The Yangtze River rises in the Tibet Plateau and flows east across the entire width of China until it empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai. Over 6300 km, it’s Asia’s largest river and the third-longest river in the world, after the Nile and Amazon.

Taking a cruise along this mighty river is a real voyage of discovery to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery. It can slow your pace and relax your mind with a leisurely journey, letting you take in picturesque gorges from a deck chair or personal balcony. Every year, millions of travelers come to China to enjoy this fantastic experience. The Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge) is the highlight of the Yangtze River, and most Yangtze River cruise ships are sailing in this section. It is blessed with a richness of natural/manmade scenery and cultural relics such as the Three Gorges Dam, Gemstone Stronghold, and Shennong Stream.

The river cruise itself is typically just a short part of the entire cruise tour itinerary, with time on the river only encompassing three to five nights (sailing between Chongqing and Yichang, or Chongqing and Wuhan). Mostly all itineraries include an excursion into the Lesser Three Gorges region and a stop at the Three Gorges Dam site; itineraries may also feature a visit to the Shibaozhai Temple; the pandas at the Chongqing Zoo; a primary school; the “ghost city” of Fengdu; or the Hubei Provincial Museum, with its cultural relics and ancient instruments.

The sheer size of the Yangtze River means it doesn’t have many of the same restrictions found on European rivers, such as low bridges or significant changes in water levels that can affect itineraries. This means ships are generally larger than European river vessels and can accommodate extra amenities, such as stateroom balconies, shops, spas, gyms, and/or Internet cafes.