Yangtze River Cruise Guide: Three Gorges, Chongqing to Yichang

History & Heritage of the Yangtze

The Yangtze (Chang Jiang, “Long River”) is the third-longest river on Earth at 6,300 km, draining a fifth of China’s landmass and supporting 400 million people along its banks. Cruises focus on the 664 km middle section between Chongqing and Yichang, where the river slices through three legendary gorges. The Three Gorges Dam (completed 2008) is the world’s largest hydroelectric facility, raising the river by 175 m and creating today’s navigable cruise experience.

• Length: 6,300 km — third-longest river in the world

• Cruise section: Chongqing → Fengdu → Wushan → Yichang, 4–5 days

• Three Gorges: Qutang (8 km), Wu (40 km), Xiling (78 km)

• Famous for: Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai pagoda, Lesser Three Gorges, White Emperor City, Goddess Peak

Top Highlights of the Yangtze Cruise

• Three Gorges Dam — the world’s largest hydroelectric dam; visit the observation deck, five-tier ship lock and exhibition centre at Yichang.

• Qutang Gorge — the shortest but most dramatic gorge; the cliffs feature on the back of China’s ¥10 banknote.

• Wu Gorge — the most picturesque of the three with the famous twelve Wushan peaks including Goddess Peak.

• Xiling Gorge — the longest gorge; cruise passes the Huangling Temple and the Three Gorges Dam approach.

• Lesser Three Gorges — sampan-boat tributary excursion into Daning River’s narrow karst canyons.

• Shibaozhai (“Stone Treasure Stronghold”) — the cliff-clinging 1750 12-storey red wooden pagoda just upstream of Fuling.

• Fengdu Ghost City — 2,000-year-old temple complex devoted to Chinese afterlife folklore.

• White Emperor City (Baidicheng) — Tang-era hilltop pavilion above Qutang Gorge celebrated in Li Bai’s poetry.

Onboard Cruise Dining & Cuisine

• Buffet-style Sichuan banquets — most cruises feature lazy-susan tables with hot pot, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken and Yangtze fish dishes.

• Three Gorges Banquet — a multi-course captain’s dinner showcasing regional specialties from each gorge.

• Yangtze Fish Dishes — Mandarin fish, perch and giant grouper steamed whole and served with ginger and scallion.

• Chongqing Hot Pot Demonstration — onboard chef-led mala hot pot night with optional spice levels.

• Western Buffet — Victoria, President and Yangtze Gold lines offer steaks, salads and continental options.

• Tea Ceremony — daily lounge demonstrations of Sichuan and Yunnan tea traditions.

Onboard Programmes & Cultural Activities

• Captain’s Welcome Cocktail — first-night gathering with the cruise director and captain.

• Tai Chi at sunrise — open-deck classes on the upper deck above the Three Gorges.

• Calligraphy & paper-cutting workshops — afternoon cultural classes led by onboard masters.

• Cabaret evenings — Chinese folk dance, fan dance and acrobatic shows in the show lounge.

• Wine tastings — Chinese baijiu vs. global wine pairings on premium lines.

• Mahjong & Chinese chess — daily tournament games in the lounge.

What to Do at Each Cruise Stop

• Chongqing (start) — board at Chaotianmen or Cuntan Pier; visit Hongya Cave and the Yangtze Cableway before sailing.

• Fuling — UNESCO-listed Baiheliang Underwater Museum protecting Tang-dynasty hydrological inscriptions.

• Fengdu (Ghost City) — 2,000-year-old temple complex of Chinese afterlife mythology.

• Shibaozhai — climb 12 floors of the cliff-clinging red wooden pagoda.

• Wushan / Lesser Three Gorges — sampan-boat tributary tour into Daning River’s narrow canyons.

• Yichang (end) — disembark for the Three Gorges Dam observation deck and five-tier ship lock tour.

Onboard Shopping & Souvenirs

• Pursers’ desk shops — branded cruise merchandise, silk scarves, jade jewellery.

• Shore excursion markets — Tujia ethnic textiles at Shibaozhai, ghost-city talismans at Fengdu, dam-themed engineering replicas at Yichang.

• Specialties to bring home — Three Gorges Dam commemorative coins, hand-painted Chinese fans, calligraphy scrolls, Yangtze tea, jade pendants.

Weather: Best Time for a Yangtze Cruise

• Spring (Mar–May) — green gorges, mild 18–25°C; the most comfortable cruise window.

• Summer (Jun–Aug) — hot 28–35°C; high-water season with the most dramatic river levels.

• Autumn (Sep–Nov) — colourful gorges and the clearest skies; the most popular season.

• Winter (Dec–Feb) — “Misty Three Gorges” season; cool 8–15°C and fewer travellers.

Cruise Etiquette & Onboard Tips

• Cabin choice — book a private balcony cabin on the highest deck possible for unobstructed gorge views.

• Layered clothing — open-deck temperatures can shift 8–10°C between gorges and rest stops.

• Cash tipping — onboard staff appreciate ₿20–50 per day per guest, pooled.

• Shore excursion shoes — Shibaozhai and Fengdu involve steep stairs; pack rubber-soled walking shoes.

• Wi-Fi — onboard packages are slow and expensive; expect limited connectivity in the gorges.

Essential Cruise Information

Direction: downstream cruises (Chongqing → Yichang, 4–5 days) are the most popular and the more scenic direction. Upstream cruises (Yichang → Chongqing, 5–6 days) are slower but quieter.

Major operators: Victoria Cruises (American-managed, mid-luxury), Century Cruises (modern five-star), Yangtze Gold (Chinese five-star), President Cruises (mid-range), Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer (Aman-affiliated ultra-luxury).

Embarkation: Chongqing departures use Chaotianmen Pier or the newer Cuntan Pier. Yichang departures use Maoping Port below the Three Gorges Dam.

Cabin types: Standard (windowed lower deck), Deluxe (private balcony), Executive Suite, and President/Royal Suite. Always book balcony for the gorges.

Where to Embark & Disembark

• Chongqing — main upstream embarkation point; allow one night pre-cruise to explore.

• Yichang — main downstream disembarkation; high-speed train to Wuhan (2h) for onward Shanghai or Beijing connections.

• Wuhan extensions — many travellers continue to Wuhan, Huangshan or back to Shanghai.

• Recommended cruise lines — Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, Yangtze Gold, President Cruises, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer.

Explore Tweet World Travel China Small Group Tour or contact Tweet World Travel for a tailor-made travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from travellers planning a Yangtze River cruise:

How long is a Yangtze River cruise?

Standard downstream cruises (Chongqing → Yichang) are 4 days and 3 nights — the most popular option. Upstream cruises (Yichang → Chongqing) are 5 days and 4 nights because the boats sail against the current.

Which is better — downstream or upstream?

Downstream is more popular: shorter, more scenic on the entry, and you finish at Yichang for easy onward train connections. Upstream is slower but lets you sail into the gorges and is quieter on shore excursions.

When is the best time for a Yangtze cruise?

April to early June and September to early November are the best seasons. The river is at safe high levels, weather is mild, and the gorges look most photogenic. Avoid August (heat) and Lunar New Year (crowds).

Is the Three Gorges Dam visit included?

Yes — every cruise includes a tour of the Three Gorges Dam observation deck and the five-tier ship lock, plus the engineering exhibition centre. The transit through the locks themselves takes 3–4 hours.

How do I get from Yichang to Shanghai?

High-speed trains from Yichang East Station reach Wuhan in 2 hours then Shanghai in 4h30m total (¥600). Direct night trains and flights are also available. The Tweet World Travel itinerary continues onward to Shanghai by train.