Yangtze River Cruise in China – Episode 971

In this solo episode of Amateur Traveler, Chris takes you along on a Yangtze River cruise from Yichang to Chongqing, an upstream journey through China’s legendary Three Gorges.

Along the way, you’ll hear about naked trackers of old, a poet whose death inspired a festival celebrated across China, engineering marvels, hanging coffins, misty karst cliffs, and the modern rhythms of cruise life on the Victoria Sabrina, a ship from Victoria Cruises.

My thanks to Victoria Cruise Lines for treating me like a VIP, including an upgraded cabin, shore excursions, and the upgrade package with access to the Sabrina Lounge.

What You’ll Experience

• Riding China’s high-speed rail

My trip began in Shanghai, where I took a high-speed train to Yichang (alternatively, you can also fly). On the train, your passport serves as your ticket; stations have airport-style security, and first-class seating provides more space and faster lines. You’ll glide through central China at up to 245 km/h.

• Navigating arrival in Yichang

When you reach Yichang East Station, you’ll look for the Tourism Information Consultation Center to collect your shuttle ticket. There are two tourist offices, so be prepared for a moment of confusion. You are looking for the one on the first floor of the parking garage to the right of the train station.

• Embarking at Maoping Pier

The port is lively and chaotic in a distinctly Chinese way, with multiple cruise lines, numerous signs, loud conversations, and directions shouted in Mandarin. You follow the one English sign and board the Victoria Sabrina. 

Your Day-by-Day Journey

Day 1 – Yichang & Boarding

You settle into your cabin, attend an orientation meeting, and enjoy a welcome drink. Dinner is not included on the first night. Explore the ship, attend the orientation, and book optional excursions.

Day 2 – The Three Gorges Dam

Your ship stays docked most of the day just upriver from the Three Gorges Dam.

Optional Morning Excursion:

• Tribe of the Three Gorges – A tourist village that introduces you to the indigenous people in a beautiful gorge with a waterfall and monkeys.

Included excursion is a tour overlooking the Three Gorges Dam with information about its 15-year construction and how it protects millions downstream from flooding.

Optional Tour:

• Ride the world’s largest ship elevator, which lifts entire vessels hundreds of feet in minutes.

Day 3 – Cruising the Gorges

Included excursion: In the morning, you’ll board a smaller ferry to explore the picturesque Shennong Stream, where hanging coffins cling high on limestone cliffs.

Back aboard, you’ll sail through the legendary Wu Gorge and the narrow passage of Qutang Gorge. You’ll see Goddess Peak, swallow caves, and bridges that carry high-speed trains over the gorge. A guide will point out the sites.

Optional Afternoon Excursions:

• Top of Three Gorges lookout
• White Emperor City, with views printed on the 10 RMB note.

Evening entertainment includes the Victoria Sabrina Crew Cabaret.

Day 4 – Fengdu Region

The regular excursion is a visit to the Xiaoguanshan Cultural Park (relocated Ming–Qing architecture).

Optional All-Day Excursions

• Xiaoguanshan Cultural Park + Wuling Mountain (slot canyon) – English (cancelled on my trip)
• Snowy Jade Cave + Wuling Mountain (slot canyon) – English and Mandarin

This full-day excursion includes a traditional lunch and a hike through Wuling’s soaring slot canyon, which is a highlight for many travelers.

Optional Ship Tour: afternoon

Back on board, enjoy happy hour, the Captain’s Farewell Banquet, and then it is time to pack.

Day 5 – Arriving in Chongqing

You’ll disembark early at Chaotianmen Dock 6. Expect a steep climb up multiple flights of steps; porters are available. After leaving the ship, you might explore Hong Ya Cave, ride the famous monorail, or wander the dramatic hills and skyscrapers of one of China’s largest cities.

Life Onboard the Victoria Sabrina

• Cabins all feature balconies, and suites include bathtubs and additional space.
• Breakfast and lunch are served as buffets; dinners are also served as buffets, with menu service available in the upgraded dining room.
• Entertainment includes the crew show (evening), lectures (day), and movies (day).
• You may notice laundry hanging from neighboring balconies, perfectly normal on a Chinese river cruise.
• Expect a mix of domestic travelers and some international guests.

Technology & Logistics for Your Trip

Recommended Apps

• T-Mobile and/or an eSIM
• Alipay – for most payments
• TotalVPN – reliable in China
• Google Translate or Baidu Translate – essential
• DiDi – rideshare
• XE Currency – quick conversions

Important Tips

• Bring your passport when needed as your entry ticket.
• Wi-Fi onboard can be slow; cellular data is usually better.
• Download maps and apps before arriving in China.
• Bring small bills for tips (you can also add crew tips to your credit card).

Best time to go

March to May and November offer the most comfortable weather. The cruise is not offered from December to February.

Sponsors

Go to Quince.com/traveler for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!

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Show Notes

Yangtze River Cruise Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Journey Through China’s Three Gorges

Elite Voyages
China Tour
Victoria Cruises
Alipay
DiDi
TotalVPN
Trip.com
Saily (eSIM by NordVPN)
XE Currency

Community

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