My favorite viewpoints for the "10 Yuan note" spot

“Where do I stand to get the shot?” So I put together this guide — not just for the photo, but for the full experience around it.

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Most people assume you just point your camera from the cruise ship deck, but the real magic happens during a shore excursion at the Qutang Gorge viewing platform. The 10-yuan note features the Qutang Gorge — specifically the Kuimen Gate — and the official viewpoint is about a 15-minute walk from the dock on the north bank. You’ll find a dedicated observation deck with a metal cutout of the note for framing. I usually suggest arriving around 9:30 a.m. when the morning light hits the cliffs directly, avoiding the harsh midday shadows.

My favorite viewpoints for the "10 Yuan note" spot, though, are actually on the ship itself — if you know the timing. Around 7:00 a.m. on the second day of most cruises, the ship enters the Qutang Gorge while most passengers are still having breakfast. Grab a spot on the sun deck, starboard side. The gorge narrows dramatically here, and the ship slows to a crawl. You’ll see the same vertical rock walls folding into the water just like the banknote. Bring a wide-angle lens — your phone’s default probably won’t capture the full height.

One tip: the official platform is great for a clean shot, but the ship’s bow gives you a more natural angle with the boat itself in the foreground. If you’re on a smaller vessel (like the Victoria Jenna or Century Legend), ask the crew when the captain plans to pass through the gorge — they usually make an announcement in English around 6:45 a.m.

For foreign travelers, the cruise choice matters more than you think. I always recommend a mid-range ship with a balcony cabin — the standard “standard cabin” on the lower deck has a porthole barely big enough to see the river. In 2025, many lines like Century Cruises and Yangtze Gold offer balcony rooms for about $50–$80 more per night, and the extra space is worth it for the morning views alone. Plus, the balcony gives you a private spot to watch the 10-yuan viewpoint without jostling with other passengers.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the top-deck observation area is free and usually open all day. Just know that during prime viewing hours (7–10 a.m.), it can get crowded. I suggest buying a “cabin upgrade” only if you’re a photography enthusiast — otherwise, the shared deck works fine. Also check the ship’s itinerary: some cruises pass the Qutang Gorge at night during winter months (November–February). If that’s the case, you’ll miss the view entirely. Always confirm with the cruise line or your agent that the morning pass-through is included.

Another practical detail: shore excursions for the 10-yuan viewpoint are often part of a longer walking tour that includes the White Emperor City (Baidi Cheng). This historic site sits just above the gorge and offers a different perspective — from above looking down. The combo excursion usually costs $30–$50 extra, but it’s well worth it for the historical context. The English-speaking guide there tends to explain the legend of Liu Bei and the Three Kingdoms, which adds depth to the scenery.

The biggest headache for first-time Three Gorges travelers is the visa. China requires a tourist visa (L visa) for most nationalities, and you need to apply at least two weeks in advance. But here’s a trick: you can enter the country on a 144-hour transit visa if you fly into Chongqing and then take the cruise downstream to Yichang (or vice versa). Check if your nationality qualifies — US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most European passport holders are eligible. This saves you the full visa fee and paperwork, as long as your entire trip stays within 6 days.

As for seasons, April–May and September–October are the best months for clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) brings heavy rain and high water levels — the river turns brown, and some shore excursions get canceled. Winter is foggy and cold, but the mist over the gorge creates an ethereal atmosphere perfect for moody photos. If you come in January, bring a warm jacket and be ready for visibility under 100 meters on some mornings.

Onboard, most international cruise ships offer daily English-language lectures at 10 a.m. covering the history of the Three Gorges Dam and local folklore. I’d strongly recommend attending at least one — they explain why the 10-yuan note design was chosen (the Kuimen Gate has been a symbol of strength for centuries), and you’ll hear stories you won’t find in any guidebook. The speakers are usually retired professors or local historians, and they love answering questions.

One more thing: don’t forget to bring small bills for tips. The crew works hard, and a small gesture (like 20–50 RMB per person at the end) is appreciated but not mandatory. Also, pack a reusable water bottle — ship cabins provide purified water, but disposable bottles are not always available.

Once you’ve nailed that banknote photo, the cruise continues with other breathtaking highlights. The Wu Gorge, often called the “Goddess Gorge,” has a legendary peak shaped like a woman gazing down — it appears on the 10-yuan note’s companion image on the reverse side? Actually, the note only shows Qutang, but the Wu Gorge is equally iconic. I recommend waking up early on the third morning when the ship passes through these 45 kilometers of twisting cliffs. The best spot is the rear of the top deck at sunrise — you’ll see the “Goddess Peak” emerge from the clouds.

Then there’s the Xiling Gorge, which is wider and more dramatic after the Three Gorges Dam raised the water level. The dam itself is a separate shore excursion — you can walk across the top and see the massive ship lift. It’s fascinating for engineering buffs, but if you’re short on time, skip it and spend that afternoon on the deck watching the river narrow again.

Finally, the Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) is a side tributary you can explore by small boat. The water is emerald green, and the cliffs close in so tightly you can touch both sides with a paddle. This shore excursion costs around $40 and is one of the most peaceful experiences on the whole trip. My advice: don’t skip this if you want to feel the scale of the gorge up close. It’s completely different from the main river view, and you’ll understand why the ancient poets called it “a scroll of ink painting.”

Planning a Three Gorges cruise can feel overwhelming with visas, cabin choices, and timing — but once you’re on that deck with the 10-yuan view in front of you, it all clicks. Whether you follow my favorite viewpoints or discover your own, the key is to be prepared without overthinking. The Yangtze has been flowing for millennia, and it still surprises me every time.