How to Plan Yangtze River Cruise Tour?

• Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer pleasant temperatures and scenery; off-peak seasons save 30–50% on fares.

• Main Routes: 4-day/3-night or 5-day/4-night cruises between Chongqing (重庆) and Yichang (宜昌), calling at Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城), Shibaozhai Pagoda (石宝寨), Baidicheng (白帝城), and the Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝).

• Operators & Cabins: Victoria Cruises (维多利亚游轮), President Cruises (总统游轮), New Century Cruises (长江新世纪), Yangtze Gold Cruises (长江黄金) etc.; deluxe cabins with balconies versus standard cabins.

• Booking & Visas: Book 3–6 months in advance for peak season; apply for Chinese Tourist L-visa at least 4 weeks prior; Three Gorges travel permit is arranged by the cruise line.

• Packing & Health: Layered clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, motion-sickness medicine, daypack, small amount of RMB for tips and stalls.

• Budget: USD 350–800 per person for a 4-day cruise, including most meals and standard shore excursions; extras (spa, alcohol, private tours, gratuities) are additional.

• Tips: Book the Lesser Three Gorges (小三峡) side-trip early; choose an east-facing cabin for sunrise; attend onboard cultural lectures; download maps in advance, as Wi-Fi is unreliable.

1. Timing & Climate

1.1 Optimal Seasons

• Spring (March–May): 15–25 °C, lush greenery in the gorges.

• Autumn (September–November): 15–22 °C, colorful foliage and calm waters.

1.2 Peak vs. Off-Peak

• Peak Season: Higher prices and fuller ships; cabins can sell out months ahead.

• Off-Peak (Summer/Winter): Fares drop by 30–50%, but expect high humidity in summer and temperatures around 5–10 °C in winter.

2. Routes & Itineraries

2.1 Classic 4-Day/3-Night Cruise

• Route: Chongqing (重庆) → Fengdu Ghost City (丰都鬼城) → Shibaozhai Pagoda (石宝寨) → Baidicheng (白帝城) → Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝) → Yichang (宜昌).

• Highlights: Ghost City legends, Shibaozhai cliff pagoda, ancient inscriptions at Baidicheng, dam lock transit.

2.2 Extended 5-Day/4-Night Cruise

• Adds local village visits and markets between the major sites.

2.3 One-Day & Long-Haul Options

• One-Day Dam Cruise: Departing from Yichang port, focuses on the Three Gorges Dam locks.

• Shanghai–Chongqing: 7+-day full-river itineraries available for those with more time.

3. Cruise Lines & Cabins

3.1 Major Operators

• Victoria Cruises (维多利亚游轮): Only American line on the Yangtze, all cabins have private balconies.

• President Cruises (总统游轮): Three ships built after 2011, known for high standards.

• New Century Cruises (长江新世纪): Deluxe 5-star fleet.

• Yangtze Gold Cruises (长江黄金) and others.

3.2 Cabin Types

• Deluxe: Balcony or floor-to-ceiling windows, higher decks, better views.

• Standard: Smaller windows or none, more affordable.

3.3 Price Ranges

• Luxury Ships: From ~USD 700 pp for 4 days in peak season.

• Economy Options: From ~USD 350 pp year-round.

4. Booking & Visa

4.1 Reservation Tips

• Peak: Reserve cabins 3–6 months ahead.

• Off-Peak: Look for last-minute deals.

• Agents & OTAs: Use trusted sites for bundled transfers and tours.

4.2 Visa & Permit

• Chinese L-Visa: Apply ≥4 weeks before departure.

• Three Gorges Permit: Included and handled by the cruise operator.

5. Packing & Health

• Clothing: Layers for variable temperatures; waterproof jacket.

• Medications: Motion-sickness tablets, first-aid kit.

• Gear: Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera/binoculars, portable charger.

• Cash: RMB 300–500 for local vendors and tips.

6. Budget Breakdown

7. Insider Tips

1. Book the Lesser Three Gorges (小三峡) side-trip early for smaller crowds and better photos.

2. East-facing cabins capture misty gorge sunrises.

3. Onboard lectures deepen your understanding of local history and culture.

4. Offline maps: Wi-Fi is spotty, so download guides in advance.

5. Local souvenirs: Purchase handmade crafts at port stops to support artisans.