Century Cruises: Luxurious & Eco-friendly Ships on the Yangtze
Cruise along the mighty Yangtze River on board one of the modern, elegant and luxurious Century Cruise vessels. A leading China Yangtze River cruise line, Century Cruises, has operated a full fleet of creative, high-tech, eco-friendly ships that run on electricity from its maiden voyage thirty years ago. Providing passengers with a life-time sail between Chongqing and Yichang (and even Shanghai), Century Cruises has earned numerous accolades, including the New York Times’ “Most Dynamic Cruise Company on Yangtze River,” the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards for 2019, the 2021–2024 winner of “Asia’s Best River Cruise Line,” and the 2023 nominee for “World’s Best River Cruise Line.”
There are 6 brand new, green, and sleek cruise ships in the shipyard, all of which are five-star rated, allowing you to explore China’s most iconic waterway in total comfort. Launched in 2024, Century Voyage is the newest, biggest, and most opulent Yangtze ship. The sister ships, Century Oasis, Century Glory and Century Victory, as well as the classic twins, Century Paragon and Century Legend, are also great choices when you are looking for the best Yangtze River cruise.
Why You Will Love Century Cruises
- First-rate international service and five-star amenities.
- The only fleet on the Yangtze where every cruise ship has a Grand Atrium Lobby.
- Century Cruises has the largest standard cabins among all Yangtze River Cruise lines, with all cabins featuring private balconies.
- The only fleet featuring an à la carte restaurant with panoramic views and a sun deck bar.
- Professional caregivers are available from Exclusive Kids’ Care Service to watch kids so parents can have some free time.
- An exclusive port baggage handling service makes checking in and out of a cruise worry-free.
- A wide variety of onboard Chinese cultural entertainment and activities, including Tai Chi, calligraphy, folk dancing, mahjong, and traditional opera.
Top 4 Century Cruise Ships 2026
Discover the beautiful landscapes, architectural treasures, and hidden gems of the Yangtze River in comfort and style with Century Cruise vessels. Select the ship based on its cruising route, itinerary, onboard experience, and cater to your schedule and budget. At Chinaxiantour, we offer you the best deals for Century Cruises. Save up to 25% by making an early-bird booking for 2026!
Best Seller
Century Paragon
★★★★★
Luxury ship with international service and amenities
Maiden voyage: in 2013, refurnished in 2020
Gross Tonnage: 12516 T
Routes:
4 days Chongqing to Yichang
5 days Yichang to Chongqing
Total Cabins: 196
Total Passengers: 398
Price from: CNY 2500
Best Seller
Century Legend
★★★★★
The only ship sailing Shanghai – Chongqing in 2025
Maiden voyage: in 2013, refurnished in 2020
Gross Tonnage: 12516 T
Routes:
4 days Chongqing to Yichang
5 days Yichang to Chongqing
11 days Chongqing→Shanghai
12 days Shanghai→Chongqing
Total Cabins: 196
Total Passengers: 398
Price from: CNY 2500
Best Seller
Century Oasis
★★★★★
New vessel and “2024 Asian Best” awards
Maiden voyage: in 2023
Gross Tonnage: 15000 T
Routes:
4 days Chongqing to Yichang
5 days Yichang to Chongqing
Total Cabins: 260
Total Passengers: 650
Price from: CNY 3300
Best Seller
Century Victory
★★★★★
Eco-friendly, intelligent, luxurious Yangtze Cruise
Maiden voyage: in 2022
Gross Tonnage: 15000 T
Routes:
4 days Chongqing to Yichang
5 days Yichang to Chongqing
Total Cabins: 260
Total Passengers: 650
Price from: CNY 3300
Yangtze Century Cruises Itineraries
Downstream Yangtze River Cruises sailing from Chongqing to Yichang takes 4 days and 3 nights, while upstream cruise sailing from Yichang to Chongqing cruises takes 5 days and 4 nights, with almost the same attractions and shore excursions.
Day | Major schedule & activities |
Day 1 | 16:30-20:00: Embark your Century cruise ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Port. (Luggage handling service included) 19:00-21:30: buffet dinner, Safety briefing, Captain’s Welcome Reception Set Sail |
Day 2 (B, L, D) | 06:30-08:30: Buffet breakfast, morning Tai Chi training 08:00-10:30: Shore excursion tour to Fengdu “Ghost City” 14:00-16:00: Cultural activities onboard 18:00-21:30 Optional Live Show: Fengyan Sanguo (War Fire of the Three Kingdoms) |
Day 3 (B, L, D) | 06:30-08:30: Buffet breakfast, morning Tai Chi training 08:30-10:30: Optional excursion tour to White Emperor City 11:30-13:30: Sail through the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, 14:00-16:30: Shore excursion to Goddess Stream |
Day 4 (B) | 06:30-08:00: Buffet breakfast 08:00-11:00: Disembark at Yichang Maoping Pier and shore excursion tour to Three Gorges Dam Disembark at Maoping Pier at 07:45 if add the optional excursion to Ship-lift. |
Day | Major schedule & activities |
Day 1 | 16:30-20:00: Board your Century cruise ship at Yichang Maoping Port 21:00-21:30: Cruise briefing |
Day 2 (B, L, D) | 06:30-08:30: Buffet breakfast, morning Tai Chi training 07:30-12:00: Optional excursion to Three Gorges Tribe 14:30-17:30: Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam 16:30-18:00: Optional excursion to Ship-lift 18:30: sail through Xiling Gorge 20:30-21:15: Captain’s Welcome Party |
Day 3 (B, L, D) | 06:30-08:30: Buffet breakfast, morning Tai Chi training 08:30-11:30: Shore excursion to Goddess Stream 11:30-15:00: Sail through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge 15:30-18:00: Optional excursion tour to White Emperor City 21:00-22:00: Evening cultural performance |
Day 4 (B, L, D) | 06:30-08:30: Buffet breakfast, morning Tai Chi training 08:30-11:30: Shore excursion tour to Fengdu Ghost City 20:00-21:00: Evening Show / Movie |
Day 5 (B) | 09:00: Disembark from Chongqing Chaotianmen port |
Please note:
Because actual operations may be impacted by navigation, weather, or river conditions, Century Cruises has the right to change dates and ships. Any updates will be provided further.
Century Cruise on Board Facilities, Services & Experiences
Amenities
Century Cruises boasts a Grand Atrium Lobby in every ship, indoor swimming pool, Panoramic Restaurant, Beauty Salon, Massage rooms, Reading Room, Kid Club, Fitness Center, Health Clinic, Sundeck Bar, KTV, etc.
Cabins
There are Presidential Suites, Deluxe Suites, Family Theme Suites, Executive Suites, Deluxe Cabins, Deluxe Standard Cabins, and Standard Cabins, with quality beddings and twice daily house keeping service.
Dining
Star chefs team of the Century Cruises prepare for you China’s regional flavors from the Yangtze River area, as well as Western buffet selections. Unlimited selected red wine & beer, and snacks are served all day and until midnight.
Activities
Savor Chinese culture when cruising by, enjoying Morning Tai Chi on the sun deck, Mahjong games,and calligraphy learning. Also, have fun with a celebration of music and dance through the Crew Talent Show.
Popular Shore Excursions of Century Cruises
Three Gorges
The highlight section of the Yangtze River, it consists of the Qutang Gorge, the Wu Gorge and the Xiling Gorge, with a total length of approximately 193 km.
Fengdu Ghost City
It is themed around the ancient Chinese concept of the underworld, revealing scenes such as "the Bridge of Departure", "the Path to the Underworld" and "the Hall of the Demon King".
Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream)
Take a small boat to explore the most beautiful tributary of the Three Gorges, with steep canyons, lush vegetation, and the folk customs of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups.
White Emperor City
With history dating back to Western Han Dynasty, the city retains historical sites such as the Three Gorges Stele Forest, the Ming Liang Hall and the Star Observation Pavilion.
Three Gorges Dam
Visit Three Gorge Dam, the world's largest hydropower complex, to understand its vital roles in flood control, electricity generation, and navigation.
Fengyan Sanguo
A live-action performance themed around "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" uses live actors and special effects to recreate the historical stories of the turbulent times.
Top China Tours with Yangtze River Cruise
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See Real Yangtze Cruise Reviews from Our Clients on Trip Advisor
5(out of 5)
★★★★★
September 9, 2025
We are happy to have a Yangtze River cruise part of our first-trip to China. When we heard that China Xian Tour offered a cruise, we didn't hesitate to book a Victoria Cruise. Excellent food and service. Interesting excursions. The cruise did not disappoint! We also enjoyed the tai chi practice on the deck!
★★★★★
August 27, 2025
We chose the Explorer, and booked from Kelly through China Xian Tour. Instead of booking on our own. Kelly give us the 20% off early booking discount, and was very helpful throughout our journey. Luxurious ship and reasonable price, especially when compared to the cruises in Europe and North America. We visited Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, then started the cruise from Chongqing, disembark from Yichang, then we fly to Shanghai. We can confirm cruising the Yangtze was a wonderful experience.
★★★★★
August 19, 2025
In August, I made reservation for a Yangtze River Cruise. We are grateful to Sophia’s assistance in booking the tickets, transfers, and our local guides in Chengdu, Chongqing, Yichang, Zhangjajie, and Shanghai. The ship cabin was comfortable, with other luxurious amenities and beautiful views. Our China itinerary was also well organized, nice guides in every place.
★★★★★
July 22, 2025
The Yangtze cruise ship was excellent, in our opinion. The personnel was very friendly, and the staterooms were very pleasant and roomy. We loved the trips, and the commentary was excellent as we navigated the river. The meal was good, but it was much more Chinese-style than Western-style, so there weren't many Western-style dishes to choose from. Without a doubt, I would suggest this trip to my friends.
