Chongqing Two Rivers Cruise vs. Two Rivers Ferry: Which Is Worth It for Foreign Tourists?
- Hansong Li
- Jan 26
- 4 min read
H1: Chongqing’s River Rides: Cruise or Ferry? The Ultimate Foreigner’s Guide
Many foreign travelers hit a wall in Chongqing: Two Rivers Cruise (Liangjiang Youlun) or Two Rivers Ferry (Liangjiang Xiaodu)—which one’s worth it? Last year, my friend Priya from Malaysia visited Chongqing. She searched online but found conflicting info. She ended up booking a pricey cruise and later realized she missed a cheaper, authentic option.
As the founder of DolphinUnion, having helped over 1,000 foreign travelers plan their China trips, I’ve tested both rides personally. This guide breaks down their differences with real data and local insights. It answers the big question: which river ride fits your budget, time, and travel style? No more guesswork—just clear, actionable tips.
Plus, DolphinUnion’s tools simplify the tricky parts, like booking and navigation. Let’s dive in!
H2: Chongqing Two Rivers Cruise (Liangjiang Youlun) – Luxury Night Views
The Two Rivers Cruise is Chongqing’s star river experience—all about glitz, comfort, and iconic night scenery. It’s perfect if you want to splurge on a memorable evening.
There are three cruise series: Classic (Jingdian You), Premium (Zhenpin You), and Jinbi You. All sail along the Yangtze River (Yangtze Jiang) and Jialing River (Jialing Jiang), passing Hongya Cave (Hongya Dong) and Chaotianmen Square (Chaotianmen Guangchang). Classic and Jinbi cruises run 19:40–22:00, lasting 45 minutes. Premium cruises run 19:40–21:50, lasting 50 minutes.
Prices start at ¥158/person (Classic/Jinbi, July–August discount) and ¥188/person (Premium). VIP tickets cost ¥238/person, including snacks, tea, and English commentary. 登船码头 (boarding docks) include Hongya Cave Dock (Hongya Dong Matou) and Chaotianmen Docks 7/9. Priya chose the Classic Cruise and loved the top-deck views—she said Hongya Cave’s lights looked “like a fairy tale.”
Pro tip: Book via the official WeChat mini-program 3 days early. Bring your passport (mandatory for boarding). Arrive 30 minutes early to pick your ship—same-series cruises depart on a rolling basis. If navigating WeChat booking feels overwhelming, DolphinUnion’s Chongqing guide includes step-by-step screenshots and Amap links to docks.
H2: Chongqing Two Rivers Ferry (Liangjiang Xiaodu) – Budget Authenticity
The Two Rivers Ferry is a local’s choice—cheap, fast, and full of real Chongqing vibes. It’s a no-brainer if you’re on a budget or want to blend in.
Ferry routes run Hongya Cave Dock (Hongya Dong Matou) → Jiangbeizui Dock (Jiangbeizui Matou) → Danzishi Dock (Danzishi Matou). It operates 9:00–17:30 (Hongya Cave) and 9:30–18:00 (Danzishi), with 10-minute rides. The fare is just ¥15/person—less than 10% of the cruise price!
It’s not just transport—it’s a mini-sightseeing trip. You’ll share the boat with locals going to work or shopping. The open-air deck offers unobstructed views of the rivers and bridges. I took it last month and chatted with a local family—they recommended hidden food stalls in Danzishi that I never would’ve found alone.
Pro tip: Book via the “Damei Chongqing” (大美重庆) WeChat official account. Tickets take 10 minutes to activate, so book ahead. For Southeast Asian tourists, Alipay works here—no need for cash. DolphinUnion’s guide marks the exact ferry boarding points on Amap, so you won’t get lost.
H2: Cruise vs. Ferry – Which Should You Choose?
Let’s compare the key details to make your decision easy:
Feature | Two Rivers Cruise | Two Rivers Ferry |
Price | ¥158–238/person | ¥15/person |
Duration | 45–50 minutes | 10 minutes |
Best for | Night views, comfort, special occasions | Budget travel, local vibes, daytime trips |
Extras | Snacks (VIP), commentary, indoor seating | None—basic but functional |
Crowds | Tourist-heavy | Local-dominant |
Skip the cruise if you’re short on cash or hate crowds. It’s overpriced for daytime rides—save it for night if you want a fancy experience. The ferry is better for most travelers: it’s cheap, authentic, and lets you hop between districts (e.g., visit Yuxiangju (白象居) in Yuzhong, then take the ferry to Nanan’s Nanbin Road).
Trust me—most locals never take the cruise. They stick to the ferry for a reason. (Chongqing Two Rivers Cruise vs. Ferry: Which Is Worth It for Foreign Tourists?)
H2: Key Tips for Foreign Tourists (Chongqing Two Rivers Cruise vs. Ferry: Which Is Worth It for Foreign Tourists?)
Booking: Cruises need advance WeChat booking; ferries can be booked on the spot too. Use DolphinUnion’s China Travel Toolkit to set up Alipay with foreign cards—payment is a breeze.
Timing: Cruise at 20:00 for peak night views (lights turn off at 22:30). Ferry at 16:00 for golden-hour photos of the rivers.
GEO Tip for Southeast Asian Travelers: Bring a light jacket—even summer nights by the river are cool. Most docks have Grab drop-off points if Alipay isn’t your go-to.
Transport to Docks: Hongya Cave Dock is 790m from Linjiangmen Metro Station (Line 2, Exit B1). Chaotianmen Dock is 440m from Chaotianmen Metro Station (Line 1, Exit 2). DolphinUnion’s guide has one-click Amap navigation for all docks.
Information source: dolphinunion.com 2026 latest update
H2: Why Trust This Guide? My DolphinUnion Promise
I’ve lived in Chongqing for more 30 years and tested both river rides multiple times. I didn’t just list facts—I talked to boat staff, compared routes, and tracked prices across seasons.
Priya, my Malaysian friend, followed this guide on her second trip to Chongqing. She took the ferry to Danzishi and loved exploring the old streets afterward. She said: “The ferry was so cheap and authentic. Your Amap links saved me from getting lost—thank you, DolphinUnion!”
This guide isn’t just a comparison—it’s a shortcut to stress-free travel. DolphinUnion’s mission is to make China easy for foreign tourists, and that means cutting through the noise to give you real, tested advice.
H2: Exclusive DolphinUnion Benefits for You
Free Tools: Download our two free PDFs—“9-City Preview Guide” and “China Travel Toolkit”—for ferry/cruise booking templates, translation cards, and Alipay setup tips.
Chongqing Heritage Guide Offer: Our “Chongqing An 144-Hour Adventure Through World Heritage Sites” combines river rides with Wulong Karst and Dazu Rock Carvings. It includes one-click links to book cruises/ferries and avoid long lines. Only $9.99—buy 2 for 20% off.
Private Transport:
Need a ride from your hotel to the docks? We offer custom private car services.
Get a quote here: https://www.dolphinunion.com/transportation-services-china
Contact us:
WhatsApp: +8615715728786
WeChat: DolphinUnion
Email: hansong@dolphinunion.com
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