A voyage along China’s longest river is a great way to explore some of the country’s most famous cities and iconic cultural sites. From bustling cities like Shanghai and Beijing to natural and historic treasures like the Great Wall and the Three Gorges, there’s so much to see. However, with the opportunity to sample some of China’s finest dishes, there’s so much to taste, too. So, to whet your appetite for the Yangtze and get your taste buds tingling, here’s a look at Yangtze River cruise food and some of the tasty dishes you can expect to sample.

Yangtze River cruise food in Shanghai

Lying at the point where the Yangtze river ends its journey in the East China Sea, the ultra-modern metropolis of Shanghai is either a starting or ending point for most Yangtze river cruises. Naturally, it’s a great place to start this guide to Yangtze river cruise food.
Where to eat
There are thousands of restaurants in Shanghai, so wherever you find yourself in the city when it’s time to eat you’re sure to find an authentic eatery. For a cultural and culinary experience however, you could do worse than enjoying your meal in the Bund. This is the city’s historic colonial waterfront area, where you’ll enjoy a taste of old Shanghai. The views are pretty special too.
Be sure to try
Shanghai cuisine’s popular throughout China but the city itself is the perfect place to try a dish or two. Try Chinese Mitten Crab or crispy chicken as your main, or for a snack, try soup dumplings and Baiye (thinly-sliced bean curd).

Yangtze River cruise food in Beijing

Though Beijing doesn’t lie on the banks of the Yangtze; I can safely include it in this guide to Yangtze River cruise food. Why? Well, this amazing city is the fly-in or fly-out transfer point for many a cruise along the river and as such is usually included on your river cruise line’s itinerary.
Where to eat
as you would expect from China’s capital, there’s an overwhelming selection of eateries to choose from offering dishes from throughout China. That said, there’s plenty of opportunity to sample some local delicacies and if you want true authenticity, head over to Bianyifang. Established in 1416, it’s Beijing’s oldest surviving restaurant.
Be sure to try
Local food is traditionally known as Jing cuisine and Mandarin cuisine and makes for some truly appetising Yangtze River cruise food. Peking Duck served with pancakes, hot and sour soup and spare ribs in sweet vinegar are all favourites here. For vegetarians, hawthorn’s pretty popular with stir-fried hawthorn and hawthorn cake two common dishes.

Yangtze River cruise food in Chongquing

This is the place where you’ll board your vessel if you’re flying into Beijing to begin your river cruise. Chongqing is one of China’s five national central cities and one of its most important inland ports, though it has a much smaller population than Shanghai or Beijing.
Where to eat
Like many other places in China, you don’t have to enter a restaurant to enjoy your Yangtze River cruise food, as street vendors are numerous. Nanbin Road Food Street is great for its range of local dishes, while the Ciqikou Ancient Town offers an authentic dining experience.
Be sure to try
Chongquing food comes under the bracket of Sichuan cuisine and hot pot is one of the most famous delicacies. Sichuan’s known for being spicy and the hot pot there is no exception. Jiangtuan Fish is another popular choice, either steamed or baked, as is steamed chicken with chilli sauce.

Yangtze River cruise food in Wuhan

Wuhan is central China’s most populous city and lies at the point where the Yangtze River meets the Han River. A busy transport hub, it attracts many visitors and as such it’s a great place to enjoy some tasty Yangtze River cruise food.
Where to eat
There are numerous restaurants, fast food outlets and street vendors to be found in Wutan. However, for a truly immersive food experience, be sure to head for Hubu Lane, or snack street in Wuchang. It’s is a go-to food hot-spot where you can find all manner of street snack.
Be sure to try
You can find dishes for all periods of the day in Wuhan of course, but breakfast is big here and as such it’s these traditional breakfast favourites which you have to try. Hot Dry Noodle is a very popular choice, which is noodles and peanut sauce. Mianwo – a savoury doughnut, is also a favourite, as are rice flour dumplings.

By Simon Brotherton
Google

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