How to Plan Shanghai Yangtze River Tour

Best Time to Visit

Shanghai is an international city visited by tourists and business travelers all the year round. Autumn, from mid-September to mid-November, is the most comfortable season, being neither too hot nor too rainy. Spring, from mid-March to mid-May, is the second best time to visit for the mild weather. Check Shanghai Weather, Seasons & Best Time to Visit

There are Yangtze ships sailing on Yangtze River all the year round even during the winter time. Based on the weather condition, the best seasons should be spring and autumn. More specifically, the best times to cruise are from April to June, and September to November. But there is no discount during the peak seasons. If you cruise in summer or winter, you could take a ship with lower prices. Decide your travel time according to your schedule and budget. Learn more about Best Time to Cruise on Yangtze River

Which Yangtze Cruise Ship to Take?

All the Yangtze cruise ships run between Yichang and Chongqing. You could choose ships among Victoria Cruises, Century Cruises, Yangtze Explorer, and President Cruises etc.

The newest cruise on Yangtze: Century Paragon, Century Legend, President 7, President 8;
The best-value cruise on Yangtze: Victoria Jenna, Victoria Anna, Century Sun, Century Sky;
The family-friendly cruise on Yangtze: Century Paragon, President 7, Yangtze Explorer;
The Budget but Luxury Cruise on Yangtze: Century Sun/Sky, Yangtze 2, Victoria Grace

Different cruise ships have different schedule. Pick your preferred one and confirm the cruise ship is right for your schedule. If you don’t mind which ship to take, just tell us your travel date and our travel consultants will arrange the best cruise to match your time perfectly.

Choose Accommodation in Shanghai and on Ship

In Shanghai, you’ll stay in the downtown area of Shanghai. You could select your hotels from luxury, comfortable or cheap hotels with good location, close to tourist attractions, easily transfer to train station and airport.

How about the accommodation on Yangtze cruise? Usually, there are three or four types of cabins onboard - Standard Cabins, Junior Cabins, Deluxe Suite or Presidential Suite. They are located on different deck plans. For example, if you book presidential suite, you’ll stay on higher deck with more comfortable room and better location for scenery viewing. Different cabins on different deck plans have different prices. Select your favorite one and quote with our travel consultant.

Explore Highlights of Shanghai & Yangtze

From the metropolis Shanghai to stunning Yangtze River, there is a sharp contrast to explore the urban and rural areas, modern and old China. You never get bored when visiting these two destinations.

Shanghai is the modern China’s capital, a new look of China opening to the world and more and more closely connecting with the international communities. It is better to spend 2 or 3 days in Shanghai for free or guided exploration. Visit The Bund of Shanghai, Nanjing Road, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Tianzifang, Xintiandi, Shanghai Museum, Renmin Square. Learn more about Things to Do in Shanghai

From Yichang to Chongqing, there are so many sites to explore. You could have a half day trip in Yichang before boarding Yangtze cruise. On Ship, you’ll enjoy colorful cultural activities onboard and interesting shore excursions to Three Gorges Dam Site, Shennv Stream, Shennong Stream, Tribe of Three Gorges, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Fengdu Ghost City and White Emperor City. After disembarkation in Chongqing, take some hours to Ciqikou Ancient Town, Eling Park, Three Gorges Museum to know more about Yangtze River and Chongqing.