Yangtze River Cruises Travel Guide

The Three Gorges, located along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China, stretches between Chongqing in the west and Yichang in Hubei Province in the east. It is a world-famous scenic spot with a long history and rich cultural connotations.

The Three Gorges includes the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. The region is characterized by its steep terrain, towering mountains, and clear waters, making it a unique natural landscape. The Qutang Gorge is known for its steep and narrow gorge, with towering cliffs on both sides. The Wu Gorge is famous for its misty and ethereal beauty with lush vegetation. The Xiling Gorge is the longest and most complex of the three gorges, with numerous rapids and dangerous shoals. In addition to the gorges themselves, there are also many other natural attractions such as the Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai Pagoda, and Shennv Stream.

In addition to the natural landscapes, while touring the scenic areas of the Three Gorges, there are also countless delicacies such as Camphor Tea Duck, Yunyang Salt and Pepper Shrimp, and Wushan Konjac Chicken waiting for you to discover!

Take a cruise, enjoy the beautiful scenery, savor the gourmet food, and expand your knowledge. The mysterious and magnificent Yangtze River always welcomes your visit. Contact us now to embark on a journey that begins the moment as you wish!

Recommended Tour Itinerary

5 Days Yichang-Chongqing Century Cruise

Yichang-Wushan County-Fengjie County-Fengdu County-Chongqing

(20)200+ booked

From US$ 535

12 Days Shanghai-Chongqing Century Cruise

Shanghai-Yangzhou-Nanjing-Chizhou-Jiujiang-Wuhan-Yueyang-Jingzhou-Yichang-Fengjie-Fengdu-Chongqing

(20)200+ booked

From US$ 3750

11 Days Chongqing-Shanghai Century Cruise

Chongqing-Fengdu-Fengjie-Yichang-Jingzhou-Wuhan-Jiujiang-Chizhou-Nanjing-Yangzhou-Shanghai

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From US$ 3555

Explore Your Yangtze River Cruises!!!

2025 Schedule for International Cruise Ships on the Three Gorges of Yangtze River

First/Final Sailing:

Yangzi Explorer        Apr.27-Dec.14

Victoria Sabrina      Mar.21-Nov.24            Victoria Jenna          Mar.17-Nov.27

Victoria Anna          Mar.5-Dec.27              Victoria Katarina      Mar.23-Nov.26

Victoria Isabella      Sept.30-Nov.28

Note: In October, Victoria Katarina schedule adjusted to downstream cruise on Tuesday& upstream cruise on Friday; Victoria Isabella (new ship) will operate downstream on Wednesday & upstream sailings on Sunday.

Century Voyage       Mar.14-Dec.1           Century Paragon      Feb.4-Nov.28

Century Glory          Mar.23-Dec.3           Century Oasis           Mar.15-Dec.2

Century Victory       Mar.12-Nov.29

Yangtze Gold 8        Mar.2-Dec.10           Yangtze Gold 3          Mar.13-Dec.7

Yangtze Gold 6        Mar.14-Dec.8           Yangtze Gold 5          TBD

Yangtze Gold 7        Under renovation, scheduled to resume operations between April and May in 2025

China Goddess No.1      Mar.11-Nov.21

China Goddess No.2      Mar.9-Nov.19

China Goddess No.3      Mar.13-Nov.16

Yangtze Cruise Ships

Professional Yangtze River Cruise Booking Service

With years of expertise in reserving cruises for global travelers, we deliver exceptional service and extensive options across all major cruise lines sailing the Yangtze River, including Yangzi Explorer, Century Cruises, Victoria Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises, and Damei Cruises, etc. Leveraging our strong partnerships with these operators, we possess in-depth knowledge of every ship—from their comfortable, well-maintained facilities and professional, friendly crew to their unique dining, culinary, and entertainment experiences tailored for diverse traveler needs, whether for family vacations, business trips, or solo relaxations, etc.

Best Price Guarantee

We ensure authentic local pricing for every Yangtze cruise, helping you secure both unbeatable value and unforgettable travel memories. Additionally, being located near the cruise ports in Chongqing—a key embarkation hub—we offer up-to-date expertise on transportation and seamless embarkation/disembarkation procedures.

Explore 20+ Ships & 5 Cruise Lines Below

Browse our full fleet selection and choose your ideal ship to embark on a magical cruise journey! For personalized assistance with itinerary planning or reservations, contact us directly. We are delighted to help craft your perfect China cruise experience, backed by round-the-clock premium service.

    Yangzi Explorer          Yangtze Gold Cruises            Damei Cruises                 Victoria Cruises                 Century Cruises      

Top Yangtze River Attractions

1. Qutang Gorge

Qutang Gorge stretches from White Emperor Mountain, spanning eight kilometers. Although it is the shortest of the Three Gorges, it is the most majestic and precipitous, renowned for its "grandeur." At the western entrance, the cliffs on both sides rise sharply, towering hundreds of feet high with a width of less than a hundred meters, resembling a grand gateway. This section is known as the "Kuimen," often praised as the "Most Majestic Gateway Under Heaven." The mountain on the left is called Chijia Mountain, while the one on the right is named Baiyan Mountain. Regardless of the weather, these mountains always emit layers of shimmering silver light, sometimes bright and sometimes subtle.

2. Wu Gorge

Wu Gorge is renowned for its enchanting beauty and serene depth, celebrated worldwide for its elegance. The gorge is long and the valley deep, with towering peaks rising abruptly, layers of mountains overlapping, and clouds and mist swirling around. The river winds its way through, twisting and turning endlessly. Sailing through it feels like entering a magnificent gallery, brimming with poetic charm. 

3. Xiling Gorge

Xiling Gorge is located in Hubei Province. It is renowned for its winding waterways, towering rock formations, numerous rapids, and treacherous navigation, making it the longest and most perilous gorge among the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. The name "Xiling" originates from its location west of the "Western Frontier of Chu" and Yiling (the ancient name of Yichang).

4. Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam Project, formally known as the Yangtze River Three Gorges Water Control Project, is the largest hydraulic engineering project in the world today. It consists of three main components: a river dam, a hydroelectric power station, and navigation structures.

5. Three Gorges Tribe

Three Gorges Tribe, nestled between mountains and rivers, traditional stilted houses dot the landscape, while long-lost ancient sailing boats and black-canopied boats rest quietly by the doors of the villagers' homes. Young women by the stream beat clothes with washing sticks, and leisurely fishermen cast their nets on the river... For thousands of years, the enduring customs and traditions of the people here have reflected their simplicity and hospitality.

6. Yichang

Its name means "a place suited for prosperity." With a long and rich history, Yichang is deeply rooted in the cultures of Ba and Chu. It is the hometown of Qu Yuan, a world-renowned historical and cultural figure, and Wang Zhaojun, an ancient envoy of ethnic unity. Today, Yichang is celebrated as the "Capital of World Hydropower."

7. Jingzhou

Jingzhou was the capital of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. During the Three Kingdoms era, due to its strategic location as a bridge connecting the east, west, south, and north, Jingzhou became a highly contested military stronghold. It was a crucial gateway controlling the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and was described by Zhuge Liang as "a land of military importance." The ancient city wall of Jingzhou is the best-preserved southern city wall in China.

8. Yueyang Tower

Yueyang Tower is one of the Three Great Towers of Jiangnan. What sets Yueyang Tower apart is that it is the only one among the three that has retained its original architectural form. From here, visitors can gaze out over Dongting Lake and admire the distant Junshan Island. Since ancient times, it has been celebrated with the saying, "The waters of Dongting are the finest under heaven, and Yueyang Tower is the greatest tower under heaven." 

9. Huanghe Tower

Huanghe Tower, located on the south bank of the Yangtze River, is one of the Three Great Towers of Jiangnan. Originally built in 223 AD, the Huanghe Tower boasts a history of over 1,800 years and stands as one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Chinese architecture.

10. Shibaozhai Pagoda

The Shibaozhai Pagoda is one of the tallest and most multi-storied fully wooden, post-and-lintel structures still in existence in China. Having withstood over 400 years of wind and rain, it still stands tall and majestic, earning its reputation as one of the "Eight Extraordinary Architectural Wonders of the World." Built against the mountain, the tower appears to climb upward along the hillside, with each level tapering as it rises. Its upturned eaves and corners are lively and dynamic. Architectural experts have vividly described it as a "cliff-climbing structure."

11. Chongqing

Chongqing is a culturally renowned city with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It is the world's largest mountain-river city, where the main urban area is embraced by two rivers and built against the mountains. Known far and wide as the "Mountain City," the "River City," and the "City That Never Sleeps," Chongqing is a place of extraordinary charm and vitality.

12. Fengdu Ghost City 

Fengdu Ghost City, one of China's first National 4A-Level Tourist Attractions, is a historic and culturally renowned city with origins dating back to the Han Dynasty. It is believed to be the final destination for human souls. Not only is it a legendary ghost city, but it also serves as a treasure trove of folk culture and art, integrating Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. It stands as one of the most famous cultural landmarks along the Yangtze River tourism route.

13. White Emperor City

White Emperor City is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, on the eastern side of the White Emperor Mountain. It is a famous tourist destination in the Three Gorges. The site features the majestic beauty reminiscent of Mount Tai and the unique rock formations. Throughout history, renowned poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu have left behind numerous poems here, earning the White Emperor City "City of Poetry."

14. Shennv Stream

The Shennv Stream is a small stream located between Qingshi Town and Feifeng Peak. The stream is 15 kilometers long, and due to its rapid water flow and shallow, narrow channels, 10 kilometers of it is an inaccessible pristine valley. After the third phase of water storage, visitors can explore the deep canyons within the stream. The beautiful scenery of emerge before tourists. The once little-known beautiful landscapes, known only to a few photographers, have become a new highlight of the Three Gorges tour.

Visit Yangtze River with Reliable Travel Agency

To better explore the Yangtze River, choose a reliable travel agency that will help you make your dream tour come true. 

We are here to provide you with unforgettable tours! We have been devoted to inbound tourism for more than 20 years, with 98% 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. 

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