How to Book a Yangtze River Cruise: A Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a Yangtze River Cruise can be overwhelming. You may be wondering when is the best time for this cruise. And there are so many ships and attractions to choose from. Don't worry. We are here to help! Here, we'll walk you through every step to book your Yangtze River Cruise tour. Whether you're looking for a short scenic cruise or an extended voyage along the Yangtze, we've got you covered!

Airview of Yangtze River Cruise

Step 1: Determine Your Travel Time

Mini Three Gorges in Autumn

The best time for a Yangtze River Cruise is from March to November. However, the best time for you to travel on this cruise depends on your preference and personal schedule.

• In spring, everything around the Yangtze River comes back to life, and many flowers bloom along the Yangtze River, especially peach blossoms. Numerous ancient Chinese poets wrote poems about this scenery while traveling through the Three Gorges. Visiting during this season allows you to experience the cultural and literal atmosphere.
• In summer, although the weather is hot, it is an ideal time to enjoy the cool breeze aboard the cruise ship. Relaxing in the cabin while admiring the lush green landscapes along the river provides a refreshing and pleasant experience. Summer is the peak season for Yangtze River cruises, with many families traveling with elders and children. So, if you plan to visit in summer, it's best to book your tickets in advance.
• In autumn, the temperature is comfortable, and the weather is generally clear, with very few rainy days. Late autumn (late October to November) is the best time to see the stunning red foliage in the Three Gorges. Keep in mind that from October 1st to 7th, China's people will celebrate their National Day, a time when domestic tourists flood popular destinations. If you plan to travel during this period, advance planning is essential.
• In winter, the Yangtze River is often misty, and many cruise lines reduce their trips or suspend operations for maintenance. If you choose to travel in winter, ticket prices are generally lower, and you might even have the chance to see the mountaintops covered in snow, creating a unique and serene landscape.

Step 2: Choose Your Favourite Cruise Ship

A Yangtze River Cruise Ship

Depending on your budget, there are various cruise options ranging from 3-star to 5-star, with more than 15 different types of ships to choose from.

If your budget allows, we highly recommend you opt for a 5-star cruise, such as Century Glory, Century Victory, Yangtze 1, etc. These luxury cruises are spacious and well-equipped, featuring high-end restaurants, gyms, KTV rooms, spa centers, heated swimming pools, and more. They offer premium room options, including executive suites and presidential suites. If you're traveling with children or family, there are even connecting rooms and family-friendly cabins available.

If your budget is limited, consider 3-star cruises. These cruises offer cheaper prices and cover basic itineraries. Often, these cruises are smaller than luxurious ones and have smaller capacities.

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Step 3: Choose the Best Yangtze River Itinerary

Shibaozhai, an excursion for Yangtze River Cruise

There are various Yangtze River cruise routes available. Options include 4- to 5-day upstream or downstream cruises between Chongqing and Yichang, as well as 11- to 12-day upstream or downstream cruises between Chongqing and Shanghai. Among these itineraries, the most recommended route is the 4-day-and-3-night downstream tour from Chongqing to Yichang.

• Day 1: Embark on the ship on the wharf in Chongqing at 5 pm and enjoy your first meal there. At night, the ship will set off, and your tour begins.
• Day 2: The cruise will stop by at Shibaozhai, a striking 12-story wooden pagoda built against a sheer cliff along the Yangtze River. You will get on the shore to visit this pagoda and enjoy panoramic views of the river.
• Day 3: The cruise continues and will stop by at Shennv Stream. Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) is a picturesque tributary of the Yangtze River, located in the Wu Gorge section of the Three Gorges. This stream is known for its narrow and winding waterway.
• Day 4: After breakfast, wrap up your Yangtze River Tour by visiting the Three Gorges Dam. Then, disembark the cruise at noon and set off to Yichang train station for your next tour.

Paid excursions of a Yangtze River Cruise

Fengdu Ghost City

Yangtze River Cruises pass by many scenic spots along the way - some are included in the itinerary, while others require an additional fee. Here are some recommended paid excursions:

• White Emperor City
• War Fire of the Three Kingdoms Show
• Small Three Gorges
• Fengdu Ghost City
• Ship Elevator of the Three Gorges Dam

Notably, some top-tier cruises include all the tickets for these paid attractions.

Extend Your Yangtze River Tour to Other Cities in China

Generally, it is recommended to include other Chinese cities in your Yangtze River cruise itinerary. This is because, first, many other cities in China, such as Beijing and Shanghai, are well worth visiting. Second, if you are entering China, it is much more convenient to arrive in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Hong Kong rather than directly arrive in Chongqing, the starting point of the Yangtze River cruise.

If you enter China via Beijing and depart from Shanghai, consider planning your itinerary as follows:

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Step 4: Book Your Yangtze River Cruise Tour With Us

If you're interested in taking a Yangtze River cruise, we'd love to help you plan your trip! Our travel consultants have extensive experience in itinerary planning and can recommend the best cruise options for you. Additionally, we can create a customized China tour that perfectly fits your preferences. Contact us today for the best prices and more detailed information about the Yangtze River Cruise.