Yangtze River Cruise

Cruise in comfort with:

• Orient Royal Cruises
• President Cruises

Each ship is a fully air-conditioned, multi-decked craft with modern private facilities, health club, sauna, games room, bar, dining rooms, sun deck and room service. A great way to experience the heart of China.

Your day on board a Yangtze River Cruise might start out in the morning with Tai-Chi exercises overlooking the mists of the river. Then you can choose between the Western-style breakfast or traditional Chinese fare.

During the day, you will be occupied with exciting shore excursions to the many stops along the intriguing waterway. After sightseeing, you can lounge on the deck to enjoy the glorious sunset while sipping a tall cold drink. In the evening, you might enjoy a cocktail in the lounge and hear your favourite music at the bar, followed by a sumptuous dinner. There will be numerous activities after dinner - learn to play Mah Jong, enjoy a massage, relax in the sauna, or just dance the night away.

• CHONGQING is located at the confluence of the Jialing River and the Changjiang River. Surrounded by mountains, it is known as the "Mountain City". In the outskirts of the city, in addition to Mt. Jinyun is Pipa Shan Park. From there the night views of Chongqing are spectacular.
• FENGDU with fantastic temples of underworld demons and gods, is constructed on the Mingshan Hill by the river bend. It is known as the "Ghost City" and is a place for punishing the devil and awarding the good.
• JINGZHOU is the only ancient city in south China with its splendid city walls well protected. Many historical relics have been unearthed here, among which are bronze articles, silk and lacquered wares. The city is also more than 2000 years old.
• WU GORGE is the second largest gorge (45 km) of the three gorges. It is known for its deep valley and quiet beauty. "The Twelve Peaks" lining the banks of Wu Gorge, have won a high reputation in China and abroad. Among them the most beautiful one is the Goddess Peak and it is said if you look carefully, a silhouette of a goddess can be seen at the top.
• XILING GORGE is the longest gorge (66 km long) of the three gorges. In the past, it was known for its hazardous shoals and rapids. Today, the danger spots have been eliminated, but the fine scenery remains.
• SHENNONG LESSER GORGES is one of the most spectacular sights in China. They are similar to the great Three Gorges, but narrower and more impressive, with clear, fast flowing water and precipices and peaks towering to the sky.
• WUSHAN The Three Small Gorges, referring to the three separate valleys of the Daning River, are respectively, Dragon-Gate Gorge, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge. You can take a small junk to enjoy these marvellous spectacles of nature.
• THE THREE GORGES DAM PROJECT is the largest water conservancy project ever built in the world. The total duration of construction lasted from 1998 to 2009. It is the most important project functioning as a backbone in the flood control system to protect the areas in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
• SHIBAOZHAI architecture consists of three parts: the gate, the pagoda and the temple on the top. A nine story red wooden pagoda with upturned eaves 50m high, dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Stairs to the top give a magnificent view over the river.
• QUTANG GORGE is the shortest (8 km long) of the three gorges. It is known for its magnificence, with many scenic spots such as the Ancient Plank Road, the Seven-Gate Cave, the Bellows Gorge, and the Rhinoceros Watching the Moon.
• WANXIAN is one of the most important and largest ports on the Yangtze River. It is widely known for its variety and hustling markets. Fifty percent of the city will be resettled after the Three Gorges Dam Project is completed.

Combine a Yangtze River Cruise with some of our other China suggestions. Also visit our 11 day or 14 Day China Odyssey for a tour including a Yangtze River Cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What is included in the cruise price?
   The price is very comprehensive as it includes the accommodation, all meals on board ship, shore excursions and port taxes. The only extra costs would be tipping which is discretionary and alcoholic drinks on board ship.
2. When is the best time to travel on a Yangtze Cruise?
   It is okay to travel any time the ships are sailing but it can be hot in July and August. The most popular times to cruise are April, May, September, October and even November as the good weather lingers much longer in China than in North America.
3. What type of food is served on board?
   Breakfast is a Western style buffet including everything from corn flakes to pancakes. Lunch and dinner are Chinese cuisine but offer a large choice of dishes with plenty of vegetables and fruit.
4. Do the cabins have bunks or beds?
   They have beds just as in a hotel room.
5. Are there private facilities in the cabins?
   Yes, all cabins are equipped with a washbasin plus a shower or bathtub.
6. Is there entertainment on board?
   Yes, the crew provides nightly entertainment. Don't expect a Las Vegas revue but you will be entertained.
7. Where and when do I book the shore excursions?
   You book them on board. As they are included in the cruise price, you are automatically able to take any or all of them as you wish.
8. Are there daily activities?
   Absolutely. You can choose from morning exercises, bingo, arts and crafts demonstrations, yoga demonstrations, lectures on Chinese history and modern culture. (Subject to availability).
9. Is it possible to make telephone calls on board?
   Yes, there are facilities to do this.
10. Is there a sun deck?
    Yes, you can watch the scenery go by from the top deck of the ships.
11. Are there medical facilities on board?
    Each ship has doctors trained in both Chinese traditional and Western medicine.
12. What additional services are there on board?
    You can use the services of the beauty salon, the fitness centre and the gift shops.
13. When does the ship sail along the river?
    Generally, the ships sail during daylight hours and remain stationary overnight.