Hybrid interprovincial cruise ship launched on the Yangtze River

By Yan Wanqin

The Vista Aurora, the Three Gorges Tourism Group’s second hybrid-powered interprovincial cruise ship on the Yangtze River, was launched in Zhijiang on January 16. The ship will now move into outfitting and equipment commissioning, with its maiden voyage scheduled for July 2026.
 

The Vista Aurora is launched at Yichang Xinhui shipyard. Photo by Zheng Ming.

The group’s first such vessel was launched in September 2025. Both ships were built by Yichang Xinhui Shipyard as part of a 1.06 billion yuan (US$149 million) project to construct four new hybrid cruise ships.

Measuring about 150 meters in length and 23 meters in width, the Vista Aurora can carry up to 650 passengers. It will mainly operate sightseeing tours between Yichang and Chongqing.

The ship adopts a hybrid power system, achieving ultra-long endurance while significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. It also makes extensive use of eco-friendly materials and incorporates a DC inverter low-noise, low-vibration air-conditioning system.

The ship is equipped with Huawei's HarmonyOS smart home system, enabling integrated control of lighting, curtains, air conditioning, smart locks, and other onboard devices. 
 

The Vista Aurora is launched at Yichang Xinhui shipyard. Photo by Zheng Ming.

As one of the country’s largest low-carbon cruise ships, it joins the group's growing new-energy fleet, which already includes the Yangtze River Three Gorges 1, Xilingxia Heyue, and Xilingxia Hexie.