Document Requirements: Travel PermitsDOCUMENTS
Three Gorges cruises have fully implemented real-name electronic ticketing — there is no paper ticket, and boarding, check-in, and security checks all verify the original document directly. Travellers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan should prepare the following documents:
· Residents of Hong Kong, China and Macao, China: carry the original Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (commonly known as the Home Return Permit);
· Residents of Taiwan, China: carry the original Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (commonly known as the Taiwan Compatriot Permit).
The name (including its Traditional or Simplified Chinese spelling) and document number entered at booking must exactly match the original document. If any detail does not match, boarding may not be possible.
Fares & Real-Name BookingBOOKING
Cruise fares for travellers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan differ from mainland fares, and each cruise line charges different rates for guests from different regions. We therefore cannot simply apply the mainland prices displayed on the page — please ask our consultants for a dedicated quote for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan travellers.
The booking process is the same as for mainland guests, in four steps:
① Choose a ship and cabin — pick the cruise and room type based on your travel dates, budget, and preferences;
② Place the order and pay — real-name booking requires the name, document number, and phone number of every traveller in advance. Cabin availability changes constantly, so pay promptly once you have chosen to hold the cabin;
③ Secondary confirmation and contract — after payment, customer service verifies the cabin; once confirmed, a travel contract is signed. If the sailing is sold out, you can switch room type, departure date, or ship, or request a full refund;
④ Boarding notice — one day before boarding, customer service notifies you of the exact pier, meeting point, and time. Board with your original travel documents.
We recommend booking your cruise ticket first, then arranging flights or trains to and from Chongqing or Yichang, to avoid being constrained by transport booked too early.
Refund & Change Policy: In Principle Non-Refundable, Non-ChangeableREFUND
Unlike mainland orders, cruise orders from travellers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are in principle non-refundable and non-changeable. If a refund or date change is genuinely necessary due to special circumstances, supporting evidence must be provided, and the outcome depends on the cruise line's actual review — approval cannot be guaranteed.
We therefore suggest:
· Confirm your holiday dates and round-trip transport before ordering the cruise ticket;
· Build some slack into your itinerary to reduce the knock-on risk of flight or train changes;
· If you are unsure about dates, discuss sailings and cabin availability with a consultant first and pay only once decided.
Note: Refund/change fees, evidence requirements, and review timeframes are subject to the written confirmation at the time of booking.
Why Book With UsWHY US
As a platform specializing in Three Gorges cruise ticketing for many years, we offer a range of thoughtful services for travellers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan:
· Traditional Chinese service: the pages, contract explanations, and customer service communication are all available in Traditional Chinese, reducing misunderstandings;
· Convenient payment: we support PayPal, SWIFT international bank transfer, and other overseas payment methods, so you can pay smoothly without a mainland bank account;
· Professional team: our 30 customer service staff average 10 years of Three Gorges cruise experience and can give practical advice on everything from choosing a ship and cabin to boarding details;
· Follow-through support: a dedicated contact handles your order from booking and contract signing through to the boarding-day notice.
To learn more about our team and service commitments, see About Us.
Q&AQ&A
What if my child does not have a Home Return Permit / Taiwan Compatriot Permit?
Minors from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan also need a valid travel document to travel. Please arrange the appropriate document for your child before booking, and book under the child's real name as shown on the document. The specific document type follows the issuing authority's requirements; you can confirm with our consultant before booking.
Can I check in on board directly with my Home Return Permit / Taiwan Compatriot Permit?
Yes. On boarding day, present your order and the original document at the ship's main service desk to check in and receive your room card; the same document is used for shore excursions and security checks. Carry it with you at all times.
Is there a payment deadline?
Cruise cabins are in tight supply, so please pay promptly as guided by your consultant after placing the order; if payment is overdue, the cabin may be released or the price may change. Before payment, all fee details will be confirmed with you in writing.
Recommended Ships & Extended ReadingEXPLORE
Many travellers from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan like to cruise the Three Gorges with their whole family, including seniors. We especially recommend two well-reviewed choices:
· Yangzi Explorer — widely recognized as the top cruise on the Yangtze, with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1 and only 148 guests fully loaded; ideal for families seeking a quiet, comfortable trip with seniors;
· Century Oasis — a super five-star flagship launched in recent years with new, well-equipped facilities; fully electric propulsion keeps noise low, combining value and comfort.
When choosing a ship, also weigh the upstream/downstream direction, sailing length, and included sights. For more background, read our FAQ page.
Contact Us
For a dedicated quote for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan travellers, sailing schedules, and cabin recommendations, feel free to contact a Three Gorges Cruise Center consultant at any time.
You can also click "Online Consultation" at the bottom of the page to chat with a consultant in real time.