| |
Diversity of the Middle Kingdom - Shanghai - Inchon
MS Hanseatic - May 21-31, 2012
Voyage
HAN1209
Prof Dr Eberhard Sandschneider, political and economic expert, says: 'The
ideal strategic situation and the fertility of the soil have made China's Yellow Sea coast a
popular region from time immemorial. Today, many of China's major economic centres are
flourishing on this coast and succeeding in preserving their multifaceted
heritage.'
|
| Date |
Destination |
| 21-May-12 |
Embarkation in
Shanghai/China, departure 24.00 hrs |
| 22-May-12 |
Relaxation at
sea |
| 23-May-12 |
Lianyungang/China, from 8.00 to 17.00
hrs |
| 24-May-12 |
Qingdao
(Tsingtau)/China, from 8.00 to 18.00 hrs |
| 25-May-12 |
Yantai/China,
from 12.00 to 19.00 hrs |
| 26-May-12 |
Tianjin
(Beijing)/China, arrival 12.00 hrs |
| 27-May-12 |
Tianjin,
departure 18.00 hrs |
| 28-May-12 |
Qinhuangdao/China, from 8.00 to 18.00
hrs |
| 29-May-12 |
Dalian/China,
from 8.00 to 20.00 hrs |
| 30-May-12 |
Relaxation at
sea |
| 31-May-12 |
Inchon
(Seoul)/South Korea, arrival 6.00 hrs - Disembarkation. |
|
Of Fairytales and Megacities
In front of it,
the waves break on its beaches, and behind it, the Yuntai mountain chain towers
into the clouds - this picturesque setting surrounds the coastal city of
Lianyungang. The latter opened its ports to global trade at an
early stage and is justifiably proud of its enormous economic growth. On the
excursion Lianyungang and Mount Kongwang*, you can marvel at
108 sculptures epitomising Nirvana and numerous representations of Buddha.
Alternatively, the excursion historic district of Hai Zhou and walk on
Mount Yuwan* offers you the opportunity to explore the Sanyuan Gong
Temple, which holds the statue of the monk Xuanzang. His reports were handed
down and 1000 years later served as the basis for the famous novel 'Journey to
the West' by the poet Wu Cheng'en, one of China's four most famous narrative
works. Long sandy beaches and lush vegetation are characteristic of
Qingdao to the north. Over the course of merely 200 years, the
former fishing village has developed into a city of millions, with one of
China's most important seaports. On the excursion Qingdao - from German
colony to economic powerhouse*, you will visit both the historic
district and the Tsingtao brewery, which was established by German settlers in
1903. Or you can join the excursion to the holy mountain of Laoshan -
landscape tour and hike* and explore the impressive mountain scenery
around the Laoshan mountain range, the highest peak of which reaches 1133
metres. Alternatively, the walk around the city* gives you a
chance to discover the old German settlement of Badaguan. It was also under the
German protectorate that Signal Hill was established. The latter offers
fascinating views over the historic district and of Mount Laoshan. The
excursion impressions of Yantai* reveals even more
picture-perfect sights. Amidst cypresses and pines, a jade temple dating from
the 14th century stands on the hill of the local mountain. In this idyllic
setting, the panoramic view of the busy inner city makes the contrast with
modern China inescapably evident. |
Beijing: the Historic Capital
The HANSEATIC will spend two days
in the former garrison town of Tianjin, which serves as a port for
Beijing today. The excursion Beijing - the imperial city* will
introduce you to the most famous sights of the capital. The point of departure is
the monumental Tiananmen Square. Take a walk around the biggest public square in
the world, and marvel at the mausoleum of Mao Zedong at the centre of it, with a
larger-than-life marble statue that dwarfs everything else. At the northern end of
Tiananmen Square rises the Forbidden City, impressive just in terms of the
statistics alone: for 500 years, this imperial palace served as the seat of
government for 24 rulers of China. Most emperors of the Ming dynasty found their
last place of rest outside the gates of Beijing - of the 13 Ming tombs, three have
been almost perfectly preserved. A short detour takes you to the legendary Great
Wall - an imposing bulwark that you simply have to have seen with your own eyes.
Alternatively, the city tour of Tianjin* will take you along the
bank of the river Hai He to one of the oldest Tianhou temples in China. However,
the modern age is also rising to new heights in Tianjin - the Binhai District was
recently founded with the ambitious aim of developing a new Shanghai. On a
walk around the historic district*, you can still see the strict
separation of the former concession areas. British stately homes, French châteaux
and German villas have been characteristic of the cityscape of Wudadao for the last
120 years with very little change. Wudadao is the most popular part of the city.
Its name translates as 'five big avenues'. The excursion Qinhuangdao and
the Great Wall* takes you to the end of the Chinese Wall. Walking around
it, you will appreciate the tactical advantages of its location, which offers
fantastic long views between the mountains and the sea. On the excursion
Dalian - city of contrasts*, the Middle Kingdom once again reveals
its multifaceted diversity. The city looks somewhat Russian, with Japanese
influences, and in recent years, it has developed into an internationally
significant commercial port. The richly varied images and deep impressions you
accumulate on your "Expedition Knowledge" will remain in your memory for many
years. |
* 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.
|
|
