What are the Downstream and Upstream Cruises?
According to the different routes of the Yangtze River cruises, there are two kinds of itineraries: downstream cruises and upstream cruises.
Downstream Cruises: Chongqing to Yichang
![Yangtze River Cruises Downstream Cruise Map](https://www.yangtze.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Downstream-Cruise-Map-1024x280.jpg)
Map of Yangtze Downstream Cruises: Chongqing to Yichang
The Yangtze River flows from the west of China (upper reaches) to the east of China (lower reaches). A cruise sailing from Chongqing to Yichang is from a upper reaches to a lower reaches, that is why we call this route a downstream cruise. A downstream cruise sailing from Chongqing to Yichang usually takes 3 Nights / 4 Days.
Upstream Cruises: Yichang to Chongqing
![Yangtze River Cruises Upstream Cruise Map](https://www.yangtze.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Upstream-Cruise-Map-1024x280.jpg)
Map of Yangtze Upstream Cruises: Yichang to Chongqing
A Yangtze River cruise sailing from Yichang to Chongqing is from a lower reaches to a upper reaches, that is why we call this route a upstream cruise. A upstream cruise sailing from Yichang to Chongqing usually takes 4 Nights / 5 Days.
Any differences between Downstream and Upstream Cruises?
![Victoria Cruises Itinerary Map](https://www.yangtze.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Victoria-Cruises-Itinerary-Map-1024x394.jpg)
Three Gorges Cruise Map
Different Yangtze River Cruise Durations
Cruises sailing from Chongqing to Yichang are 4 days and 3 nights, while Yichang to Chongqing cruises are 5 days and 4 nights, because downstream cruises sail with the current and are a bit faster.
No Price Difference
For ocean cruises, a longer cruise usually costs more. But this situation is different for Yangtze River cruises. The 3 Nights cruises from Chongqing to Yichang are more popular, and in order to keep a balance of the tourists on both directions, so the 4 Nights cruises are provided at the same price, while you could enjoy a longer and more relaxed holiday.
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