Quick answer
Yangtze cruises sail the Three Gorges between Chongqing and Yichang (3–4 nights), best in April–May and September–October when it is warm but not hot.
- Cruise season
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
- Best months
- Apr, May, Sep, Oct
- Typical length
- 3–5 nights
- Main departure ports
- Chongqing, Yichang
- Popular ports
- Chongqing, Fengdu, Shibaozhai, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Shennong Stream, Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 4
Why cruise here
- The Three Gorges and the world's largest dam
- Pairs with Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
- Short 3–4 night sailings
Weather by month in Chongqing
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 10 | 13 | 18 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 34 | 34 | 28 | 22 | 16 | 11 |
| Avg low °C | 6 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain days | 9 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 10 | 8 |
Ports of call
- Chongqing
- Fengdu
- Shibaozhai
- Qutang Gorge
- Wu Gorge
- Shennong Stream
- Xiling Gorge
- Three Gorges Dam
- Yichang
Sailings & fares
Loading sailings…
Cruise lines sailing Yangtze & China's rivers
Asian river cruises
Visas for Yangtze & China's rivers cruises
China requires a visa for most passports, including India, though visa-free transit rules apply to some nationalities.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise Yangtze & China's rivers?
The cruise season is Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov; the best months are April, May, September, October.
Do I need a visa for a Yangtze & China's rivers cruise?
China requires a visa for most passports, including India, though visa-free transit rules apply to some nationalities.
How long is a typical Yangtze & China's rivers cruise?
Most are 3–5 nights, usually from Chongqing, Yichang.
Which cruise lines sail Yangtze & China's rivers?
Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, Yangtze Gold Cruises, President Cruises.