard cabins but the price will cost more; Deluxe Suites is suitable for those are on a business trip, there is a separate bedroom which can be a meeting room for them; There are few Supreme Deluxe Suites on the Yangtze River Cruise, they have a private mini kitchen, sitting room, separate bedroom, it suit for those who want to enjoy the deluxe service.

5. How to Book Yangtze River Cruise
You can book the Yangtze River Cruise from their offical website and book with all inclusive Yangtze River Cruise Package with a china tour company, we highly recommend book with tour company since you no need worry about the transfer, meals and others. 

Choose a reliable tour company and send your Yangtze River Cruise inquiry, you will get the tour arrangement with the quotation, you can dissus with them about your requirements, then confirm the booking and pay the deposit.

5. Warming Tips for Taking Yangtze River Cruise
1) When you book a Yangtze River Cruise, you should pre-book your pick up service with local tour company.
2) When you pack for your Yangtze River Cruise, you should prepare the rain gear, thin sweater or coat for spring and autumn, comfortable walking shoes, commonly used medicine, some food and snacks in case the food is not enough;
3) As for the luggage, there is no limit for your carried baggage. Both the luggage rack and the foreground can provide storage service.
4) Meal is only free on non-alcoholic beverages and beer. If you need any alcoholic drinks and strong drink, you need a separate fee. Meanwhile, a free drink there has quantity limitation. Drinks and foods are forbidden to be brought to restaurants, bars and recreation center.
5) Tourist will appreciate Grand Three Gorges on the cruise, so pay attention to the right position to see these spots.
6) Pay attention to the boarding time when you get off the cruise to see other scene.