Why a
Yangtze River Cruise
is special

The Yangtze River cruise offers 3 memorable highlights: Three Gorges, Shore Excursions, and Three Gorges Dam. I discuss them on pages 2 and 3.

When to go on a
Yangtze River cruise

Timing makes a big difference.

 

Ideal months

April, May, September and October

Usually hot

June to August

Wintry

November to March

Routes and direction

Most popular route of a
Yangtze River cruise

It runs between Chongqing and Yichang. The length is 660 kilometers (410 miles) - about 10% of the Yangtze River's length.

Downstream
vs. upstream

A downstream Chongqing to Yichang voyage (4 days, 3 nights) costs a little more than its upstream equivalent, but it saves you a day of travel.

About the ships

Their quality ranges
from poor to fine

You have a choice of several dozen Yangtze River cruise ships. Some are first rate, some are middling, some are cramped "rust buckets". Generally, you get what you pay for.

Learn my other
Yangtze Cruise tips and insights

Why it's special
Best 5 boats
When to go + Routes
Three Gorges + Shore excursions
Three Gorges Dam
What it's like aboard
More tips & insights

Top 10 Wonders of China
Chinese cuisine

Visit the China National Tourist Office website

 

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

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