Stretching over 3,000 miles from the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau to the East China Sea, the Yangtze River is more than Asia’s longest river — it’s the lifeblood of China. Along its banks, ancient civilisations emerged, dynasties rose and fell, and a nation took shape through centuries of culture and change.
Today, cruising the Yangtze offers a rare opportunity to see China from a new perspective. As you drift past misty mountains, dramatic gorges and riverside villages, the pace slows and the scenery tells its own story — one shaped by nature, history and tradition.
Choose a 4-day downstream itinerary from Chongqing to Yichang, or a 5-day upstream journey in the other direction. Whichever you pick, you’ll witness the beauty and spirit of China unfold with every mile.
A winning combination of relaxation, adventure, culture, and convenience - a river cruise slows down the pace of your explorations, and it also brings with it the excitement of discovering a whole series of new destinations in one go.
Travel when it suits you. Victoria Cruises operate five days a week from mid March to mid November, giving you the freedom to fit the Yangtze into your perfect itinerary.
Personalise your cruise experience by upgrading to a higher deck, booking a suite, or adding an exclusive amenities package.
Enjoy seamless, private airport transfers with the assistance of our friendly local English-speaking guides — making arrival and departure effortless.
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Upon arrival in Chongqing airport or railway station, you will be met and transferred to the pier for boarding around 5pm. Step aboard your cruise ship and set sail around 9pm for an unforgettable three-night voyage along China's legendary Yangtze River. Note, depending on water levels, there could be around 200 steps from the coach parking to the cruise dock and a porter can be paid for locally.
Cruise along the mighty Yangtze River, taking time to relax onboard or disembark to explore the elegant pavilions of Mount Shuanggui and admire the striking cliffside calligraphy left by Song Dynasty masters. Depending on local conditions, you may instead visit Shibaozhai Temple or Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park. Additional shore excursions may include Fengdu's legendary 'Ghost City' and the Fengyan Sanguo: Romance of the Three Kingdoms evening show, subject to river conditions.
Prepare for breathtaking vistas as you enter the Three Gorges and pass through Wu and Qutang gorges. Wu gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and sheer cliffs, while Qutang Gorge is the shortest, narrowest, and most dramatic gorge. Transfer to smaller vessels for a relaxing excursion through the Goddess Stream, which are narrower than the Three Gorges, but very impressive. There is no walking involved on this excursion; however you will need to get on and off the boat without assistance. Return to the ship and continue cruising through the gorges. Depending on local river conditions, you may visit Shennong Stream instead of Goddess Stream. Additional shore excursions may include White Emperor City or Peak of the Three Gorges.
Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam, and marvel at this incredible feat of engineering. Disembark the ship and take a scenic 45-minute drive (please note that the coach is not permitted to take photo stops) to the viewing area above the ship locks, where you will be able to appreciate the immense scale of this monumental project. Explore a small museum and a lookout point for further insight into its construction and impact on the region. This excursion includes approximately one hour of walking. Later, transfer to Yichang airport or railway station for your onward journey, around 2pm. For guests that do not wish to visit the Dam, you can disembark at 08.40am.
Places Visited: Chongqing Airport or Railway station - Chongqing port - Mount Shuanggui - Three Gorges - Goddess Stream - Three Gorges Dam - Maoping Pier - Yichang Airport or Railway station
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
Sister ship to the Victoria Jenna, the beautiful Victora Anna first set sail in 2006, and was recently refurbished in 2019. The ship has a grand three-story atrium with two glass elevators, ample inside and outside deck space and balconies in every room. This modern and stylish vessel offers the perfect home away from home as you sail the magical Yangtze. View
The newest addition to Victoria cruises fleet launching in September 2025 this vessel has been designed for eco-friendly luxury whilst taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Yangtze river. It will be the largest vessel to sail the Yangtze and the sister ship of Victoria Sabrina. View
One of the Yangtze's largest river cruise ships, the Victoria Jenna sets the standard for high-end river cruising. Larger than her sister ship, the Victora Anna, the Victoria Jenna spans six decks and was the largest river cruise ship every built when she was launched in 2009. A modern and stylish river vessel, the Victoria Jenner offers the perfect setting for exploring the beautiful Yangtze River. View
One of the newest and most advanced eco-friendly ships on the Yangtze, Victoria Sabrina sets the benchmark for luxury river cruising. This state of the art vessel offers a comfortable and unforgettable journey through the heart of China. View
Launched in 2004 and refreshed in 2010, the Victoria Katarina is a modern, comfortable ship built for cruising the Yangtze River. It accommodates 264 guests in spacious cabins with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Onboard, enjoy a mix of international and Chinese cuisine, cultural performances and a relaxed atmosphere. View
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low. Sailings commence mid-March to mid-November.
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
8°c
|
20mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
10°c
|
21mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
14°c
|
36mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
19°c
|
105mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
23°c
|
152mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
26°c
|
171mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
29°c
|
175mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
29°c
|
134mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
24°c
|
128mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
19°c
|
92mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
14°c
|
46mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Chongqing |
10°c
|
25mm
|
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