Shanghai

Take a guided walking tour exploring the narrow alleys and cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town. Traverse the zigzag bridge and see the charming pavilion teahouse. As well as some shopping time in the Old Town, the highlight of your stop here is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden home with traditional halls and pavilions.

Enjoy a family-style Chinese lunch at a hotel in the city.

Visit the Shanghai Museum, one of this city’s foremost treasures. Its collection of 110,000 historical objects and 430,000 reference pieces enjoy worldwide fame. No visit to Shanghai would be complete without seeing the wonderful Jade Buddha Temple, featuring a priceless Buddha statue carved from one piece of white jade.The Temple was built in the Song Dynasty and is still an active venue for Buddhist events.

Inspired by the widow of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the Children’s Palace is dedicated to furthering the talents of gifted children, allowing them to pursue their talents in music, dance, science, art and more. Meet these gifted young people and observe their many talents and skills.

One of the main highlights of Shanghai is the Yu Garden and Old Town area. Take a stroll around the Yu-Yuan Garden, a place of peace and tranquility in the heart of a bustling city. The Gardens date back to the fabled Ming Dynasty and were named 'Yu-Yuan' as ‘yu’ in Chinese means 'peace and health'. The Old Town area, with its vibrant markets, has been one of the city’s most popular gathering places for years. Take a moment to absorb the unique atmosphere as you wander through the small bazaar.

Your tour continues to visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Built in the style of the Song Dynasty, this popular Temple is graced with upturned eaves, bright yellow walls and symmetrical halls and courtyards. Gaze upon the revered 6½ foot-high, 455-pound Buddha statue made of white jade and precious gems. Originally brought to Shanghai from Burma, it is a sight to behold.

You’ll drive from the port area of Shanghai to Pudong Longyanglu Station, your boarding point for the famous Maglev Train. Maglev, short for ‘magnetic levitation’, whisks you off to nearby Pudong Airport using groundbreaking technology. Without the friction of wheels or rails, the innovative train reaches speeds of 267 miles per hour, making it the fastest transportation on land.

You’ll return to Longyanglu Station at record speed and continue your insight into the future with a visit to the Jinmao Hyatt Building, an impressive 88-floor skyscraper. Jinmao Hyatt is one of the tallest buildings in China, a soaring monument to Shanghai’s economic boom. Completed in 2001, this building’s gently tapered design embodies China’s history and culture. Take the express elevator to the observation floor at the top of the building to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Take a ride through the Bund, Shanghai’s old town waterfront. This area was formerly the financial hub of colonial Shanghai and showcases outstanding examples of foreign buildings from the pre-1950’s.

You’ll drive through the under-river tunnel to the Pudong Economic Area, glimpsing the contrasts between old quarters and modern developments. Stop for photos at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, considered by some to be one of the most vulgar structures in the East.

Next pass by the Jinmao Hyatt Building, one of the tallest building in China, featuring 88 floors of shimmering glass and steel. Take the express elevator to the observation floor on the top of the building for amazing views of the sprawling city of Shanghai.

Stop at People’s Square, located on the site of an English colonial racecourse. Long considered the city’s commercial, cultural and political hub, People’s Square is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity to people-watch, take a short stroll or photograph the surrounding sights.

Return to the ship via the French Quarter, a former residential area for French colonists.

The Jinmao Hyatt Building is one of the tallest skyscrapers in China. It’s a soaring monument to Shanghai’s economic boom, completed in 2001; this building’s gently tapered design embodies China’s history and culture. Take the express elevator to its 88th floor observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Drive through the under-river tunnel to the Yu Garden and Old Town area and during a guided walking tour, you’ll explore the narrow alleys and cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town. Traverse the zigzag bridge and see the charming pavilion teahouse. The highlight of your visit is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden home with traditional halls and pavilions.

Enjoy a Chinese lunch at Shanghai Grand Theatre Sky Ballroom, from where you’ll start own exploration. The Grand Theatre is located in downtown Shanghai. From here, the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Art Gallery, People’s Square and Nanjing Road Shopping Street are all within walking distance. You’ll have approximately 3 hours to explore the city on your own.

Take in the interesting sights during your 90-minute coach ride to Zhujiajiao. En route, visit the Tianhou Silk Factory. Your guide will show you through the workshops and explain how silk is made. There will also be an opportunity to shop for silk products and gifts in the factory’s gift store.

While in Tianhou, enjoy a typical Chinese-style lunch.

The ancient town of Zhujiajiao is well known throughout China as its history dates back over 1,700 years. Endowed with the elegant name ‘Pearl Stream’, the little town of Zhujiajiao is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in the area. Old bridges, bubbling streams and willow trees add to the allure of this small water town.

Upon arrival at Zhujiajiao, take a walk through this old town, along its narrow and cobblestoned streets. You will stop at the Qing Dynasty Post Office, the Chinese pharmacy and the delicate stone bridges.

DAY 1 – SHANGHAI AND XIAN
Take a panoramic sightseeing tour of Shanghai, known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. Pass through the Bund, the old waterfront area of the city and pass under the river to the Pudong district where you’ll see the impressive modern buildings including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Jinmao Hyatt Building. Pass by Lujiazui Financial District before boarding the incredible Maglev Train, which will speed you at 267mph to Pudong Airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival in Xian, you’ll have lunch at the Silk Road Restaurant within the airport complex. After lunch you’ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built in the Tang Dynasty as a Buddhist Temple. Today, this impressive Temple remains a holy place for Buddhists and houses an ancient manuscript said to be 1,300 years old. Take a leisurely walk on part of the ancient Xian City Walls, the only completely preserved city walls in China, whose construction began in 1370. Check into the Sofitel Hotel in Xian where you will have chance to freshen up. Enjoy dinner and a typical folkloric show at the Tang Palace Theater Restaurant.

DAY 2 – TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
Enjoy a buffet breakfast before heading off to see the world famous Terracotta Warriors Museum. First excavated in 1974, the 7,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors and horses are acclaimed as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords and crossbows. The detail and scale of these incredible sculptures is a sight to behold. Lunch will be served at the Friendship Restaurant within the Museum. Following lunch, you’ll take an afternoon flight to Beijing. Your night in Beijing will be spent at the Peninsula Palace Hotel where your evening meal is included.

DAY 3 – TIANANMEN SQUARE AND GREAT WALL
Following a buffet breakfast, you’ll depart for a tour of the largest square in the world, Tiananmen Square, which covers 34 acres. This historic site is surrounded by the Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and the National Museum. Visit the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum was once the Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty through to the Qing Din Dynasty. Although the palatial complex is the largest in the world, covering more than 210 acres, the intricate detail within the pavilions and courtyards is incredible. Lunch will be served at the Longdi Restaurant before you head to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall. The wall was built in the 3rd century BC to protect china from the ‘barbarians’ of the north and it stretches 4,500 miles from east to west. The section of the wall you will see is set within an 11 mile-long valley named ‘Guangou’ and is said to be one of the 3 greatest passes of the Great Wall of China. After your time at Juyongguan, you’ll take the 3½ hour drive to rejoin Arcadia in Xingang.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide, local driver and selected itineraries are offered on the tours mentioned below. No deviations to duration, venues included, departure or return time can be made. Please select the tour itinerary of your choice from the list on your record of shore excursions.

This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only 1 person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will receive a request for the names of each individual in your party.

Entrances, toilet facilities, photography and video fees are included for the venues incorporated in your chosen tour itinerary. Gratuities are not included.

Cars will take up to 2 passengers

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide, local driver and selected itineraries are offered on the tours mentioned below. No deviations to duration, venues included, departure or return time can be made. Please select the tour itinerary of your choice from the list on your record of shore excursions.

This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only 1 person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will receive a request for the names of each individual in your party.

Entrances, toilet facilities, photography and video fees are included for the venues incorporated in your chosen tour itinerary. Gratuities are not included.

Minivans will take up to 4 passengers

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide, local driver and selected itineraries are offered on the tours mentioned below. No deviations to duration, venues included, departure or return time can be made. Please select the tour itinerary of your choice from the list on your record of shore excursions.

This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only 1 person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will receive a request for the names of each individual in your party.

Entrances, toilet facilities, photography and video fees are included for the venues incorporated in your chosen tour itinerary. Gratuities are not included.

Cars will take up to 2 passengers

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide, local driver and selected itineraries are offered on the tours mentioned below. No deviations to duration, venues included, departure or return time can be made. Please select the tour itinerary of your choice from the list on your record of shore excursions.

This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only 1 person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will receive a request for the names of each individual in your party.

Entrances, toilet facilities, photography and video fees are included for the venues incorporated in your chosen tour itinerary. Gratuities are not included.

Cars will take up to 2 passengers

DAY 1 – SHANGHAI AND XIAN
Take a panoramic sightseeing tour of Shanghai, known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. Pass through the Bund, the old waterfront area of the city and pass under the river to the Pudong district where you’ll see the impressive modern buildings including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Jinmao Hyatt Building. Pass by Lujiazui Financial District before boarding the incredible Maglev Train, which will speed you at 267mph to Pudong Airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival in Xian, you’ll have lunch at the Silk Road Restaurant within the airport complex. After lunch you’ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built in the Tang Dynasty as a Buddhist Temple. Today, this impressive Temple remains a holy place for Buddhists and houses an ancient manuscript said to be 1,300 years old. Take a leisurely walk on part of the ancient Xian City Walls, the only completely preserved city walls in China, whose construction began in 1370. Check into the Sofitel Hotel in Xian where you will have chance to freshen up. Enjoy dinner and a typical folkloric show at the Tang Palace Theater Restaurant.

DAY 2 – TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
Enjoy a buffet breakfast before heading off to see the world famous Terracotta Warriors Museum. First excavated in 1974, the 7,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors and horses are acclaimed as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords and crossbows. The detail and scale of these incredible sculptures is a sight to behold. Lunch will be served at the Friendship Restaurant within the Museum. Following lunch, you’ll take an afternoon flight to Beijing. Your night in Beijing will be spent at the Peninsula Palace Hotel where your evening meal is included.

DAY 3 – TIANANMEN SQUARE AND GREAT WALL
Following a buffet breakfast, you’ll depart for a tour of the largest square in the world, Tiananmen Square, which covers 34 acres. This historic site is surrounded by the Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and the National Museum. Visit the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum was once the Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty through to the Qing Din Dynasty. Although the palatial complex is the largest in the world, covering more than 210 acres, the intricate detail within the pavilions and courtyards is incredible. Lunch will be served at the Longdi Restaurant before you head to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall. The wall was built in the 3rd century BC to protect china from the ‘barbarians’ of the north and it stretches 4,500 miles from east to west. The section of the wall you will see is set within an 11 mile-long valley named ‘Guangou’ and is said to be one of the 3 greatest passes of the Great Wall of China. After your time at Juyongguan, you’ll take the 3½ hour drive to rejoin Arcadia in Xingang.