Yangtze Cruises Planning & FAQs

 1. How to plan a Yangtze cruise and what are the differences between upstream and downstream of Yangtze River cruises?
A: Cruising on the Yangtze River is suitable for any occasion on your agenda in China. So once you have decided to make the cruise, you should plan in advance. The simple rule is the early the better, as the Yangtze Cruise trip is very popular and hot and cruise ships fill quickly in particular the peak tourist seasons in April - May, and September  -  early November.

Follow the below steps to decide your cruise vacation when planning:
01). select a cruise line that appeals to you, either an upstream or downstream line. Cruises downstream refer to the cruise ships that leave from Chongqing, and then continue downstream to Yichang or to Wuhan. While the upstream lines set out from Yichang or Wuhan and head to Chongqing on the Yangtze.

02). select your ship. Grand and comfortable ships shuttle on the Yangtze River all year round except the winter months from DECEMBER to next February. We offer a range of ships from Fives-star to other grades. See Cruise Ship and check out which one caters to your budget and lifestyle.

03). Select the cabins. There is a choice of cabins including Standard Twin, Single and Deluxe Suites for your selection. Of course, you may upgrade your cabin when there are rooms available.

04). Combine your cruise with some land exploration in cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa (Tibet), Chengdu, Guilin, Kunming, Shanghai and Hong Kong etc. Spelendid China Tours offers you our ready-made package tours to have a life time experience in China.

05). Book and enjoy your Yangtze cruise.

The differences between upstream and downstream:
Usually downstream cruise will take less time than upstream but it is more expensive on some ships because of higher demand from travelers. Some shore excursions may also be different because of the different schedules.
Downstream: Faster speed and no night sailing for downstream cruise, berthing at daytime by scenic spots, allows more time for traveling around on shore, but has shorter time for appreciating the Three Gorges since the cruise ship is moving quickly.
Upstream: Slower speed enables more extensive appreciation of the sights. It costs less. There are more activities and entertainment on board in which Chinese culture can be experienced. The disadvantage of upstream is some night sailing so a few onshore sights are missed in order to reach the next scenic spot on time.

 2. What is the best time to cruise Yangtze River?
A: The best seasons to take a Yangtze River cruise are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. These four months are often called high seasons. From June to August are called the "shoulder season" which enjoys good price in comparison with the high seasons. The winter months from December to next February are the low season when most Yangtze Cruise operators will suspend its operation.



 3. What is the weather like and what clothing should i bring for Yangtze Cruise?
A: The Yangtze River Three Gorges feature strong wind, humidity and less sunshine. The average temperature reaches 30 C (86F) in July and 10 C (50 F) in January. Spring and autumn are therefore the best seasons for taking the river cruises. In summers, dramatic thunderstorms and torrential rains often happen and heavy rainfalls cause the high water level between July and September (Which is usually coincided with the Flood Season on the cruising itineraries). Winters are freezing cold.

Every Yangtze cruise ship has equipped with central air-conditioners. Since there will be some outdoor excursions we recommend you do your packing according to the different seasons.
Spring and autumn: A warm coat, raincoat, and comfortable shoes
Summer: Light cotton clothing, shorts, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, raincoat, and comfortable walking shoes
Winter: Heavy windproof coat, thick pants, raincoat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Formal attire is suggested on board for the captain's welcome cocktail party and banquet.

 4. Do the schedules for the Yangtze River cruise change?
A: Yangtze River cruise operators reserve the right to cancel or change the sailing schedules of any ship without notice. This happens if booking numbers do not reach the level required by the operators on a particular sailing. Splendid China Tours makes reservations in good faith but we can not guarantee that bookings on a particular ship and sailing schedule will be honored. We will however always do all in our power to ensure that alternative satisfactory arrangements are made, should there be a change of ship or sailing schedule.

 5. What kind of food and drinks will be served on board and do i need to pay extra charge for these?
A: Three meals a day will be offered. Breakfast is usually self-help, both Western food and Chinese food. Lunch and dinner will be Chinese cuisines featuring table service with non-alcoholic beverages. For any alcoholic drinks you need to order on site and pay extra.

 6. In addition to shore excursions, are there any entertainments on board and do i need to pay additional for the entertainment?
A: A Yangtze Cruise not only involves sightseeing and the shore excursion, it also offers a variety of entertainments such as shows, movies, Chinese themed lectures, reading pleasures at library, and other DIY classes. These entertainments are completely free, while others such like karaoke, body massage and sauna etc. require extra cost.

 7. How is the shore excursion like and how it been arranged/conducted?
A: Normally an excursion takes two to three hours. Please remember to bring some water with you. For the whole cruise trip, passengers will usually have two river guides and some local guides for excursion tours. When on excursions, passengers will be divided into several groups by the cruise company and each group will have a local guide for the excursion. All activities aboard are arranged by the cruise company and subject to change without prior notice. As for transport vehicles, passengers will have clean and safe coaches and/or minibuses for touring on shore. We should remind you that there are many steps in certain places, like the Ghost City, Fengdu and Shibaozhai (the precious stone stronghold). You may consult the river guide or the cruise staff, if you think it might be difficult for you and you may then decide whether to take part in a particular excursion or not.

 8. What does the price of the Yangtze cruise includes and excludes?
A: The Yangtze Cruise includes twin shared shipboard accommodations, three meals a day on board, onboard entertainments, dock/pier luggage handling, shore excursions according to the cruise itinerary and room service on board. Yangtze cruise price excludes your own personal expense such as shopping, laundry, coffee bar, and tips/gratuity to boat staff and guide, alcohol drinks, sauna and massage, specially ordered meals etc. not indicated in the price.

 9. What are the children's fares?
A: Usually children between 2-12 years old are charged 75% of the adult's fare with a bed in cabin, and 50% of the adult's fare in her/his parents' cabin without an independent bed. It is 175% of the adult's fare for a single cabin either for a child or for an adult traveler. Infant babies under 2 years old are charged 10% of the adult's fare. The children's policy differs from cruise operator to operator, for the real price, we suggest you to contact your tour consultant at Splendid China Tours, who will send you the actual fare on a case-case basis.

 10. Is the cruise price for a room or for a person?
A: The Yangtze cruise price is just for a person staying at a twin shared room, not for a room. Any request for a room for just one person occupying is subject to pay the extra "single supplement" which is 75% of the price.