5D4N Yangtze River tour: Yichang to Chongqing by Victoria Sabrina

Planning a river cruise along the Yangtze can feel overwhelming with so many options, but this 5-day trip aboard the Victoria Sabrina offers a compelling mix of comfort, scenic highlights, and cultural insights. Launched in 2019 as the first eco-friendly 5-star cruise on the Yangtze, it promises a luxurious journey built around sustainability and authentic experiences. From the moment you step onboard, you’re treated to well-curated excursions, expert guides, and stunning vistas—perfect for travelers craving more than just another sightseeing tour.

One of the standout features of this cruise is its deluxe boat design, which combines modern luxury with eco-conscious innovation. We love the fact that it caters to visitors looking for a high-end experience without sacrificing environmental responsibility. However, potential travelers should keep in mind that it’s a group experience with fixed itineraries, meaning flexibility is limited if you prefer a fully customizable trip. This tour is ideal for those who enjoy guided tours, scenic river views, and cultural excursions in a comfortable setting.

If you’re looking for a taste of traditional China with a modern twist, and don’t mind a packed schedule of sightseeing, this cruise could be just right. It’s particularly suited for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone interested in experiencing the Yangtze’s most famous sights with the added benefit of professional guidance.

Key Points

• Eco-Friendly Luxury: The Victoria Sabrina is the first of its kind, combining comfort with environmental sustainability.
• Rich Itinerary: From the Three Gorges Dam to Fengdu Ghost City, the tour covers key landmarks with optional excursions.
• Expert Guides: Bilingual guides provide insightful commentary, adding depth to the sightseeing experience.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Four nights aboard a modern cruise with options for shared cabins, offering good value for a 5-star experience.
• Practical Add-ons: Includes most meals and guided tours, but extra charges apply for excursions and single cabins.
• Scenic Highlights: Expect some of the most breathtaking river views, especially in the Qutang and Wu Gorges.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Arrival and Boarding at Sanxia Tourist Center

Your journey begins at Maoping Port in Zigui, a suburb of Yichang. You’ll board the Victoria Sabrina between 17:30 and 20:30, giving you plenty of time to settle in and explore the ship’s amenities. The cruise sets a relaxed tone, allowing guests to shed travel fatigue. If you prefer, a private transfer from Yichang airport, train station, or hotel can be arranged, though this incurs an extra fee.

Many reviewers appreciate the smooth boarding process and the chance to familiarize themselves with the ship before the adventures begin. The initial evening onboard offers a chance to unwind, get a glimpse of the ship’s elegant design, and prepare for the upcoming highlights.

Day 2: Three Gorges Dam and Xiling Gorge

Early on Day 2, you’ll visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. Standing at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge, the dam is a marvel of engineering, and most travelers find the detailed explanations by guides illuminating, especially about its impact on China’s energy landscape.

Afterward, you’ll sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges at 41 miles, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and tranquil waters. The ship’s journey through the recently completed ship lock with a ship lift—claimed to be the world’s largest—offers a fascinating glimpse into modern Chinese engineering.

Optional shore excursions, at an additional cost, include visits to the Tribe of the Three Gorges or the Hometown of Qu Yuan. Travelers have noted the guides’ deep knowledge, with one reviewer praising the guide’s ability to weave cultural stories into the sightseeing, making these visits more meaningful.

Day 3: Shennong Stream and Gorges of the River

On Day 3, the focus shifts to the Shennong Stream, a narrower and more intimate tributary than the main gorges. The small boat trip through the tiny gorges is often described as “impressively scenic,” especially if river conditions are favorable. The narrowness enhances the sense of adventure, and travelers enjoy the opportunity to see lush greenery and steep cliffs close-up.

Depending on river conditions, an alternative may be the Goddess Stream, which also offers spectacular scenery. The day continues with a cruise through the Wu Gorge, known for its serenity and forest-covered cliffs, before entering the Qutang Gorge—the shortest but most dramatic of the Three Gorges, with sheer cliffs that seem to rise straight from the water.

Some reviews highlight the guide’s storytelling here, noting how they provided interesting cultural insights into the natural scenery—a highlight for many.

Day 4: Chongqing and Scenic Excursions

The fourth day offers two notable excursions. First, a visit to Shuanggui Mountain and the Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park, where relics were relocated post-Three Gorges Dam flooding. Travelers appreciated the blend of scenery and cultural preservation, with some noting the guide’s deep local knowledge enhanced the experience.

Depending on river conditions, the optional visit to Shibaozhai, famous for its wooden pagoda, offers another photo-worthy stop. The day rounds off with a cruise through Fengdu Ghost City, with its eerie statues and mythological stories, making it a unique cultural experience.

Day 5: Disembarkation at Chongqing

Your Yangtze adventure concludes in the bustling city of Chongqing, often called the “Mountain City” for its hilly terrain. Disembarking at Chaotianmen at 9:00 am, you’ll be well-positioned to explore or transfer onward. The easy, scenic disembarkation process is generally appreciated by travelers who want to maximize their time in Chongqing or continue their journey.

Practical Considerations and Value

This cruise offers a good balance of guided sightseeing, scenic cruising, and cultural exposure, all wrapped in a luxurious, eco-conscious setting. The price of $699 per person for four nights on a five-star vessel is competitive, especially considering most meals and guided excursions are included. The optional tours, at extra cost, add a layer of flexibility for those keen to deepen their experience.

One point to note is the additional charges: a 150 RMB service fee per adult and optional excursions costing around 295 RMB each. Travelers should budget for these extras, especially if they want to participate in some of the cultural excursions highlighted as optional.

The group size tends to be small and manageable, with the tour being private, which enhances the personalized feel. The guided tours by bilingual professionals ensure insights into both natural and cultural highlights, often described as “knowledgeable” and “engaging” by previous travelers.

Transportation & Logistics

For those concerned about transfers, private pickups from Yichang can be arranged but are paid separately. Boarding occurs in the evening, which suits travelers arriving on the same day, but getting to the port early is recommended, especially during peak travel times.

Accommodation & Meals

The cruise cabins are shared, with options for a single supplement if you prefer your own space. The ship’s amenities include options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with some reviews mentioning the quality of onboard meals as “adequate” and “well-presented,” though not gourmet.

Final Thoughts

This Yangtze River cruise offers a well-rounded experience of China’s most iconic river, blending scenic beauty, engineering marvels, and cultural insights. The focus on eco-friendliness and luxury makes it ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort along with meaningful exploration.

For those seeking a guided, structured tour with top-notch views, competent guides, and a touch of environmental responsibility, this cruise delivers solid value. Be prepared for the fixed itinerary and extra costs for optional excursions, but those are small considerations in the context of a memorable river journey.

If you’re after a stress-free, scenic voyage in style, the Victoria Sabrina is a compelling choice—especially if you value knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas. It’s best suited for travelers who want a mix of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, all wrapped up in a high-end package that respects the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cruise price?
The price of $699 includes four nights onboard the cruise, most meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), a professional bilingual guide, and guided sightseeing. Optional excursions are extra.

Are transportation and transfers included?
Pickup from the airport, train station, or hotel in Yichang is offered but incurs an extra charge. Disembarkation in Chongqing is at Chaotianmen, with no additional transfer included unless arranged separately.

What are the cabin options?
The tour price is based on a standard twin-sharing cabin. Solo travelers pay a higher fee (75% more), and if you want a suite or single room, contact the provider beforehand.

What are the optional excursions and costs?
Excursions such as White Emperor City or Fengdu Ghost City are available at around 295 RMB per person, if river conditions permit.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The itinerary and timing are subject to river conditions, which can influence the schedule and optional stops. The tours are fixed but may adapt due to weather or water levels.

Are meals onboard good?
Most reviews mention the onboard meals as adequate and well-presented, though not gourmet. Options are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Is the cruise eco-friendly?
Yes, Victoria Sabrina is marketed as the first eco-friendly Yangtze River cruise, emphasizing sustainability alongside luxury.

Can I book a single cabin?
Yes, but a supplement applies. If you prefer to stay alone, you’ll need to pay approximately 75% extra over the standard twin-share rate.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While the data specifies that Victoria Sabrina is available every Monday, the best time is generally when water levels and weather are favorable, typically spring or autumn.

This detailed review covers everything you need to know about the 5D4N Yangtze River cruise aboard Victoria Sabrina—a scenic, cultural, and luxurious way to see China’s iconic river.