The big draw is the river itself: on a Century Cruises trip, you pass through the Three Gorges by ship, with steep cliffs, historic sites, and the Three Gorges Dam unfolding along the way. It is a moving hotel, so you can watch the scenery from the deck or, in most cabin categories, from a private balcony.
I like two things in particular: the core gorge scenery is built into the route, and meals, cabin accommodation, guide service, and several shore visits are bundled into the fare. The ship also gives you time to slow down between stops, with a sun deck, theater, reading room, gym, bar, and onboard cultural events.
One thing to weigh: this is a scheduled group cruise, not a flexible private trip. Some attractions are optional or may be swapped, and the exact route can change with water levels, weather, ship type, or operating conditions.
- Key points before you book
- A river journey with the scenery doing the work
- Choose the direction that fits your plans
- What the Chongqing departure feels like
- What to expect on the Yichang departure
- Cabins: pay for the view if you’ll use it
- Meals and service: convenience with a generous schedule
- How to judge the price and value
- Practical details that can save you trouble
- Should you book the Century Cruises Three Gorges trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the cruise?
- Where does the Chongqing departure board?
- Is a balcony included in every cabin?
- Are meals included?
- Is the Three Gorges ship lift included?
- Which shore visits are included?
- Does the cruise include transfers from the train station?
- What is the cancellation policy?
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Key points before you book
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10 / 10- Chongqing to Yichang takes four days and three nights. The reverse route takes five days and four nights, with a different daily schedule.
- Balcony cabins cost more but make river viewing easy. Inside cabins have no window; listed balcony choices begin on the second floor.
- Included shore visits vary by ship and route. Fengdu Ghost City and Xiaoguanshan are alternatives, as are Baidi City and another Three Gorges scenic stop on some departures.
- The Three Gorges Dam visit is a major highlight. The ship lift is a separate optional attraction, listed at ¥290 per person, and can close for maintenance.
- Food, service, and cabin comfort are the strongest practical advantages. Feedback has praised clean rooms, helpful crew, professional guides, and a broad choice of food.
- Check the fare rules closely. Prices are per person based on two sharing, and the stated pricing does not apply to US or Canadian nationals.
👉 See our pick of the 3 Best 3 Day Tours In Chongqing
A river journey with the scenery doing the work
The cruise covers roughly 700 kilometers along the Yangtze, connecting the big-city energy of Chongqing with the gorges and engineering works farther east. You are not just taking a boat between ports: the ship is your base, dining room, viewing platform, and place to rest between visits.
The experience suits you if you want to see several major Yangtze sights without arranging a new hotel and transfer every day. It is also a comfortable way to take in the gorge scenery if you would rather watch from a deck chair than spend the whole trip on the road.
Century Cruises operates the ships directly, and the service is positioned at a five-star level. That means an organized program, regular meals, daily cabin cleaning, and staff who can help with practical needs. English service is provided, though the precise level of English support can vary by staff member and excursion.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Chongqing
Choose the direction that fits your plans
The Chongqing to Yichang sailing is the shorter option: four days and three nights. It starts with boarding at Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Wharf, then heads downstream toward Yichang. A sample schedule has boarding from 4:30 to 8 p.m., with departure at 4:30 p.m. and dinner that evening.
The Yichang to Chongqing route takes five days and four nights. It begins with a special cruise bus from central Yichang to Maoping Pier, then travels upstream toward Chongqing. This route generally places the dam visit earlier in the trip and ends at Chaotianmen Wharf.
Pick the direction that works best with your onward travel, rather than assuming one has a better set of sights. The sequence and some stops differ, and the final program depends on the ship and conditions. Make sure your train or flight leaves enough time after disembarkation. The Chongqing to Yichang itinerary gives an approximate arrival time of 1:30 p.m. at the Three Gorges Tourist Center, after a bus transfer from the pier.
What the Chongqing departure feels like
The first afternoon is mostly about boarding, settling in, and getting familiar with the ship. You’ll have a safety briefing, followed by a captain’s welcome reception. Dinner is served onboard, but the meal on boarding day is not included in the stated package, so confirm the meal arrangements before you travel.
On the second day, the ship offers a choice between Fengdu Ghost City and the Xiaoguanshan Ancient Architectural Complex. Fengdu is known for temples and stories about the afterlife. The visit gives you a look at a different side of local belief, though the cable car costs extra: ¥20 one way or ¥35 return. Xiaoguanshan, by contrast, focuses on historic buildings and courtyards.
After lunch, you have several hours for deck viewing or onboard activities. This quieter stretch is part of the appeal. You can sit outside, take in the river, or join whatever cultural program is running that day. In the evening, the sample program includes the Beacon Fire Three Kingdoms show, a performance based on the Three Kingdoms era. If it is suspended, the plan may change to a Baidi City visit the next morning.
The third day brings the most dramatic gorge scenery. The ship passes through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and steepest of the Three Gorges. Its Kuimen gateway is the familiar view shown on the reverse of China’s 10-yuan note. Wu Gorge follows, with high slopes rising on either side of the river.
Shennv Stream is a more intimate change of pace. You transfer from the cruise ship to a smaller boat and travel into a narrower valley, with cliffs close by. That transfer makes the visit more than a distant view from the main deck, but it also means you should follow the crew’s timing and instructions.
The final morning is devoted to the Three Gorges Dam area. The program includes the Three Gorges Project Museum and the Ship Lock Memorial Park, followed by a bus transfer to Yichang’s Three Gorges Tourist Center. The ship lift is an optional extra, priced at ¥290 per person in the supplied details. It may be closed for maintenance or other operating reasons, so don’t build your plans around it being available.
What to expect on the Yichang departure
The Yichang to Chongqing sailing follows the route in reverse, but it is not simply the same trip with the days shuffled. The first day includes a bus transfer from central Yichang to Maoping Pier and boarding there. The Three Gorges Dam and Xiling Gorge are scheduled for the second day.
The next day is built around Shennv Stream, Wu Gorge, and Qutang Gorge. Depending on the ship and schedule, the visit to Baidi City may be paired with another scenic stop, with one option chosen. Baidi City has links to the Three Kingdoms period and to the poets who wrote about the area. If you are keen to see it, check that it is included in your specific ship’s program.
The fourth day includes a choice of Fengdu Ghost City or Xiaoguanshan, followed by evening activities onboard. You disembark in Chongqing the next morning. This longer sailing gives you an extra night aboard and a different rhythm, which may be useful if you want to end in Chongqing rather than Yichang.
Cabins: pay for the view if you’ll use it
The listed options range from inside cabins to balcony rooms, premium rooms, and suites. Inside cabins have no window. Other cabin types generally have private viewing balconies, though the exact layout depends on the ship and room category.
A balcony can be worthwhile on a river cruise because it lets you watch the banks without heading up to the deck every time the scenery changes. The second-floor balcony room is the lowest-priced balcony option in the listed packages. Higher floors cost more, so consider how much time you’ll actually spend in the cabin before paying for an upgrade.
Prices vary by ship, cabin, route, and departure date. The package options list some inside cabins from US$558.25 and second-floor balcony rooms from US$752.95, while the page’s general starting price is shown as US$641.99. Treat these as indicative, not a firm quote. The stated fare is per person based on two people sharing a room, and does not apply to US or Canadian nationals.
If you are traveling alone, budget for a single-room supplement unless the operator confirms a suitable sharing arrangement. Room-sharing rules have exceptions, including some cabin categories and Chinese holiday departures. Children’s fares also depend on age and whether the child needs a bed. Confirm the exact cabin and total price before paying.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chongqing
Meals and service: convenience with a generous schedule
The package includes buffet meals throughout the sailing, with the exact meal count depending on direction. For the Chongqing to Yichang trip, the stated inclusions are three breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners. Boarding-day breakfast and lunch are not included, and meals on disembarkation day are not included.
Breakfast combines familiar items such as bread, fruit, salads, milk, and juice with Chinese choices such as noodles and porridge. Lunch and dinner are buffet meals. Designated alcoholic drinks are included with dinner, and the program also describes drinks and late-night snacks. The menu changes with the season and available ingredients, so expect variety rather than a fixed menu.
This setup is useful because you do not have to find a restaurant every time the ship docks or returns from a visit. It also means meals happen on the ship’s timetable. If you have particular dietary needs, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the buffet can accommodate them.
Cabins are cleaned daily, and the package includes a private bathroom and one bed per person. Feedback has highlighted clean rooms, polite staff, and satisfying food. Named crew members Kira and guide He Shan have been singled out for helpful service, but staff assignments are not guaranteed.
How to judge the price and value
The fare includes the cabin, listed meals, guide service, selected attraction tickets, luggage handling at the boarding port, onboard performances, and an adult cruise service fee of ¥200. That bundle is the main value: you are paying for transport, accommodation, meals, and a planned set of visits in one purchase.
Still, don’t mistake the base fare for the full trip cost. You may need to add the ship lift, Fengdu’s cable car, meals on boarding or disembarkation day, transfers to or from the city, and personal spending. Some optional visits are voluntary, and people who do not join may be asked to remain onboard while the excursion is underway.
Before booking, compare the cabin you want, the ship, the route direction, and the attractions included in that exact package. The same named route can differ by vessel. The schedule may also change because of weather, water levels, navigation controls, dam maintenance, or other operating conditions. If a particular stop matters to you, get confirmation rather than relying on a general route outline.
Practical details that can save you trouble
For a Chongqing departure, go to the Century Cruises sign at Pier 11 and hand your luggage to the staff for registration and transport. Do not give bags directly to porters if you want to avoid extra charges. Boarding is scheduled between 4:30 and 8 p.m.; late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.
Bring the identification document used for your reservation, and check the departure notice sent before the trip for the final pier and schedule. Low or high water can lead to a different port, with ground transport arranged between Chongqing and a replacement terminal such as Fengdu or Fuling. Keep some flexibility around transport connections.
The cancellation terms get stricter as departure approaches: cancellation is free more than 45 days ahead, then fees rise from 20 percent to 100 percent. The ship lift is scheduled to be unavailable from August 18 to September 28, 2026, for maintenance. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms performance is also subject to its seasonal schedule, so confirm availability if it is a priority.
Should you book the Century Cruises Three Gorges trip?
Book this cruise if you want a comfortable, organized way to see the Yangtze gorges and dam, and you value having meals and lodging handled for you. I’d favor a balcony cabin if river views are a central reason for going, and I’d choose the direction based on where you want to finish.
Think twice if you need a fixed, guaranteed sightseeing schedule or prefer independent meals and unhurried stops. Route changes and optional attractions are part of the deal. For most people comparing a multi-day river trip with piecing together the same sights by land, the cruise offers good convenience and a memorable view of the Three Gorges, provided you check the exact cabin, inclusions, and extra costs first.
Century Cruises | Luxury Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise 4 Days 3 Nights / 5 Days 4 Nights (Departing from Chongqing/Yichang)
“Our Century Glory cruise was a very relaxing journey. The scenery along the way was picturesque, the food was delicious, and the tour guides were a…”
FAQ
How long is the cruise?
The Chongqing to Yichang trip is four days and three nights. The Yichang to Chongqing trip is five days and four nights.
Where does the Chongqing departure board?
It boards at Chaotianmen Wharf, with the meeting point specified as Pier 11. The exact pier may change because of water levels or other operating conditions, so check the final departure notice.
Is a balcony included in every cabin?
No. The inside cabin has no window. Balcony rooms and higher cabin categories are available at additional prices.
Are meals included?
Most meals during the sailing are included, with the number depending on route direction. Meals on the day of boarding and the day of disembarkation are excluded as specified.
Is the Three Gorges ship lift included?
No. It is listed as an optional attraction at ¥290 per person. It may be unavailable during maintenance or because of operating conditions.
Which shore visits are included?
The route can include visits such as Fengdu Ghost City, Xiaoguanshan, Shennv Stream, Baidi City, and the Three Gorges Dam. Some are alternatives, and the final attractions depend on the ship and schedule.
Does the cruise include transfers from the train station?
No. Station pickup and drop-off services in Chongqing and Yichang are not included. The Yichang to Chongqing itinerary does include a special cruise bus from central Yichang to Maoping Pier.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free more than 45 days before departure. Fees apply from 45 days onward and rise as departure approaches, reaching 100 percent from seven days before departure through departure day.
