The Best River Cruises in China

Rivers of Wonder: Dive into Unforgettable Adventures

China

If you're longing for a holiday to China that combines relaxation, adventure, and awe-inspiring scenery, look no further than a river cruise. Great for museums & attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, China is a terrific destination. Imagine the serenity of gently gliding along picturesque waterways, while also immersing yourself in exciting excursions and cultural experiences. We've done the research for you, analyzing a wide range of ships and sailing itineraries based on price, comfort, guest ratings, and excursions to find the best river cruises in China. Get ready to unwind, immerse yourself in the beauty of China, and embark on the cruise of a lifetime.


The Top 3 Cruises:

  • 5 Days, $599.00

  • 14 Days, $2950.00

  • 13 Days, $2779.00
China
The Best River Cruises through China

All tour prices are listed in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically. While we do our best to evaluate all tours to maintain accuracy, always confirm the details directly with TourRadar or the tour company before booking. The information provided on this website is sourced directly from TourRadar and may change at any time.

Organized by Silk Road Trips 5 Days Yichang to Chongqing 3 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in China.

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 18 to 80
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $120

This cruise visits Yichang, Three Gorges, and Chongqing.

  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By Silk Road Trips
Silk Road Trips is a smaller international tour company with trips to 7 countries, including China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.



$599
on TourRadar

Organized by Top China Travel 14 Days Beijing to Shanghai 6 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in China.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 6 to 70
Maximum Group Size: 18
Price per Day: $211

This cruise visits Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Yichang, and Shanghai.

  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Top China Travel
Top China Travel offers local cultural tours through China, Japan, and South Korea. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$2,950
on TourRadar

Organized by Bravo Indochina Tours 13 Days Beijing to Shanghai 9 Destinations
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in China.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

starstarstarstarstar 4.9 rating

Age Range: 1 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 15
Price per Day: $214

This cruise visits Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Yangtze, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Three Gorges, and Yichang.

  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Bravo Indochina Tours
Bravo Indochina Tours is a smaller tour company that offers trips to 8 countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings.



$2,779
on TourRadar

Organized by Odynovo 11 Days Beijing to Shanghai 5 Destinations
  • On Sale: 10% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in China.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 1 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $219

This cruise visits Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Yichang, and Shanghai.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Odynovo
Odynovo is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. While the prices may be a bit higher than average, the group size is usually small, giving travelers a more personalized experience. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.



$2,679 $2,411
on TourRadar

Organized by UME Travel Co. Ltd 15 Days Beijing to Hong Kong 9 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 1 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $266

This cruise visits Beijing, Xi'an, Yichang, Three Gorges, Chongqing, Qutang Gorge, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By UME Travel Co. Ltd
UME Travel Co. Ltd offers local cultural tours through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and others. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.



$3,990
on TourRadar

Organized by Realistic Asia 11 Days Beijing to Shanghai 9 Destinations
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.9 rating

Age Range: 1 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 15
Price per Day: $262

This cruise visits Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Yangtze, Qutang Gorge, Shanghai, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Maopingzhen, Three Gorges, and Yichang.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By Realistic Asia
Realistic Asia is a smaller tour company that offers trips to 6 countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. The small group sizes, often less than 15, make for a very personal experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as snorkelling, diving, parasailing, and jetskiing.



$2,326
on TourRadar

Organized by On The Go Tours 15 Days Beijing to Shanghai 8 Destinations
  • On Sale: 20% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises in China.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.
  • Great for Culture Lovers

starstarstarstarstar 4.4 rating

Age Range: 15 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 24
Price per Day: $238

This cruise visits Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Leshan, Chongqing, Three Gorges, and Shanghai.

  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By On The Go Tours
On The Go Tours is a large multi-national travel company which offers trips to destinations around the world. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.



$4,455 $3,564
on TourRadar

Organized by Odynovo 13 Days Beijing to Shanghai 6 Destinations
  • On Sale: 10% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.
  • In Depth: you'll spend a longer amount of time in each place.

starstarstarstarstar 5.0 rating

Age Range: 1 to 85
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $295

This cruise visits Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chongqing, Yichang, and Shanghai.

  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Fully Guided

By Odynovo
Odynovo is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. While the prices may be a bit higher than average, the group size is usually small, giving travelers a more personalized experience. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.



$4,257 $3,831
on TourRadar

Organized by Odynovo 13 Days Beijing to Shanghai 9 Destinations
  • On Sale: 10% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
  • Personal: offers a smaller group size.

starstarstarstarstar 4.8 rating

Age Range: 12 to 75
Maximum Group Size: 10
Price per Day: $292

  • Family
  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By Odynovo
Odynovo is a large international travel company offering trips all over the world. While the prices may be a bit higher than average, the group size is usually small, giving travelers a more personalized experience. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.



$4,224 $3,802
on TourRadar

Organized by TUI China 13 Days Beijing to Shanghai 11 Destinations
  • Efficient: you'll cover a variety of destinations swiftly.

Great for:
  • Culture Lovers
  • History Enthusiasts

starstarstarstarstar 4.7 rating

Age Range: 10 to 99
Maximum Group Size: 20
Price per Day: $291

  • Coach / Bus
  • Sailing
  • Sightseeing
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Historical
  • River Cruise
  • Partially Guided

By TUI China
TUI China offers local cultural tours through China. A large number of their tours fall within in the mid-range price category.



$3,785
on TourRadar

Why does China appeal to river cruise passengers?

River cruises in China appeal to travelers for their relaxed pace, scenic views, and access to culturally rich, often less-touristed destinations. Beijing and Shanghai offer plenty of amazing museums and sights to explore. Shanghai is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Beijing and Shanghai are foodie destinations with fantastic cuisine and world-class restaurants. With easy, all-inclusive travel arrangements and immersive stops in culturally rich areas, river cruises provide a convenient and enriching way to explore multiple regions in comfort and style.

China


How much do River Cruises in China cost?

The average daily price of River Cruises in China is $264 per day. Prices can vary widely due to the included amenities, length of the trip, number of guests on the tour, and many other factors. If you want more information about prices, we have put together a complete analysis of the costs of River Cruises in China here.


We partner with TourRadar because they offer the world's largest selection of multi-day organized tours, offering seamless travel experiences while supporting local businesses. It's the perfect way to explore new destinations with ease and confidence.




$264
Average Price Per Day
17
Tours Analyzed
4.7
Average Rating
9
Tour Companies
27
Average Group Size

Which Tour Companies Offer River Cruises?

A number of fantastic tour companies offer river cruises in China. These are a few of the best, because they offer the highest rated service, provide the best overall quality, and have the most five-star guest reviews to prove it.

Odynovo

Odynovo is a large international travel company offering tours all over the world. Some of their most popular destinations include China, Vietnam, Thailand, and India. While the prices may be a bit higher than average, the group size is usually small, giving travelers a more personalized experience. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as surfing, snorkelling, camel riding, and water sports.

See All Tours from Odynovo

Silk Road Trips

Silk Road Trips is a smaller international tour company with tours to 7 countries, including China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Many of the tours fall into the mid-range price category.

See All Tours from Silk Road Trips

UME Travel Co. Ltd

UME Travel Co. Ltd offers local cultural tours through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and others. Most participants are adults and the tours range in length from 4 days to 4 weeks. Despite being priced a bit higher, the small group sizes create a more personal and unique experience for travelers. Some of their offerings cater to families with children. Many of their tours are priced in the mid-range category.

See All Tours from UME Travel Co. Ltd

Realistic Asia

Realistic Asia is a smaller tour company that offers tours to 6 countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. The small group sizes, often less than 15, make for a very personal experience. Certain tours offer the flexibility to be adapted to your unique needs. The company appeals to travelers of all ages, with many tours focusing on families with children. Budget travelers will appreciate the relative affordability of the company's offerings. The company's adventures often highlight activities such as snorkelling, diving, parasailing, and jetskiing.

See All Tours from Realistic Asia


River Cruise Destinations in China

Wondering where river cruise tours visit in China? With a variety of stops and destinations along the way, there's something for everyone.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and it has a long history that dates back thousands of years. It offers a mix of modern and every changing architecture combined with ancient landmarks and historic neighborhoods. Beijing is a world class city that has amazing music, cuisine, culture, and shopping.

The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a financial and economic hub in China that brings international tourists, business workers, and backpackers. At the heart of its tourist scene is the Bund, which is a waterfront promenade that has colonial and modern buildings. Shanghai is a foodie destination that has great street food as well as high end restaurants.

Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

More

Other popular destinations for river cruise tours through China include Xi'an, Chongqing, Yichang, Guilin, and Yangshuo.


Which is cheaper?

Is independent travel cheaper than guided river cruises? The answer is not simple. Tours provide many of the services that you would otherwise pay for yourself on an independent trip. Hotels, transportation, food, entry tickets, guides, and activities are provided on organized tours, whereas you would pay for everything separately on your own. To deterine the difference in price, you would need to compare the combined price of everything in a tour with everything you would book separately. Sometimes you might want to stay in a cheaper hotel, or eat at a more expensive restaurant, so the price of a tour could be more or less than what you would otherwise pay on your own. Make sure you know what is included before making your comparison.

Also, before booking a tour, make sure you know exactly what is included as tour companies sometimes change their itineraries or included amenities to keep them updated with seasonal changes and customer interests.

More Tour Options

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 3-Day Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best 3-Week Tours in China, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in China, The Best Extended Trip Tours in China, One Month or Longer, The Best Bicycle Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in China, The Best Overlanding Trips in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Eco Tours in China, The Best Train & Rail Tours in China, The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Photography Tours in China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in China, The Best Walking Tours in China, The Best Tours Under $1000 in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Contiki Tours to China, or The Best G Adventures Tours to China for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Shanghai, The Best 3-Day Tours from Chengdu, The Best 3-Day Tours from Guangzhou, The Best 3-Day Tours from Xi'an, The Best 3-Day Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kunming, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chengdu, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guangzhou, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kashgar, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lanzhou, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guiyang, The Best 10-Day Tours from Beijing, The Best 10-Day Tours from Chengdu, The Best 10-Day Tours from Shanghai, The Best 10-Day Tours from Kunming, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best 2-Week Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Chengdu, The Best 2-Week Tours from Lhasa, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Xi'an for more package tour options.

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