Travel with Evelyn: 5-Day Upstream Yangtze Cruise on Century Victory

Having heard so much about the stunning transformation of the Three Gorges region in springtime, I decided to experience an upstream Yangtze River Cruise firsthand during this vibrant season. As someone who regularly arranges these journeys for international travelers, I knew that examining the experience from embarkation in Yichang to disembarkation in Chongqing would provide valuable insights I could share with customers.

Unlike the downstream route, this upstream journey offers a gradual unfolding of increasingly dramatic landscapes as you travel westward, culminating in the breathtaking Qutang Gorge. The Century Victory cruise ship, which I'd heard much positive feedback about, seemed the perfect vessel for my professional research trip.

What follows is my day-by-day account of this spring journey, complete with honest observations and practical tips that I hope will help you decide if this experience might be right for your China itinerary. From accommodations to excursions and services, I've documented everything a foreign visitor might want to know before booking this classic Chinese travel experience.

5 Days Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise Tour (Yichang - Chongqing)

Itinerary: Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing
Highlights: 5-Day Yangtze River Cruise Experience from Yichang to Chongqing, Three Gorges Dam, Three Gorges, Shennv Stream, Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City

Day 1: Embark Century Victory at Maoping Port in Yichang

In the morning, I took a high-speed train from Chengdu to Yichang. Spring had painted the countryside in vibrant colors, with rape flowers in full bloom across the rolling hills and plains. The train journey takes approximately 6 hours and passes through many tunnels, which occasionally interrupted mobile network signals. I'd recommend bringing reading material or downloading entertainment in advance to make the journey more enjoyable.

⋙ How to Get to & around Yichang
⋙ How to Get to Yangtze Cruise Ports

Rape Flowers Along the Way

I arrived in Yichang around 15:10. With some time before embarkation, I seized the opportunity for a quick cultural visit to Yichang Museum, just a convenient 10-minute taxi ride from the train station—a brief introduction to the region's rich history.

Yichang Museum

Important Embarkation Tip: I returned to the train station to catch the shuttle bus (scheduled 17:30-20:00) to Maoping Port. Despite arriving at 17:40, I waited almost an hour to board because many passengers had arrived before the scheduled time. For upstream cruises, I strongly recommend arriving earlier than I did if you wish to make it onboard in time for dinner. As your travel consultant, I can arrange a private transfer directly to Maoping Port instead, eliminating this waiting time entirely and ensuring a smoother start to your journey.

Upon arrival at Maoping Port, the ship's porters efficiently handled our luggage, carrying it aboard for us. After a smooth check-in process, I enjoyed my first meal on the ship. My room on the third floor was clean, warmly lit, and elegantly decorated, immediately setting a comfortable tone for the days ahead.

My Cozy Room

Day 2: Shore Excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site

I was stunned by the beautiful morning river view from my private balcony. From afar, I could even see the impressive Three Gorges Dam, as our cruise ship had docked relatively nearby. The buffet breakfast at the Globe Restaurant was a delightful experience. This spacious two-story venue offers both Chinese and Western cuisine in a refined setting.

Dining Tip: Arrive early to secure a window seat, where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the spectacular river views. The buffet features dishes from across China, alongside local specialties and ingredients unique to the region!

My Balcony View & The Globe Restaurant

After breakfast, we were assigned to different groups with dedicated local guides. A 30-minute drive brought us to the Three Gorges Dam Project Museum. As Chinese citizens, we all feel immense pride in this engineering marvel. I was particularly fortunate to hear firsthand accounts from staff who had been involved in the museum's construction. Learning about the millions of people who relocated for this project (some even to my hometown) and the thousands who dedicated their youth to its construction deepened my respect for the people of this region.

The River Closure Memorial Park offers the perfect vantage point for photographs of the Three Gorges Dam. I was impressed by the strict environmental monitoring and ecological protection evident throughout the dam reservoir area. The Memorial Park itself showcased this commitment. In March, the grounds were already alive with birds and flowers, with remarkably clean air. I even spotted tadpoles in the stream, typically an indicator of excellent water quality.

Three Gorges Dam & The River Closure Memorial Park

After our visit, we returned to the ship for a buffet lunch. The Century Victory weighed anchor from Yichang around 14:00, gliding so smoothly through the water that the movement was barely perceptible. I spent the afternoon exploring the Cheers Bar and Sun Deck, where staff provided informative commentary about the striking views of Xiling Gorge.

Weather Note: Mid-March temperatures can be quite chilly and windy on deck, despite occasional sunshine. I recommend packing warm layers for optimal comfort. The thoughtful crew offers complimentary hot tea and coffee on the deck to help passengers stay warm while enjoying the scenery.

Sun Deck (Upper), Cheers Bar (Lower) & Xiling Gorge

In the afternoon, a handicraft activity at the bar provided entertainment for several families. The evening featured enjoyable band performances and the Captain's Welcome Party, where passengers mingled and celebrated the beginning of our journey. The day concluded with delicious midnight snacks.

Captain's Welcome Party

Day 3: Shore Excursion to Shennv Stream & White Emperor City

This morning, we transferred to smaller boats to explore the Shennv Stream. I was deeply impressed by both the tranquil waters and our local guide's wonderful explanations, which offered fascinating insights into authentic local life along the Yangtze.

Shennv Stream

After returning to the Century Victory, we sailed through the magnificent Wu Gorge, followed by the afternoon passage through the spectacular Qutang Gorge with its dramatic cliffs and rushing waters.

Wu Gorge (Upper Left) & Qutang Gorge (Upper Right)

Optional Excursion Highlight: I chose to participate in the optional tour to White Emperor City, site of famous events from the Three Kingdoms period. This excursion, while requiring an additional fee, offers incomparable cultural and historical value that I highly recommend to you. As your travel consultant, I can easily add this enriching experience to your itinerary.

Practical Tip: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for this excursion, as there are many steps up the hillside. The effort is well rewarded, however, as this location offers perfect photo opportunities of the famous Kui Gate, one of the most iconic views along the entire Yangtze River.

White Emperor City (Left) & Kui Gate (Right)

Day 4: Shore Excursion to Fengdu Ghost City

This morning featured various cultural activities onboard. After three days of sightseeing, I decided to enjoy some leisure time on the ship instead, taking advantage of the comfortable amenities to rest and recharge.

Later, we visited Fengdu Ghost City, the final excursion of our cruise. It's worth noting that the old city of Fengdu county now lies submerged beneath the river, with the new county visible across the water. Despite its name, Fengdu Ghost City isn't actually frightening; rather, it offers fascinating cultural lessons about traditional Chinese concepts of death and afterlife.

Fengdu Ghost City

That evening, I packed my belongings and registered at reception for luggage carrying service for the following morning's disembarkation—another thoughtful service that the Century Victory offers to ensure a stress-free conclusion to your journey.

Day 5: Chongqing Disembarkation

After an early breakfast, I disembarked at Chongqing's Chaotianmen Port. With my train to Chengdu scheduled for the afternoon, I had time to visit the impressive Three Gorges Museum, which offers comprehensive exhibits on both the dam project and the rich cultural heritage of the region. It's an excellent venue to deepen your understanding of modern Chinese history as well.

When I stepped out of the museum, bright sunshine created perfect lighting for photographs of the People's Assembly Hall located directly across from the museum.

People's Assembly Hall (Upper Right) & Three Gorges Museum (Lower)

My Three Gorges Cruise journey concluded with a high-speed rail trip back to Chengdu. Looking back, I thoroughly enjoyed my time aboard the Century Victory and observed the same satisfaction among other passengers traveling with families and friends. The staff were consistently friendly and helpful, the dining experience exceptional, and the overall service excellent throughout the journey.

Conclusion: A Highly Recommended Experience

This comprehensive inspection tour has given me deeper insights into the Three Gorges culture and confidence in recommending the Century Victory to other travelers. The cruise offers an ideal balance of comfortable accommodation, excellent cuisine, and meaningful cultural experiences. The ship's modern amenities, professional crew, and well-designed itinerary create a journey that reveals China's natural beauty and cultural depth in an accessible, enjoyable manner. As your travel consultant, I can handle all aspects of this experience, ensuring your Yangtze River Cruise becomes a seamless and memorable highlight of your China journey. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this cruise provides a perfect interlude of relaxation and discovery between visits to China's more bustling destinations.

5 Days Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise Tour (Yichang - Chongqing)

Itinerary: Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing
Highlights: 5-Day Yangtze River Cruise Experience from Yichang to Chongqing, Three Gorges Dam, Three Gorges, Shennv Stream, Fengdu Ghost City, White Emperor City

Are you interested in traveling to China and cruise the Yangtze River with me? Browse our best 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 Evelyn. 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.

Evelyn

Travel Consultant

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