Travel with April: My 4-Day Yangtze River Cruise Aboard the Century Victory

The Yangtze River cruise stands as one of China's most iconic travel experiences, offering visitors a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and modern engineering marvels. Stretching through the heart of China, the mighty Yangtze, the world's third-longest river, carves its way through breathtaking gorges, past ancient towns, and alongside mist-shrouded mountains that have inspired Chinese poets and artists for thousands of years. The Three Gorges region, in particular, offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or cultural explorer, a Yangtze River cruise delivers an immersive journey that reveals China's soul in ways that land-based travel simply cannot match. As a travel consultant specializing in creating memorable experiences for international travelers, I recently embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour of the Yangtze River Cruise to personally evaluate the accommodations, service quality, excursions, and overall experience to better serve customers worldwide. Now, let me share my personal experience aboard the Century Victory, a journey that took me through this legendary waterway and left me with memories to last a lifetime.

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Itinerary: Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang
Highlights: Luxury Yangtze River Cruise Sailing along Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Museum, Hongya Cave, Liziba Metro Station

Day 1: Chengdu - Chongqing - Embarking on Century Victory

My adventure began with a seamless two-hour bullet train journey from Chengdu to Chongqing. Upon arrival, I opted for the subway to Chaotianmen station, following Exit 2 as recommended.

⋙ Chengdu to Chongqing High Speed Trains
⋙ Chongqing Transportation Guide

I quickly discovered that Chongqing's mountainous terrain makes navigating on foot quite challenging! The steep stairs down to the port were particularly daunting. I strongly recommend arranging a private transfer directly to the port rather than taking the subway – as your travel consultant, I can easily arrange this service for you, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your cruise experience.

When I finally reached the boarding area, one pleasant surprise was the prompt appearance of porters arranged by the cruise company, who efficiently help to take my luggage onto the ship — a thoughtful service that immediately set a positive tone for the journey ahead.

⋙ Chaotianmen Dock: Facts & How to Get There

Chaotianmen Port

After navigating Chongqing's vertical maze of streets, I finally boarded the Century Victory. The moment I stepped onto this elegant vessel, I knew I was in for something special. The ship, whose Chinese name translates to "Song of Victory," struck a luxury hotel afloat. My balcony cabin offered sweeping views of the misty Yangtze, creating an immediate connection to this legendary waterway.

The Century Victory Cruise Ship

As we set sail at dusk, Chongqing's spectacular skyline illuminated the night. The city's lights cascaded down the hillsides and reflected in the dark waters below. What a mesmerizing metropolitan farewell as we began our journey into China's heartland. That evening, the cruise staff welcomed us with a special Captain's Dinner, where we met fellow travelers and the crew who would accompany us on this adventure. The elegant welcome banquet, featuring both Western and Chinese delicacies, set a festive tone for the days ahead.

Stunning Chongqing Night View

Day 2: Fengdu Ghost City - "Feng Yan San Guo" Show

Following a delicious breakfast, our first excursion took us to Fengdu Ghost City. Perched on the hills of Fengdu County in Chongqing, this ancient complex is known throughout China as the "City of Ghosts," a fascinating physical manifestation of Chinese mythology surrounding the afterlife.

Our knowledgeable local guide revealed how this isn't merely a tourist attraction but a profound cultural site where generations of Chinese have contemplated mortality—it was a place where people from ancient times sought to ensure a safe journey for their departed loved ones. The site beautifully illustrates how Chinese spiritual traditions view death not as an ending but as a transition to the afterlife, which requires preparation and respect.

Fengdu Ghost City

After returning to the ship for lunch, I had time to relax on my balcony and watch rural China drift by.

The evening brought my favorite experience of the entire cruise – the spectacular "Feng Yan San Guo" live performance, an optional excursion that I wholeheartedly recommend adding to your itinerary. While this cultural show comes at an additional cost, it's absolutely worth every yuan for the unforgettable experience it provides. This breathtaking theatrical production brings to life the epic battles, legendary heroes, and political intrigues of China's Three Kingdoms period (220-280 CE). The show masterfully combines martial arts choreography, dramatic storytelling, and stunning visual effects to immerse viewers in the heroic struggles of celebrated figures like Guan Yu, Liu Bei, and Zhang Fei.

The Incredible "Feng Yan San Guo" Show

Day 3: Qutang Gorge - Wu Gorge - and Shennv Stream

Around 10:30 AM, the cruise sailed into Qutang Gorge, the first and most dramatic of the Three Gorges, where towering cliffs rising almost vertically from the water's edge. Though the shortest of the three gorges at just 8 kilometers, Qutang's narrow passage and imposing walls create an unforgettable sense of grandeur.

As we continued into Wu Gorge, the landscape transformed into something straight from a traditional Chinese ink painting. Mist-draped peaks with names like "Goddess Peak" (Shennv Feng) stood over the winding waters. At 45 kilometers long, Wu Gorge offers a more extended but equally mesmerizing journey through what many consider the most beautiful section of the Three Gorges.

Qutang Gorge (Upper) and Wu Gorge (Lower)

After lunch, we transferred to smaller vessels for an intimate exploration of Shennv Stream, a pristine tributary of the Yangtze. As our boat glided through crystal-clear waters, steep emerald cliffs towered above us. Along the way, we also learned from the local guide about the legends of the Shennv Peak and the ancient Tujia culture.

The Tranquil Shennv Stream

Day 4: Three Gorges Dam - Ship Lift Experience

Our final day brought us to the Three Gorges Dam. After docking at Maoping Port, we experienced the extraordinary ship lift, also an optional excursion that I couldn't pass up and strongly recommend. This additional tour showcases an engineering marvel that raised our vessel 113 meters in a single, smooth operation. This massive elevator for ships completed the ascent in just minutes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the future of river navigation.

We then toured the Three Gorges Dam itself – the world's largest hydroelectric power station and a symbol of modern China's technological ambition and innovation. From the observation deck, the panoramic views revealed both the dam's immense scale and the vast reservoir it created. Our guide explained how this massive project not only generates clean energy for millions but also controls the Yangtze's historically devastating floods.

Ship Lift (Upper) and Three Gorges Dam (Lower)

After the tour, we arrived at Yichang Tourist Center, where I collected my luggage and easily hailed a taxi outside to take me to Yichang East Railway Station for my bullet train back to Chengdu.

After thoroughly evaluating this Yangtze River Cruise experience, I can confidently recommend it as one of China's most rewarding travel experiences. The leisurely pace allows for genuine relaxation while the ever-changing scenery provides constant visual delight. From the misty gorges to the cultural encounters, this journey offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and comfort.

The Century Victory stands out among the available vessels for compelling reasons. Its well-appointed staterooms with private balconies, excellent dining options featuring both international and Chinese cuisine, and professional, attentive service create a premium experience. The ship's stability, cleanliness, and thoughtful amenities all contribute to an exceptional journey.

For travelers seeking to understand China's past, present, and future beyond the bustling cities of Beijing and Shanghai, there are few experiences that reveal so much with such elegance and ease. As your travel consultant, I would be more than delighted to arrange every aspect of this unforgettable journey for you.

4 Days Chongqing Essence Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Itinerary: Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang
Highlights: Luxury Yangtze River Cruise Sailing along Three Gorges, Three Gorges Dam, Shennv Stream, Three Gorges Museum, Hongya Cave, Liziba Metro Station

Are you interested in traveling to Chongqing and cruise the Yangtze River with me? Browse our best Chongqing and Yangtze River Tour Packages, or just share your travel preferences, and I'll use my experience and knowledge to provide you with an unforgettable customized China trip.

Travel with Me

Hi, I'm April. Are you interested in my exploration of the Yangtze River? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

April

Travel Consultant

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