The mighty Yangtze, largest river in China and Asia, third largest river in the world, is said to be the cradle of Chinese Civilization. The ‘ Ten Thousand Li River’ flows 6300 kilometers from the snowy heights of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to East China Sea, just north of Shanghai. Situated in the subtropics with latitude of 30 degree north, the weather on Yangtze River features strong wind, humid and less sunshine. Generally, people consider the river a dividing line between North China and South China. Areas to the north and the south of the river have many differences in climate, scenery, economics, culture and folk customs. Besides of being a major means of transport, it has colorful and exciting history and beautiful scenery. With a cruise tour, you will also enjoy a lot from the particular local culture like: Burial Custom, Festivals, Ghost City, Peddlers, Remains and the Trackers.
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Wu Gorge
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Qutang Gorge
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Shennong Stream
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Shennv Stream
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Shibaozhai
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White Emperor City
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Fengdu Ghost City
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Xiling Gorge
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Three Gorges Dam
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Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge
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Three Little Gorges
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Three Gorges People
Most of the cruises are between Chongqing and Yichang.The downstream cruise takes 4 days/3 nights; The upstream cruise takes 5 days/ 4 nights. Price for upstream or downstream cruise is the same. Following are the suggested cruise ships. Referenced prices are based on double occupancy in shoulder season.
>No 1. President No.8/ 7 operated by President Cruises, starting from USD319 per person.
President No.6(former President Prime) President No.7 President No.8
>No. 2. New Century Cruises starting from USD329 per person
Century Star Century Sky Century Sun Century Diamond Century Paragon Century Legend
>No 3. Victoria Cruises starting from USD329 per person.
Victoria Anna Victoria Grace Victoria Jenna Victoria Katarina Victoria Lianna Victoria Selina Victoria Sophia
>No 4. Yangtze Gold Cruises starting from USD379 per person based on double occupancy.
Gold 1 Gold 2 Gold 3 Gold 4 Gold 5 Gold 6 Gold 7 Gold 8
>No 5. Yangtze Cruise starting from USD339 per person.
Yangtze No.1 Yangtze No.2
>No 6. Luxury Yangtze Explorer starting from USD1509 per person.
1. Choose your proper itinerary, either downstream or upstream
Different cruise ships offer different itineraries. So just choose the one you prefer. While it is important to choose either Downstream cruise or upstream cruise before you decide. Besides the itinerary of the cruise ship, you may also take the arrival and departure port into consideration.
There are two ports for the Yangtze River Cruise tour- Chongqing & Yichang. For Chongqing, there are many trains/internal or international flights in and out. While Yichang is a very small city with limited trains/ flights in/to some of the large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Don’t worry too much, you may also transit via Wuhan which is around 2-3 hours via bullet train. But please do plan in advance.
>2. Choose a liable cruise ship
You may find other cheaper Chinese middle-budget cruises on Yangtze River. But choose a 5-star one if possible. These Chinese cruises don't meet the international standard. You might accept the food, accommodation, but you may be disappointed about the service and communication problem.
Due to water level and climate, Peak Season to take the Yangtze River Cruise is May, September and October, Shoulder Season is March, April, June to August and November. Low season is from December to the end of February. The Suggested time to take Yangtze River Cruise tour is from late March to late November. Kindly note that Cruises booking in low season may canceled due to insufficient booking or low water level.
