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长江Central China30.82° N · 111.00° E
A slow journey through the Three Gorges, between Chongqing and Yichang. Here is what the cruise is like, which way to go and what to expect from the river today.
The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia, and its most famous stretch runs between Chongqing and Yichang through the Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu and Xiling. Here the river cuts through steep mountains, past cliff paths, old towns and temples, before reaching the Three Gorges Dam. A river cruise is the classic way to see it, usually three nights downstream from Chongqing.
The river has changed since the dam was built. The water is higher and calmer, some old towns were moved uphill, and the gorges feel less towering than in older photographs. They are still very beautiful, though, and the cruise is a restful break in a busy China journey, with daily shore excursions to the dam, side gorges and riverside temples.
Our journeys place a Yangtze cruise inside a private, tailor-made trip, with guides and transfers in Chongqing and Yichang.
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Both directions cover the same gorges and similar excursions. The choice mostly comes down to time and how the cruise fits your wider route.
Chongqing to Yichang, usually three nights. It is shorter, and the ship meets the gorges in order from the narrowest to the dam.
Yichang to Chongqing, usually four nights. It sails more slowly against the current, with an extra relaxed day on board.
The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
The shortest and most dramatic of the three, with sheer cliffs at Kuimen, the gate of the gorges. Be on deck as the ship enters, usually announced in advance.
A longer, gentler gorge of green peaks and mist, home to the Goddess Peak and its legends. Lovely in the soft morning or late afternoon light.
The longest gorge, once the most dangerous for boats, now calm above the dam. The final stretch before the ship reaches the locks.
Excursions into the Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong Stream take you up narrow side valleys in smaller boats, closer to the cliffs and the water.
One of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world. An excursion visits the viewing area above the dam, and many ships pass through the five-step ship lock.
A red wooden pagoda built against a rock pillar on the riverbank, now reached by a bridge across the reservoir. One of the most photogenic stops.
A temple complex on a hill at the entrance to Qutang Gorge, linked to stories from the Three Kingdoms period and to famous Tang poems.
A hillside of temples and shrines dedicated to the afterlife in Chinese folk belief, often called the Ghost City. Quirky, busy and full of symbolism.
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Customise My TripMost downstream cruises board in Chongqing in the evening. Depending on water levels and the ship, boarding may instead be at a pier further downstream reached by coach. Cruises end near Yichang, which has an airport and high-speed rail links.
Shared river ships with cabins, dining and daily shore excursions.
Best for: The gorgesIncluded on our journeys for transfers to and from the piers in Chongqing and Yichang.
Best for: TransfersPlaces that pair well with Yangtze River, with approximate travel times.
April to May and September to October bring the most comfortable weather and the clearest views. Summer is hot and humid, with high water in the flood season. Winter is cool and often misty, and some ships sail fewer departures.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, if you enjoy slow travel and scenery. The gorges are still beautiful, the excursions add history and culture, and three nights on board is a restful break. It is less suited to travellers who dislike fixed schedules or shared ships, or who expect the wild river of older photographs.
Downstream from Chongqing to Yichang usually takes three nights, and upstream from Yichang to Chongqing usually takes four. Both cover the three gorges, the dam and similar shore excursions. Shorter day cruises exist but miss much of the experience.
Downstream is shorter and the most popular choice. Upstream adds an extra night and a slower pace, and ends in Chongqing, which is handy if you continue to Chengdu. We choose the direction that fits the rest of your journey best.
Yes, though they are different. The higher water has softened the scale of the cliffs, and some old towns were moved. Qutang Gorge is still dramatic, and the side trips into narrow tributary gorges give a stronger sense of the old landscape.
Comfortable shoes for steps on shore excursions, a light jacket for the deck in the evening and early morning, sun protection and a small daypack. In spring and autumn layers are useful, as mornings on the river can be cool and misty.
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