China River Cruises 2023/2024

China Travel Guide

China River Cruises Things To Do

• 
  Beijing

  As the capital of China, Beijing provides several main attractions that should be included on any river cruise tour of China. The sprawling city's history stretches back to ancient times (about 3 millennia). Yet the Chinese metropolis is known as much for its modern skyline as it is for its grand historic sites.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Beijing in the spring or fall, when the temperatures are pleasant and the weather is sunnier.  

   

  You Should Know

  The Great Wall of China spans 13,171 miles. The "Wall" represents several fortification networks that were built across China's northern borders to safeguard Chinese empires and states against nomadic tribes. It was opened to tourists in 1957. The Summer Palace is made up of a large series of gardens, lakes, and palatial buildings. Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake are the most popular sections at the site. Motorists find that it is easier to get around by bike than by car during "rush" hour.  
• 
  Xian

  River cruise guests usually take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xian during this part of their river cruise China tour. Xian's history spans back three millennia, which makes Xian one of the few cities in the world to have this distinction. China's Silk Road also begins in Xian City.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The fall and spring offer visitors better sightseeing opportunities and temperatures.  

   

  You Should Know

  Xian is home to the funerary statuary known as the Terracotta Army – sculptures that depict armies of the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The relics were created to protect the ruler in the afterlife. Savor Biangbiang noodles and guan tang baozi in Xian eateries.  
• 
  Chongqing

  From Xian, visitors normally travel by high-speed rail to the city of Chongqing, the true beginning point for river cruising down the Yangtze River. Chongqing is the third-largest city in China and sits in the center of a narrow peninsula. It is surrounded by the Jialing and Yangtze rivers. Two main pedestrian areas make Chongqing walker-friendly and its sites easily accessible. Its epicenter is Jiefangbei Square.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Chongqing during the more temperate times of the year, or the spring and fall.  

   

  You Should Know

  Although Chongqing, at first sight, may appear to be a concrete jungle, it is also home to Eling Park, set on a hill in the narrowest part of the city's peninsula. The park is known for its viewing platform, covered bridge, and lake. The city's Nanshan Botanical Garden is famed for its large garden of Camellia flowers. The city is known for its Fuling pickle, or zha cai, which is regularly eaten here.
• 
  Three Gorges Dam

  This concrete gravity dam is 7,660 feet in length and rises 607 feet. Approximately 37 million cubic yards of concrete and 463,000 metric tons of steel make up the structure. Because it submerges vast areas of the Wu, Xiling, and Qutang gorges for almost 400 miles upstream, the dam's resulting reservoir allows oceangoing ships to navigate inland from Shanghai to Chongqing.  

  Best Time To Visit

  The best seasons to visit the 3 Rivers Gorge Dam is during the spring or fall when the days are clearer and the temperatures are pleasant.  

   

  You Should Know

  The dam is the most productive hydroelectric dam worldwide, with the capacity to generate approximately 22,500 watts of electricity.  
• 
  Ghost City of Fengdu

  The Fengdu Ghost City is usually the first spot that a river cruise ship coming from Chongqing will visit. The site used to be a burial area with shrines and temples and a small town. However, because of the building of the 3 Gorges Dam, the ghostly city is now underwater. Nevertheless, a hill and several temples remain behind the dam, which still can be seen.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan your sojourn during the months of April or May or September/October.  

   

  You Should Know

  The Door of Hell at the site features brightly painted images on frescoes about demons, including statuary. According to Chinese legend, Fengdu is the place where the devil resides. Spirits in the afterlife either go to Heaven or Fengdu.
• 
  Fuling

  Sitting at the confluence of the Yangtze and Wu rivers, Fuling is located in the southeastern part of Chongqing municipality and was once the capital of the Ba Kingdom.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Visit Fuling during the spring or fall, when the temperatures are pleasant.  

   

  You Should Know

  Yutai Shan ("Rain Platform" Mountain), was once a place where ancient people prayed for rain. The site is close to Wulong County, reputed to be a national geological park.
• 
  Wuhan

  Located on the central plain of China next to the Yangtze River, Wuhan was the most prosperous city in this part of China in the late 1800s. It is now known as a major economic, cultural, financial, transportation, and educational hub.  

  Best Time To Visit

  To take advantage of a more pleasant climate, visit the city in the spring or fall.  

   

  You Should Know

  Jade sculptures and silk flowers are popular souvenirs. Take a long walk in the East Lake ecological scenic area, which is also home to China's largest city lake.
• 
  Shanghai

  Shanghai is both a financial and cultural mecca. It features traditional gardens, ancient sites, and some of the tallest buildings in the world. The Bund in Shanghai oozes energy similar to London and New York City. The city boasts its own cuisine and dialect and is home to two large international airports. You can tour the Yangtze Delta for up to six days, visa-free when visiting Shanghai. From the city, it is easy to take a river cruise or bullet train to other ports or attractions in China.  

  Best Time To Visit

  Plan your Shanghai visit for the spring or fall.    

   

  You Should Know

  The top TripAdvisor activity is strolling the Bund promenade, featuring beautiful skyline views of the city's skyscrapers and colonial-era structures. Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, with its bridges, canals, and architecture – a place where you can take a trip to the countryside.  

China River Cruise Packages

• Summer - June to August - Best Season

  If you want to visit when there are fewer crowds and wish to take a family river cruise holiday, you might consider the summer, from June to August. While it is hot during this time, there are also fewer tourists. China river cruise boats feature temperature-controlled air so you will experience less discomfort.

• Winter - December to February - Low Season

  If you wish to travel when the river cruise prices are at their lowest, you might consider traveling during the first part of winter. It is especially auspicious to travel in December when the Three Gorges flame red with its mountains of crimson leaves. However, low water levels also mean fewer river cruise sailings along the Yangtze River.

China River Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are China River Cruises?

  Typically, China river cruises are China tours scheduled along the Yangtze River. They normally begin and end in the major cities of Beijing and Shanghai. The river cruise tours include travel by train to destinations, such as Xian, and give tourists the ability to experience natural sights, such as the Three Gorges Dam, or visit river cities, such as Chongqing.

• What’s Included on China River Cruises?

  When you take a China river cruise, you get to take off-shore excursions conducted by a professional, English-speaking guide. You can also customize your river cruise trip and take a group river cruise journey. Mini river cruise groups comprise one to 6 passengers, while larger groups may have up to 18 travelers. During your journey, you will receive all your meals free and have Wi-Fi and Internet access.

• What’s the Best River Cruise of China River Cruises?

  You can choose from a variety of China river cruise offerings online. The best river cruise holiday is one that fits with your travel needs, personally and financially. To learn more about a tour's amenities, work with AffordableTours.com to get more information about pricing and the best times to go.

• How Much Do China River Cruises Cost?

  A river cruise trip price depends on the length of the river cruise, the type of river cruise, the cabin you select, and the season in which you travel. During the spring or fall, expect to pay $350 per person per day for a more luxurious trip lasting about a week or a little longer.