Skip the claustrophobic local ferry and book the five-day Yangtze River cruise if you actually want to see the limestone cliffs properly. The gorge is the longest section of the Three Gorges, meaning you get hours of winding water views from the deck. Budget 45 minutes of patience at the Yichang dock before boarding. Pack an extra battery for the camera; the sheer scale of the rock faces makes the cruise price tag worth it.
