Here is a listing along with the Viking provided description of the Shore Excursions we have selected for the cruise portion of our trip. The window for reserving the shore excursions opened up today for our cabin classification.
We have not done any research about the possibility of doing some shore excursions on our own at the port stops, at least we will have reservations with Viking, and if we decide to do something on our own, we can cancel the Viking Shore Excursions we have selected.
Shanghai, China – Saturday, September 28
Longhua Neighborhood Exploration – 5.5 Hour Duration
A Stunning Pagoda and Waterfront District Set out to explore one of Shanghai’s lively neighborhoods and gain a glimpse of life outside of the city. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive to the Longhua Temple complex. Built during the Song Dynasty, for centuries this serene shrine was the tallest building in the city. Take time to explore the pagoda and enjoy the lively social atmosphere before continuing to the West Bund, a picturesque promenade along Shanghai’s Huangpu River. It was developed as a venue for the Expo 2010 as one of the world’s leading riverside destinations. Stroll along its urban waterfront and visit the TANK Shanghai, a multi-functional cultural landmark housed in five decommissioned tanks from one of China’s first airports. Browse the eclectic exhibition spaces set among manicured greenspaces and plazas beside the river. Afterward, enjoy a vegetarian noodle lunch before returning to your ship.
Zhoushan, China – Monday, September 30
We have selected three excursions for this port stop, the last being an included excursion to a nighttime light show
Guanyin Altar – 3 Hour Duration
Architectural Masterpiece Dedicated to Buddhist Representation of Mercy
Revel in the beauty and architectural wonder of the stunning Guanyin Altar.
Set against a majestic backdrop of low mountains and fronted by a tranquil lake, this monumental shrine to the Chinese Buddhist representation of mercy is the centerpiece of the Guanyin Culture Park—the world’s largest Buddhist cultural project. Admire the shrine’s white facade, decorated with gold ornamentation and accents, as your guide describes the building’s historic, spiritual and architectural importance. Inside, marvel at magnificent wooden sculptures and statues from different dynasties. The centerpiece is the immense dome, decorated with hundreds of statues set in coffered recesses reaching to its crown. Take time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, before returning to your awaiting ship.
Highlights of Zhoushan – 3.5 Hour Duration
Discover the charms of Zhoushan during visits to a seafood market, serene beach and local fishing village.
Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the bustling Zhoushan International Seafood Market, one of the largest seafood and aquatic trading markets in China. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you browse the stalls, observing locals as they shop and perhaps catching glimpses of rare seafood. Afterward, continue to the tranquil shores of Nansha Beach, where you will have an opportunity to breathe in the refreshing sea air while admiring the beach’s natural beauty and picturesque coastal views. Cap your excursion with a visit to a local fishing village. Here, get a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and practices of Zhoushan’s fishing community. Later, board your coach and make the return journey to your awaiting ship.
Stirring Production Contemplates Profound Buddhist Truths
Admire illuminating displays and touching tales of Buddhism during a captivating performance of Impression Putuo.
You will arrive at your venue, surrounded by the lush confines of the Guanyin Cultural Garden. Produced by the creative team that staged the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this large-scale production plays out amid a picturesque stage setting, visually transporting audiences to the revered slopes of Mount Putuo, one of Chinese Buddhism’s four sacred mountains. Take your seat and set out on a mesmerizing journey that combines state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology to enhance an emotional performance highlighting tales of Buddhist love, kindness, virtue and self-realization. Your rotating 360° seating arrangement guarantees that you will be fully immersed in this enchanting story. After your memorable experience, you will return to your ship.
Dongtou, China – Tuesday, October 1
Wanghai Tower – 3 Hour Duration, Included Tour
History and Culture at Iconic Landmark
Delve into the history and culture of Dongtou and admire sweeping sea views from the Wanghai Tower.
A historic landmark, this centuries-old, five-story structure reaching 118 feet into the sky is a window into Dongtou’s past. Upon arrival, you will walk through the scenic poetry corridor and pavilions to arrive at the renovated main building of Wanghai. Here, take a guided tour of its exhibition halls, where artifacts document the city’s development, folk heritage and fishing village customs. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the grounds at your leisure or you can choose to take the stairs up to the observation deck on the top floor. From your vantage point, admire sweeping views of the Dongtou archipelago, Dongtou Bridge and the East China Sea. At the end of your time at Wanghai, board your motor coach and return to your ship.
Pingtan, China – Wednesday, October 2
Nine Deities Taoist Temple – 6 Hour Duration
Local Folkloric Traditions and Rituals
Immerse in the deep-rooted and rich practices of Taoism during a visit to the bustling Nine Deities Taoist Temple.
Following a delicious lunch at a local seafood restaurant, you will embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the temple. Perched on a mountainside cliff that offers sweeping views of Fuqing City, the Nine Deities Taoist Temple has a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. Here, you will learn about the folk rituals that comprise the local religion. See neatly arranged baskets full of offerings, faux paper money meant for burning and firecrackers that can be thrown into a pit in a ceremony believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. You will also visit a temple where worshipers sleep on the floor surrounding the altar; Taoists followers believe that napping here will lead to the gods making your dreams come true.
Xiamen, China – Thursday, October 3
A Day in Quanzhou – 8.5 Hour Duration
Historic City Along the Maritime Silk Road
Gain insight into the historic importance of Quanzhou during a full-day excursion to this ancient city.
A key trading center along the Maritime Silk Road during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, Quanzhou has welcomed visitors and merchants from around the world for centuries. This influx of foreigners led to the establishment of houses of worship for many different religions. You will visit the iconic Kaiyuan Temple, where ancient towers stand tall in the east and west; the Qingjing Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest of its kind in China; and the Guandi Temple, a Taoist shrine with a dragon-adorned roof and an interior shrouded in smoke from offerings. Stop to view the Luoyang Bridge; spanning 2,400 feet across its namesake river, it is the earliest existing cross-sea girder bridge in China. Savor a taste of local delicacies before returning to your ship.
Shenzhen, China – Saturday, October 5
Shenzhen From the Sea – 3 Hour Duration, Included Tour
City Skyline and Coastal Vistas
Take in the sights of Shenzhen’s Greater Bay Area during a scenic cruise.
At the pier, board your eco-friendly vessel, China’s first hybrid catamaran, then set sail into the Greater Bay Area, a bustling waterway that services as a commercial artery for the nine cities in the Pearl River Delta. Sit back and relax in comfort, enjoying a cup of hot tea, and admire the city skyline as you learn more about the history of this young and dynamic city. It has grown to be one of the world’s leading players in technology, research, manufacturing and business, and became one of China’s Special Economic Zones in 1980. Today it is one of China’s most affluent cities and its residents like to spend time enjoying the picturesque waterfront areas. You will also view the impressive modern docks and imposing bridges, as well as picturesque islets and bays.
Our next effort will be to try and determine some things to do on our first few days in Beijing before the Viking trip actually starts on September 24, 2024. Since we are now arriving on the morning of September 21, we will use that day to rest from the long airplane travel, but we will have three days afterward to plan some type of tours before we meet up with Viking, including the first Viking day on September 24. There are no Viking sponsored tours that first day since most people are arriving that day in Beijing, so we will also have that day available to us for doing some tours on our own
We will also be trying to determine if we can stay in the same room we have at the Ritz-Carlton once we join up with Viking since the room they are providing is at the same hotel. We may have to pay an upcharge since we reserved a slightly better-than-standard room for our portion of the stay. Maybe we can get a better rate through Viking for our nights at the hotel, we will just have to call and find out if there are any options. If not, at least we already have a reservation at the same hotel, and we have decided it will just be easier not to change hotels like we did in Buenos Aires for the Viking Expedition Cruise.
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