A Yangtze River cruise departing from Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Dock and sailing downstream to Yichang—or even further—offers a unique journey through the geographical, historical, and cultural heart of China.
The Three Gorges of the Yangtze are not only one of China’s most iconic natural landscapes but also a vital waterway that has borne witness to thousands of years of Chinese civilization.
How to choose a classic route
There are many routes along the Yangtze River, but these few are well worth your time to explore:
I. Premier Short-Haul Route: Yichang "Two Dams and One Gorge" One-Day Tour
This is the fastest way to experience the scenery of the Three Gorges and the marvels of hydraulic engineering. Boarding takes place at the Three Gorges Tourist Center in Yichang, with the group gathering and departing from the city center in the morning.
Duration: Approx. 8–10 hours | Suitable for: Travelers with limited time who want a quick experience of the Three Gorges scenery.
Boarding location: "Three Gorges Tourist Center" in Yichang City
Must-Visit Boat Tour Attractions：
Gezhouba Ship Lock: This is one of the most impressive experiences of the entire journey. The cruise ship slowly enters a massive lock chamber; the gates close behind the vessel, and the water level rises or falls rapidly, "lifting" or "lowering" the entire ship to the new water level.
Three Gorges Dam: In the afternoon, transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus to enter the Three Gorges Dam tourist zone and visit key viewing spots: Tanzi Ridge, the 185 Observation Platform, and the River Closure Memorial Park.
Practical Information: Admission to the Three Gorges Dam Scenic Area itself is free, but a ticket for the scenic area sightseeing bus (35 yuan per person) must be purchased.
II. Classic Full-Route Itinerary: Chongqing–Yichang Multi-Day Tour (or vice versa)
Duration: 4 days/3 nights (downstream) or 5 days/4 nights (upstream) | Suitable for: Travelers wishing to fully experience the core scenery of the Three Gorges.
Boarding location: Chongqing Chaotianmen Wharf (or Zigui Port if departing from Yichang)
A note on the route: Traveling from Chongqing to Yichang is known as "downstream"; moving with the current allows for faster speeds and a slightly shorter travel time. Traveling from Yichang to Chongqing is known as "upstream"; moving against the current results in slower speeds and a more leisurely pace. The scenery is the same in either direction, so the choice depends on your schedule and personal preference.
If you board this flight, you will experience the following scenery in the next few days:
Fengdu Ghost City: a themed attraction built based on Chinese folklore. This is a story about the soul, afterlife, and karma in traditional Chinese beliefs
Baidi City: This small mountain city is the location of Li Bai's famous line "Farewell to the White Emperor in the Clouds". Xiaoshan City is one of the best angles for taking a background picture of 10 yuan RMB.
Shennu Creek/Shennong Creek: Enter the narrower and quieter depths of the canyon, transfer to a small wooden boat for tributary exploration. Monkeys can often be seen.
Route direction tip: The underwater route usually stops at Fengdu Ghost City, Baidi City, Shennu Creek/Shennong Creek, and the Three Gorges Dam; The docking sequence of the Sheung Shui route is opposite, and the dwell time at some scenic spots is longer
III. Deep Roaming Line A: Chongqing Wuhan (Yuhan Line)
Duration: 5-7 days | Suitable for: Travelers who have ample time and want to experience both the steepness of the Three Gorges and the cultural history of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River
On the basis of a complete tour of the Three Gorges, this route continues eastward to the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and the journey usually takes 5-7 days.
This route mainly includes the complete scenery of the Three Gorges. In addition to these, this route will also pass through:
Yueyang Tower: Located in Yueyang City, Hunan Province, it is one of the three famous towers in Jiangnan, China. For foreign tourists, Yueyang Tower is an excellent place to understand the traditional Chinese literati spirit and political ideals
Wuhan: The terminal city Wuhan is the most important transportation hub in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. If there is enough time, it is recommended to stay here for one or two days:
Yellow Crane Tower: an iconic building in Wuhan and one of the three famous towers in Jiangnan. Ascending the Yellow Crane Tower, one can overlook the city skyline of the Yangtze River and the three towns of Wuhan.
Hubei Provincial Museum: If you are interested in history, the cultural relics such as the Zeng Houyi Bianzhong collected here can be regarded as national treasures
Wuhan has an international airport and high-speed railway station, making it very convenient to transfer to other cities in China after the trip.
IV. Epic class long route: Chongqing Shanghai (Chongqing Shanghai Line)
Duration: 8-12 days | Suitable for travelers who have ample vacation time, wish to embark on a deep long-distance trip through the east and west of China, and have a high budget
This is a true miniature journey of the entire Yangtze River, which can be called a 'moving national geographic picture'. The total length of the route is about 2400 kilometers, crossing 6-7 provinces and stopping at 11-12 cities.
This route will explore the scenery seen on all previous routes, and then continue eastward, passing through the following important stations:
Jingdezhen: Located in Jiangxi Province, it is the most famous "Porcelain Capital" in China. You can witness the complete process of traditional porcelain making with your own eyes
Mount Lu: also located in Jiangxi Province, it is one of the most famous cultural mountains in China.
Nanjing: The ancient capital of the Six Dynasties and the capital of many dynasties in Chinese history.The shore tours usually arranged by cruise ships include Zhongshan Mausoleum and Confucius Temple.
Yangzhou: Located in Jiangsu Province, it is a historical and cultural city famous for its gardens and cuisine.
Shanghai: The destination city, the largest modern city in China. You can end your trip here or continue to stay and explore in Shanghai.
Important note: Sailings on this route are infrequent—typically operating only in May–June and September–November—so advance planning is essential.
When is the best time to go?
Best seasons (highly recommended): Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). The weather is pleasant, and the scenery—featuring mountain blossoms or autumn foliage and emerald-green river waters—is at its most photogenic.
Consider visiting in summer (June–August). The weather is hot, but the water flow is abundant and the scenery spectacular. The downside is the large number of tourists.
Key factor—water level: The water level of the Yangtze River undergoes significant seasonal fluctuations. High-water period (summer); low-water period (spring).
Practical advice
Purchasing Tickets: You can buy tickets through online channels such as the cruise line's official website, its official WeChat mini-program, or third-party platforms. Alternatively, contacting a travel agency to handle the purchase for you may be more convenient.
Documents: You must carry your passport (and visa) with you at all times, as they are required for boarding the ship and for security checks when going ashore.
Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes, a jacket.
Most cruise quotes include tours and guided visits to scheduled shore attractions. Carefully review the list of inclusions, as certain special activities or performances may require an additional fee.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, motion sickness medication (although the river is wide and the boat ride is smooth, it doesn't hurt to have some on hand), a power bank, and a small bag for shore excursions.
Is a balcony cabin worth it? If your budget allows, it is definitely worth it. You get your own private space.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for reference only and was last updated on . Requirements and regulations may change. Always verify with official sources before making travel plans.
