China’s largest river (and the world’s third-longest at nearly 4,000 miles in length), the Yangtze River snakes its way down from the Tibetan Plateau to the estuary of the East China Sea close to Shanghai. Cruises focus on the section in south central China where the Three Gorges, a series of dramatic limestone walls that tower over the waterway, are located. Many Yangtze River cruises are offered year-round (though the weather is best between April and October) and most run a week or less. They are typically combined with land tours to Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities in this massive country.
Destination in Focus
A Closer Look
our experts review
Yangtze River
What We Love
Transiting the Qutang Gorge: Of the Three Gorges, this steep and narrow passage is the most dramatic — just 5 miles long and 500 feet wide.
Sampan Rides: To see the nooks and crannies of the Yangtze's gorges and tributaries, excursions in small motorized sampans get you closer to the natural landscape and the local population.
Best Known For
Three Gorges: Gliding through this fjord-like trio of natural wonders is the whole point of a Yangtze River cruise. The sheer rock walls rise to some 4,000 feet at the highest point.
Hydroelectric Dam: A controversial engineering project of epic proportions, due to the many communities that were displaced because of it, the colossal Three Gorges Dam is still a fascinating thing to get a look at.