Top 12 Yangtze River Attractions for Cruise Shore Excursions
In recent years, the Yangtze River cruise has become a highlight of China tours. Is the Yangtze River Cruise Worth It? Absolutely! During your Yangtze River cruise tour, you can admire the stunning scenery along both banks, taste the delicious delicacies, enjoy various performances, and immerse yourself in the culture and customs along the Yangtze River region. The Yangtze River boasts numerous attractions, especially along the Chongqing-to-Yichang route, which is considered the most scenic section. Below are the top 12 Yangtze River attractions that you can’t miss.
1. Three Gorges
The Yangtze River’s Three Gorges are a masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship and a treasure trove of historical and cultural heritage. Thus, this scenic spot is a must-see on your China tours to the Yangtze River. Standing on the deck of a cruise and looking up, you can truly feel the awe-inspiring power of nature.
Among the Three Gorges, the most precipitous is Qutang Gorge. Towering cliffs rise steeply on both sides, as if carved by giant axes. Wu Gorge is famous for its serene and enchanting beauty. On both banks stand the Twelve Peaks of Wushan—six on each side—connected like a chain, each with its own distinctive shape. Xiling Gorge is the longest of the Three Gorges. Here, the river features numerous rapids, strange rock formations, and spectacular peaks line both banks. Visit the Three Gorges Museum to learn more about the Three Gorges.
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2. Three Gorges Dam
The Three Gorges Dam, a century-spanning project across the Yangtze River, stands as a milestone in human hydraulic engineering history with its monumental scale and exceptional functionality. Stretching 2,309 meters in length with a crest elevation of 185 meters, it is hailed as the world's largest concrete gravity dam. This project integrates flood control, power generation, navigation, and water resource utilization, and has now become one of the popular Yangtze River attractions. The flood discharge in summer is magnificent, don’t miss it on your Yangtze River cruise tour.
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Fengdu Ghost City is one of the famous cultural attractions along the Yangtze River. It has a history of more than 2,000 years and is a treasure house of folk culture integrating Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Architectures like Naihe Bridge, Ghost Gate Pass, and Hall of the Heavenly King each have unique legends. Also, in Ghost City of Fengdu, you'll encounter vivid sculptures of mythical creatures like the Gossip Ghost, Suspicious Ghost, Romantic Ghost, and Fiery-Eyed Beasts, allowing you to experience the charm of traditional underworld folklore.
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4. Shibaozhai Pagoda
Shibaozhai Pagoda was initially constructed during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era (1573–1620). It stands as China's largest and tallest surviving traditional mortise-and-tenon timber structure, celebrated as the "Pearl of the Yangtze" and one of the "Eight Extraordinary Architectural Wonders of the World." The whole structure rises 12 stories (56 meters tall), entirely built of wood, with 9 levels on the mountaintop and 3 at the base. Perched dramatically against a cliff, it features soaring eaves and tiered pavilions, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
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5. White Emperor City
White Emperor City (Baidi City) is also a Yangtze River tourist attraction worth visiting. It is not only an excellent vantage point to look east at the majestic Kuimen Gate, but also the starting point to fully appreciate the precipitous beauty of the Three Gorges. With its long history and spectacular natural landscapes, this site has inspired countless poets and scholars, leaving behind over 10,000 timeless verses etched into its legacy. Visiting here, don’t forget to take a photo with the 10-yuan bill featuring Kuimen's iconic backdrop.
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6. Three Gorges Summit
The Three Gorges Summit, also known as the Peak of Three Gorges, is a must-visit on your Yangtze River shore excursions. Located atop Chijia Mountain, it stands at an altitude of 1,388 meters, marking the highest physical vantage point of the Three Gorges. From here, you can overlook the precipitous Qutang Gorge. Hiking up the summit is a good way to enjoy the stunning views along the route. Upon reaching the summit, you'll find the Yangtze River looks like a giant dragon coiling beneath your feet. When clouds and mist swirl around, you’ll feel as if you've stepped into a fairyland.
7. Lesser Three Gorges
Lesser Three Gorges, one of the highlight Yangtze River attractions, comprises three sections: Longmen Gorge, Bawu Gorge, and Dicui Gorge. The best way to explore them is by sightseeing boat. Typically, the journey begins in Longmen Gorge, where towering cliffs at the entrance resemble colossal gates. Then you'll see Bawu Gorge unfold like a misty fantasy realm, with hanging coffins high up on the cliff, evoking endless imagination. Dicui Gorge is the deepest and most beautiful section, and the lush vegetation here makes it an excellent summer retreat.
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8. White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum
The White Crane Ridge Underwater Museum is also one of the top Yangtze River tourist attractions. It is the world's first underwater museum dedicated to a heritage site and is known as "the world's first ancient hydrological station." The museum adopts the principle of a "non-pressure container" to protect the underwater inscriptions in their original location. The 77-meter-long curved viewing corridor, with 23 pressure-resistant double-layered windows, presents the authentic works of literati and scholars across 1,200 years of recorded history.
9. Shennong Stream
Shennong Stream is a tributary of the Yangtze River. Stretching 60km, it is famous for its perilous cliffs and peculiar landscapes. You can board a wooden boat and glide between towering cliffs, admiring the waterfalls, hidden caves, and the mysterious hanging coffins. It is the only tourist attraction in China where the ancient tradition of tracker teams pulling boats is still preserved. You can witness how these boat pullers work in unison, chanting haozi, as they battle against the rushing currents. Also, pay a visit to the nearby Tujia villages to experience the authentic Tujia customs.
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10. Three Gorges Tribe
11. Goddess Sky Road
12. Quyuan Temple
Quyuan Temple is also one of the must-visit Yangtze River tourist attractions during your cruising tour. Originally built in the 15th year of the Tang Dynasty's Yuanhe era (820 AD), reconstructed in the 25th year of the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era (1597), and relocated to Phoenix Mountain in 2006, this 5,800-square-meter complex follows the mountain's contours, ascending step by step. Though newly constructed, it faithfully replicates the original architectural style, with notable decorative details—especially the upturned eaves and murals.
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