Since the beginning of the 21st century, with the rapid development of the new-generation information technology and high-end manufacturing industries, major shipping and shipbuilding nations have engaged in research and demonstration projects on intelligent ships, and have accelerated their strategic positioning in this field in recent years. This paper analyzes the water environment and navigation characteristics of inland waterways, reviews research progress on key technologies for intelligent inland ships—including intelligent navigation, cybersecurity, intelligent devices and systems, testing, verification, and evaluation—as well as the development of classification standards for intelligence levels of inland ships. It also presents typical engineering cases of intelligent inland ships and discusses future development trends. At present, the overall development of intelligent ships is still in its early stages. The domestic shipbuilding and shipping industry should align with China's development strategy of “new quality productive forces” to strengthen the domestic industrial chain and consolidate the industry's leading position in the new economic development paradigm.