| |
China's Heritage beneath the Skyscrapers - Hong Kong to Shanghai
MS Hanseatic - May 12 - 21, 2012
Voyage HAN1208
Former ambassador John Kornblum, political expert, says: 'Along the coast of
China the contrast between the fast pace of the present day and a still living tradition
becomes tangible. In spite of its massive dynamism, the Middle Kingdom is finding its own
unique balance between Mao and the market economy.'
|
| Date |
Destination |
| 12-May-12 |
Embarkation in Hong
Kong/China, departure 24.00 hrs |
| 13-May-12 |
Guangzhou
(Canton)/China, from 7.00 to 17.00 hrs |
| 14-May-12 |
Relaxation at
sea |
| 15-May-12 |
Xiamen/China, from
8.00 to 18.00 hrs |
| 16-May-12 |
Relaxation at
sea |
| 17-May-12 |
Putuo Shan/China,
from 8.00 to 15.00 hrs |
| 18-May-12 |
Cruising on the
Yangtze Kiang Jiangyin/China, from 13.00 to 19.00 hrs |
| 19-May-12 |
Nanjing/China, from
8.00 to 18.00 hrs |
| 20-May-12 |
Cruising on the
Yangtze Kiang |
| 21-May-12 |
Shanghai/China,
arrival 8.00 hrs - Disembarkation. |
|
Two Giants on China's East Coast
The values of
the past do not necessarily conflict with modernism - as you will see right at
the beginning of your cruise. The 'gateway to the south', Guangzhou, is
prosperous almost by tradition and can look back on a long history of commerce.
The panoramic view from the Canton Tower, the highest television tower in the
world, shows you the whole extent of this city of millions. You will also enjoy
this view on the excursion highlights of Canton*, which is another name
for Guangzhou, as well as visiting the Mausoleum of the King of Nanyue.
Visitors will be amazed by the costly treasures of the tomb - including gold
seals and jade ornaments, musical instruments, weapons and textiles dating back
2000 years. During the subsequent Cantonese lunch, you can taste for yourself
just why the regional cuisine enjoys a wide international reputation. Or you
can join the excursion Guangzhou and the Opium War* and visit Dong Guan
City. Here, this fascinating part of the region turns out to be the setting of
the Opium War. An alternative is offered by the excursion Guangzhou -
discovering trade and industry*, on which you will visit the Zhujiang
Brewery. Since it was established as a government enterprise in 1985, the
popular beer has been brewed here on the spot, using the fresh spring water of
the Pearl River. The adjoining museum not only tells you all about the beer
industry worldwide, but also offers you an insight into China's beer glasses.
Your next destination has rightfully earned the accolade of 'China's cleanest
city'. As well as building an elevated railway, Xiamen has been
implementing one of the most advanced infrastructure projects in the country.
Look forward to seeing unusual architecture on a landscape tour to the
roundhouses of the Hakka* in the mountainous region of the Fujian
province. The castle-like dwellings can accommodate as many as 100 families,
and have recently been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Or
experience the 'green face' of Xiamen during a walk on Gulangyu Island*.
In the shadow of the elegant colonial villas, the only vehicles that cross your
path will be battery-powered. Since 1980, the city has been a special economic
zone, and it has been exceptionally successful in balancing the past against
the present - as you will see on the Xiamen city tour*. This takes you
past skyscrapers to the Nan-Putuo Buddhist temple, dating from the Tang
dynasty, and then to the Hulishan Fort, which towards the end of the Manchurian
dynasty had its defences strengthened with German cannons. |
China between Boom and Buddhism
One of China's most glorious
sanctuaries is situated in the heart of the island of Putuo Shan.
Dating from the 10th century, the Puji Temple has nine richly ornamented halls
which symbolise the ascent to Nirvana. At the centre of the temple, the 20 metre
high statue of Kwan Yin watches over those who come to her for refuge. You can
visit the temple either on the excursion to the holy mountain of Putuo
Shan* or on a hike*. You will be constantly accompanied
by the scent of incense which the faithful burn in honour of the goddess. Nowhere
else in the world are there so many sacred sites - partly concealed, the golden
roofs of more than 20 temples and monasteries sparkle amidst the dense forests. As
the journey continues inland, the HANSEATIC cruises along the Yangtze
Kiang between abrupt cliffs and rocky projections to
Jiangyin. Here, the two riverbanks are linked by China's longest
wide-span suspension bridge, which measures 3 kilometres. On the excursion
industry and development - city tour of Jiangyin*, you can
practically watch China's spirit of new beginnings as it unfolds. With the new part
of the city at the port, an extensive project is being planned which is not only
based on economic considerations, but involves green zones as well. Not far from
here you will come to Wuxi - an ancient city on the Grand Canal*,
a centre of silk production since antiquity. The excursion takes you along the
course of the famous canal which links southern China with Beijing. China's
effortless success in combining modernism side by side with tradition can be seen
in the Nanjing of today and yesterday*. For eight dynasties, the
'beautiful city' served as the capital of the empire, and it is still an important
commercial centre today. Here, skyscrapers tower over old wooden houses and
magnificent park complexes. The southern imperial city - city tour of
Nanjing* gives you the chance to travel through time, from the walls of
the historic district to the mausoleum of the first provisional President of the
Republic. China's eastern coast then bids you farewell with a rare natural
phenomenon. On the return voyage a partial solar eclipse will give the
Yangtze Kiang an air of mystery in plain daylight - making the
perfect note on which to end your cruise to the wonders of China. |
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The
shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject
to changes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
|
|
