Cruises of China’s mighty Yangtze River have been popular for years;
now, ocean-going cruise lines are offering deep-water cruise options for
travelers who want to explore this massive, populous and still mysterious
nation.
China is also a fast-growing market for cruising, so the demand for
cruises among Chinese travelers is bringing more ships to the region, too. In
fact, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the
Seas will homeport in Shanghai.
Several of China’s largest cities are located along the Pacific Coast,
and here’s what you could see in a few of them:
Beijing. Tianjin is the port
for Beijing, which lies about 70 miles inland; some cruises feature an
overnight stay in a Beijing hotel, providing more time for you to enjoy the
city. Must-see sights include Tiananmen Square, the enormous, historic square
that encompasses the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mausoleum of Mao
Zedong, the Great Hall of the People, and two massive city gates. The square is
next to the Forbidden City, the sprawling former home of the Imperial Court.
From Beijing, you can take an excursion to the Badaling section of the Great
Wall.
Shanghai. Once a tiny
village, modern Shanghai is a city of 23 million people. Its name means “city
on the sea,” so it’s a natural as a cruise ship port. An ever-growing
collection of skyscrapers creates an impressive skyline, but most visitors head
first to the Bund: a mile-long, waterfront row of historic banks, embassies,
warehouses and offices built by traders from Europe, Russia and America in the
mid-19th century. Visit the Old Town section to glimpse what life was like in
16th-century Shanghai. For a contrast to Old Town, spend time on Nanjing Road,
a shopper’s dream lined with Chinese department stores, upscale malls and
designer shops.
Xiamen. This island city on
the southeast coast is known for beautiful wooded areas, parks and beaches.
Head for the ferry to Gulangyu Island, regarded as one of the most scenic spots
in China, to see the diverse and lovely architecture and tree-lined beaches.
Other popular sights are historic Nanputuo Temple, which dates from the Tang
dynasty; the Hulishan Fortress, with a secret tunnel amid the military buildings;
and the gorgeous Wanshi Botanical Garden.
Cruises that include Chinese ports often include Seoul, South Korea;
Okinawa, Fukuoka or Nagasaki, Japan; and Hong Kong. To find out more about
discovering China on a cruise, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal
cruise expert.
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel
