Downstream or Upstream for Yangtze River Cruises

Cruising downstream or upstream the Yangtze River is always a confused question for new cruisers when plan their first Yangtze River cruise. However, once you know what is upstream and downstream cruises, and the difference between them; you will customize your China Yangtze tour more fluently.

What is Upstream & Downstream Cruise?

Upstream Yangtze Cruises

Yangtze Upstream Cruise Map

While the Yangtze River strenches from the west to the east in South China, Yangtze Upstream Cruises refer to the sailings from the east lower part of the river, such as Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan or Yichang, to the west higher parts, like Chongqing.

The following are the three main upstream Yangtze Cruise routes:

1. 5 Days & 4 Nights Yichang – Chongqing cruise, is the most common upstream cruise that run by all Yangtze Cruise Ships.
2. 9 Days & 8 Nights Shanghai – Chongqing cruise, is the longest and most relaxing Yangtze cruise route, with a stopover in Wuhan City and the shore excursion to Mt.Huang. It is ONLY operated by Victoria Sophia in 2013.

2013 Special Route:
11 Days & 10 Nights Nanjing - Chongqing Upstream Cruise is specially offered by Century Diamond on Jun. 27, Nov. 6, and Nov. 26 in 2013.

If your last destination is Shanghai, Hong Kong or some other southern cities, choose the upstream cruise will be more convenient.

Downstream Yangtze Cruises

Yangtze Downstream Cruise Map

Downstream Yangtze Cruises follows the River flowing from west to east. Chongqing is always the start port for a Yangtze Downstream Cruise.

The following are the two main downstream Yangtze Cruise routes:

1. 4 Days & 3 Nights Chongqing – Yichang cruise, is the most popular Yangtze cruise routes that chosen by over 90 percent travelers, and it is run by all Yangtze Cruise Ships.
2. 8 Days & 7 Nights Chongqing – Shanghai cruise, is a relaxing Yangtze cruise that ONLY operated by Victoria Sophia in 2013. The ship will stop over at Wuhan city and takes shore excursion to the amazing Mt.Huang.

2013 Special Route:
11 Days & 10 Nights Chongqing - Nanjing Downstream Cruise is specially offered by Century Diamond on Jun. 17, Oct. 27, Nov. 6, and Nov. 16 in 2013 .

If your last destination is Beijing, Xian, Guilin or Chengdu and will finish your China tour in Shanghai, taking a downstream cruise is highly recommended.

Differences between Upstream & Downstream Yangtze Cruise

1. Cruise Length
Cruise length is the biggest difference between Yangtze upstream and downstream cruise. For the same duration, the upstream cruise takes one more day than the downstream cruise does. So upstream cruises are usually chosen by those who want a more relaxing cruise, while downstream cruises are better for travelers whose travel time is limited.

2. Night Sailing
Due to the slower speed, upstream cruise ships have to sailing at night in order to reach shore excursion sites and scenic attraction in daylight hours, whereas downstream cruise ships usually dock in the evening and never travel at night.