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10 Things Your Cruise Line Won't Tell You
1. “Our engines break down all the time.”
...1. “Our engines break down all the time.”
In December 2009, engine problems caused the Regent’s Seven Seas Voyager to skip a scheduled port stop in Antigua, and instead head straight to San Juan for the engine to be repaired. And a propulsion issue on Carnival’s 2,124-passenger Legend ship last week affected its sailing speed, causing it to skip one of its scheduled stops.
WANTED: TRAVEL TALES
The Wall Street Journal is looking for readers’ travel stories. They want to hear about your favorite -- and least favorite -- trips. Maybe it was when you met your spouse, or took your children away for the first time. Or when you learned something about yourself -- or the world. The WSJ will share your stories online and publish a sample of them in print in a special section to run in the spring.
The Wall Street Journal is looking for readers’ travel stories. They want to hear about your favorite -- and least favorite -- trips. Maybe it was when you met your spouse, or took your children away for the first time. Or when you learned something about yourself -- or the world. The WSJ will share your stories online and publish a sample of them in print in a special section to run in the spring.
“Engine and weather-related problems are very common,” says Ross Klein, editor of CruiseJunkie.com and author of “Paradise Lost at Sea: Rethinking Cruise Vacations.” Savvy consumers also should look for “shoulder season” departures, just before or after holidays, and off-peak rates in various regions. A record Klein maintains on his web site shows that in 2007, roughly 5% of ships that had to cancel some or all port calls did so because of engine or mechanical problems. Those problems have become less frequent, however weather-related cancellations have become more common.
As many disappointed passengers realize too late, they have little recourse. According to Ron Murphy, managing director of the Federal Maritime Commission, “Almost all tickets allow cruise lines to change itineraries at their discretion.”
2. “The weather might mean missed stops.”
Itineraries aren’t always adhered to, and if the ship skips a port for a weather-related reason, they don’t have to offer passengers a refund – and they rarely do, says Neil Gorfain, chief executive of the Cruise Outlet, a cruise-only travel agency. If the entire cruise is canceled because of the weather, passengers are entitled to a full refund. But if a hurricane changes course midcruise, remuneration is rare – you might just have to spend a little more time in the casino.
Although each cruise line addresses this issue differently, generally, if a ship misses a scheduled stop because of a mechanical problem, the line will issue some kind of onboard credit or refund. They’re usually pretty generous and “you don’t have to fight with them like you would with an airline,” says Gorfain.
3. “This ship is a health hazard—it’s just crawling with viruses.”
Cruise ships are an ideal breeding ground for germs: thousands of people in close proximity, eating food made in the same kitchen, inhabiting enclosed spaces that just a few days before housed someone else. In December 2002, the norovirus made waves in the media after a series of outbreaks on Holland America, Disney and Carnival lines, in which hundreds of passengers were infected. The problem has not disappeared. Fifteen cruise ship outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness (as defined by 3% or more of passengers having been diagnosed) were recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009, down from 23 in 2007.
The CDC posts outbreaks on its web site. But this information accounts for only a portion of outbreaks worldwide because the CDC monitors only ships that include a U.S. port in their itinerary. Short of remaining ashore, the best way to stay healthy is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, the CDC says.
4. “Sure, we can take care of your plane reservations, but you’d do a whole lot better on your own.”
Many cruise lines offer to book customers’ airfare, with the guarantee that – should there be a flight delay – they’ll hold the ship or fly them to the next port. But customers pay a premium for this security. Mike Cordelli, a manager of information systems in New York City, has been on a dozen cruises and says he has had the cruise line book his plane tickets about half the time, but only after checking other available fares. “You often don’t get to choose a flight, you may end up with some fairly lousy connections, stuff like that,” Cordelli says. On several occasions he has saved enough money by booking on his own to arrive in a port city a day early and spend the night in a hotel.
Booking airfare independently will be cheaper most of the time, says Gorfain. But when the cruise lines book it, they will oversee the flight. That means if there are weather delays and you miss the ship, the cruise, in tandem with the airline, will arrange to get passengers to the next port of call, he says.
5. “Think everything’s included? Think again.”
In 2009, Carnival brought in 76% of its cruise-related revenue through fares. The source of the other 24%? According to the company’s annual report, “on board and other.” If this seems like a large percentage for an industry that often claims its packages are “all inclusive,” that’s because only the basics are covered in the price of most cruises. You get most food, entertainment and coffee. You have to pay up for alcohol, merchandise, spa services and pictures. “All of these things are optional, but it’s hard not to spend money on a cruise because you are a captive audience,” says Oivind Mathisen, editor of Cruise Industry News. One way to save on booze: Most vessels advertise daily drink specials. If you’re traveling with children, find out if your ship offers "soda packages" that include unlimited soda during the cruise for about $30 for a week.
Another significant expense for passengers is tipping the staff. Many cruise lines have begun charging a fixed gratuity for restaurant and custodial service, set at an average of $10 per guest, per day. A Cruise Lines International Association spokesperson said the amount varies by cruise line, and that passengers can almost always alter the percentage on request.
6. “Our ‘gourmet’ food is anything but.”
Cruise lines are quick to tout the “fine dining” available on their ships, but in most cases the label is a misnomer. Typically, the kitchen staff knows about how many entrées will be needed, so they prepare that much in advance and finish it when the diners arrive. This is obviously different from what a fine-dining restaurant does, where the dish is cooked to order. The cruise food may not be on par with “a five-star restaurant, but it’s close to a four-star,” says Gorfain. Some large ships often provide alternative, specialty restaurants that do cook to order, but this special treatment comes at a price—one that isn’t included in the cost of the cruise.
As Douglas Ward, author of the “Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010,” explains, “It’s economics. If you don’t charge enough money for cruises, you have to lower the quality of the food and other aspects. It's a question of balance - or go out of business.” Ward says the smaller, reservations-only restaurants that cost extra on the major lines use premium ingredients, but they can charge up to an extra $30 per person per meal (plus wine). The bottom line: If eating well is important to you, be prepared to pay extra.
7. “We make money while you’re off the ship, too.”
Most cruises offer “shopping lectures” before docking in a port and hand out store maps to passengers. This service is usually provided by one of two contractors: the PPI Group and Onboard Media. Both firms promote only stores that pay for ads and pass on a portion of that revenue to the cruise lines. The stores pay an advertising fee – an arrangement disclosed to guests in writing.
Once a ship docks, passengers can either explore on their own or join a port excursion, in which they’re shepherded via bus to beaches, historic landmarks and shopping areas. Excursions, which are not included in the cost of the cruise, are a “huge moneymaker” for cruise lines, according to Klein. “One of the biggest ways you can save money is to not get drawn into [them],” he says.
Cordelli echoes the advice. Although he says excursions are sometimes helpful, especially in non- English-speaking countries, he adds that “it makes little sense to pay the cruise line four or five times what a taxi would cost you to get to a beach on St. Thomas, for example.”
8. “Our insurance? You’re better off looking elsewhere.”
When traveling abroad, comprehensive medical insurance is a must. Unfortunately, coverage varies greatly from policy to policy: Some plans cover international trips of limited length, while others (like Medicare and Medicaid) provide little or no overseas coverage. Passengers can buy supplementary insurance through their cruise line, but such policies have holes. “As soon as you step off the ship [independent of an excursion], you’re no longer covered,” Ward says. An outside policy makes more sense and is often less expensive. Ward advises a policy specifically designed for cruises and warns, “Make sure it includes emergency evacuation insurance,” in case of a serious medical problem.
Web sites like InsureMyTrip.com allow users to compare plans that are often better and cheaper than those offered by cruise lines. For example, at press time, Holland America’s medical coverage, included in one of its Cancellation Protection Plans, has a $10,000 illness and $50,000 emergency evacuation maximum, and averages around $160 per passenger (depending on the fare). By contrast, the CSA Travel Protection Plan covers trip cancellation and provides $250,000 in illness coverage and $1,000,000 in evacuation expenses for just over $70. The bottom line: It’s worth your time to shop around.
9. “Our ads might say Champagne and caviar, but expect beer and pretzels.”
New cruise lines are sprouting up all the time, many of which cater to niche interests. But be careful: You may not get the experience you expect, so it's important to choose a cruise that fits your style.
Check out dress code information on cruise line’s web site, as well as unbiased sites like Expedia and CruiseCritic. Each ship review on CruiseCritic.com has a section on dress code that lets people know how many formal outfits to bring and what the everyday attire is like onboard. Dress varies by ship and also by destination. For instance, nobody gets too dolled up in steamy French Polynesia, says a spokeswoman from CruiseCritic.com.
Don’t be too surprised if what you thought would be a sophisticated experience turns out to be a more casual one. Even high-end cruise lines are downscaling their dress code standards. Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced in October 2009 that it was revising its dress code “in favor of a less formal policy” because of guest feedback. While those guidelines call for “evening casual” during evening hours – no jeans, T-shirts or baseball caps – some cruise lines “have a hard time enforcing their own rules,” says Gorfain, because they don’t want to offend any passengers.
10. “Our ship is fancy, but don’t expect service to match.”
Although the ships themselves have gotten nicer, cutbacks in the number of staff is noticeable. With prices relatively stable over the last several years, costs for food, labor and fuel have risen. This forces cruise lines to cut expenses in some areas – and service is a common target.
Cruises are keeping their ships full but trimming staff, so don’t be surprised if your waiter is a little busier than usual. “I remember there used to always be a white-gloved steward to escort you to your cabin. You don’t see that anymore,” says Pete Peterson, a cruise travel specialist. “But in all fairness, it’s not their fault. It’s the economy.”
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Helpful Tips for First Time Cruisers
Are you cruising for the first time? A cruise vacation is a wonderful experience. Here are a few tips and answers to some commonly asked questions that can help you make the most of your trip.
...Are you cruising for the first time? A cruise vacation is a wonderful experience. Here are a few tips and answers to some commonly asked questions that can help you make the most of your trip.
Packing for a Cruise:
Bring a carry on bag with bathing suit and everything that you will need on the first afternoon (sunscreen, hat, book, medicines, cameras) along with something to wear for dinner. If you have small children make sure you have enough diapers to get you through most of the day. This way you can enjoy the afternoon at the pool while waiting for your luggage. Luggage can arrive to your cabin any time between 4PM and 9PM.
Arrive early:
Flight delays are possible. Arriving early reduces stress and protects against unforeseen issues. It’s best to arrive the day before if you are flying in. This way you can explore the port city and have a built in buffer in case of delays. If you cannot come a day early plan to arrive between noon and 1PM for most ships. Most ships pull out of port between 4PM and 6PM but don’t schedule a flight that arrives just an hour before. If you miss the ship it is your responsibility, both physically and financially, to get yourself to the next port if you booked non-cruise line air .
Cruise Documents and pre-cruise check-in:
Make sure that you have all of your documentation on embarkation day. Most cruise lines require you to pre-register for your cruise on line. This can usually be done after final payment has been made on your cruise. Don’t wait until that day to check the validity of your passport. Port security has increased in recent years. Make sure that the information on your travel documents matches those on your cruise tickets. Arriving at the port without proper documentation can result in denied boarding without a refund.
Know what is included:
Included: Meals, entertainment, accommodations, activities
Additional: Soft drinks and alcohol on most cruise lines, spa treatments, shore excursions, specialty dining, internet, gratuities on most cruise lines. Beverage packages are available.
Note: Inclusions vary from cruise line to cruise line. Be sure to check specifically what is included when making your booking.
Don’t over pack:
Things you will definitely need are a bathing suit, walking shoes for sightseeing, casual wear (type depending on the weather) and evening wear. Evening wear can vary from casual to formal depending on your preferences and the ship you are sailing on. Pack mix and match outfits to save room. Don’t forget batteries for your camera as well as an extra memory card for your camera. Save room in your luggage for shopping and souvenirs.
Motion-sickness:
If you think you might be affected by motion sickness bring a wrist band or an ear patch to ease the symptoms.
Do your research:
Learn about the ports that you are going to visit. Check out the weather and what there is to do. Find out how far from the port a city center is. This will help you to determine if you might want to book a shore excursion and what type of an excursion you may want to book, or if you just want to explore a port on your own.
Shore Excursions:
Shore excursions are an important part of every cruise. It’s not necessary to book excursions in every port but it is important to do your research in advance. Find out what is offered in each port and decide what is important to you. If there is a limited time in a large city it is sometimes good to book a short city tour to give you a quick overview of the city that you are visiting. This allows you to get orientated and to maximize your time in that port. Also, if the distance between the port and the city is far, then booking either a transfer or a tour that drops you off in the city center is a good idea. If you are in port where there may be a language barrier prebooking excursions can provide a certain comfort level. Lastly, if you are interested in an activity where space is limited (such as a helicopter tour in Alaska) it is a good idea to book that tour in advance to avoid disappointment if that excursion is no longer available when you arrive.
What types of shore excursions are available:
Group shore excursion: You can book an excursion as part of a group by booking with the cruise line or with an independent shore excrusion company. When you book as part of a group the costs are lower and you travel with many of your fellow cruisers. Transportation is usually via motorcoach.
Private shore excursions: Private excursions are exactly that. You will be met by the guide and driver at the port and you can see exactly what you want to see. You can customize your tour exactly to your liking. While private tours might be slightly more expensive you really have the ability to see what you want to see and maximize your time in port without having to wait for everyone else in a larger group tour. If you are traveling with four or more people the benefits can easily justify the cost difference. Private excursions should be booked in advance.
Independent travel: In smaller ports it’s quite possible to get off of the ship and explore on your own. You can create your own experiences, sample different cuisines and see different sights. Sometimes taking a quick taxi ride into town is all it takes. Be sure to know the price of the ride up front or make sure that the taxi is on a meter.
Book your shore excursions early:
Shore excursions can be booked in advance either through the cruise lines or through companies that specialize in shore excursions. If you wait to book on the ship don’t wait until just before the scheduled port arrival time or you will be disappointed. Shore excursions do sell out.
Bring a debit card and a credit card:
No need to travel with wads of cash. A debit card will allow you to take out local currency from an ATM machine. In this scenario you bank calculates the exchange rate. A credit card is charged in local currency and your credit card company calculates the exchange rate. This is always less expensive than what a local bank would charge to exchange USD or travelers checks. Plus it’s safer not to have to carry excess cash.
Note: Check with your bank and credit card company in advance to make sure that your cards are set up to be used in the countries that you are travelling to.
On board the ship cash is neither required or accepted. When you check in you provide a credit card, much like you would at a hotel, and all charges incurred will go on your shipboard account. The evening before the end of a cruise you will be given a detailed statement showing what your charges are. These will then be billed to your credit card. Some cruise lines allow you to settle your account with cash if you prefer.
Leave your expensive jewelry and valuables at home:
While they might look great anything can happen. There is no need to test fate. If you must bring valuables most cruise lines offer in-room safes or you can check your valuables at the front desk.
Check out the ships daily newspaper:
Every cruise line publishes an activity sheet which is delivered daily to your cabin. Here you will find listed all of the things that you can do on board the ship that day, dining times, special events and activities, contact numbers and more.
Keeping in Touch:
Cell Phones: Cell phones may work in the ports but roaming charges usually apply. Some cell phone carriers offer international plans which may save you money. On board ship most cruise lines contract with Cellular at Sea or a similar service. Using cell phone on ships is not cheap but is usually available in case of emergency. If you are not going to use your phone or PDA then turn it off as you might be charged for receiving voicemails and emails which can be quite costly.
Internet: Internet is available on almost all ships. Some ships even have wireless connections in your cabin if you are planning on bringing a computer. There are different internet plans offered depending on your usage and are usually fairly reasonably priced.
With a little advance planning and research you can make your cruise vacation memorable, fulfilling, fun and relaxing.
Travel Shanghai Tips 2
Shanghai Travel Tips
Business Hours
Banks: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday...
Shanghai Travel Tips
Business Hours
Banks: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 22:00, daily, some close later
Museums: 09:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday, some open on weekends
Cautions
Violent crime in China is particularly low, which is in part due to the severe penalties received for crimes of a serious nature. It is also largely a Buddhist country, with most people leading peaceful lives. It is extremely rare for a tourist to encounter any problems of a violent nature however petty crime can be somewhat more of a problem, with many pickpockets and bag-snatchers targeting tourist areas and public transport.
A bit of common sense will help to prevent you becoming a victim of crime. Always keep your valuables locked away in a hotel safe and try to avoid carrying more cash than is necessary. Never flash cash or expensive jewellery in public as this can be a magnet for potential thieves.
Road safety can be a concern in China as traffic laws are not as strictly followed and drivers can be erratic and dangerous. It is important to be especially vigilant when crossing the road or riding a bicycle as cars tend not to stop.
Currency
The Chinese currency is called the renminbi (RMB), and there are bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 yuan. Yuan are commonly referred to as kwai.
Make sure that you exchange any remaining yuan in China, because it cannot be exchanged outside of the country’s borders. Traveller’s cheques and foreign cash can be exchanged at banks and hotels throughout the city. Credit cards are accepted at various establishments such as hotels, restaurants and shops, although they may not be accepted at smaller independent businesses. ATMs are plentiful throughout Shanghai.
Customs
Before entering China, you will need to fill out a customs declaration form that will be given to you. If you are bringing in more than US$10,000 in cash, this will need to be declared. The import of live animals, fresh produce or pornographic material is strictly prohibited, as is anything which criticises the Chinese government. Chinese antiques over 150 years old cannot be exported as they are valuable to the country. Visitors may import 400 cigarettes, two litres of alcohol and a reasonable amount of perfume.
Electricity 220 V, 50Hz. Plug types can vary, but the two narrow-pin plugs are most common.
Etiquette
Many visitors arrive in China believing that they will have to adhere to extremely strict and complicated rules of etiquette. The truth is that while following many rules, you are not expected to get everything right all at once. Many of the customs are alien to Western traditions and therefore harder to remember. You'll soon understand that unlike in the West, certain questions are not thought of as rude such as asking someone you have only just met if they are married or how old they are.
It is wise to stay away from more in-depth conversations such as politics. The concept of ‘saving face’ is very important to Chinese people. You must avoid losing your temper in public and never criticise anyone in front of others.
You may find that you are invited out to eat. If you are, do not panic; Chinese etiquette surrounding the dining table is daunting, but you will not be expected to know everything. However, if it looks like you have made the effort to learn some, you will earn much respect.
A few simple customs include: bringing your bowl of rice close to your mouth and quickly scooping the rice into it with chopsticks. Never play with your chopsticks during a meal and always try to avoid pointing with them or standing them up in a rice bowl. If you are toasted, but do not wish to drink anything, simply bring the glass to your lips without actually drinking any.
Health
The occurrence of a number of epidemic diseases has been considerably decreased in recent years and as such, there are now very few health risks connected with visits to Shanghai. However, there are certain issues to be aware of. Some visitors will experience mild abdominal upsets, mainly caused by eating contaminated foods or drinking contaminated water. Always avoid uncooked food and unpasteurised milk and only drink bottled water, which you will find in shops across the city.
It is wise to make sure that all standard vaccinations are up-to-date such as tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. It may also be worth considering getting inoculated against hepatitis B and having a rabies vaccination.
If you fall ill, have an accident or require any healthcare while you are in Shanghai, you will find excellent medical facilities and English speaking doctors. Most hospitals will require a deposit or payment upfront and it is therefore vital that you have comprehensive medical insurance.
Huadong Hospital: +86 2162 483 180
Emergency services: 120
Language
Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, but there are hundreds of dialects. English is not widely spoken, although you will find that many professionals have a grasp of English.
Passport/Visas
Everyone who visits China is required to have both a valid passport and visa. Visa applications should be made in advance, at least one month before the intended departure date. Passports must be valid for at least six months if you have a single or double entry visa, or nine months for a multiple entry visa. Your port of entry must be indicated in your passport.
Tourist Information
Shanghai Tourist Information Services can be found at Yu Garden, 159 Jiujiaochang Lu, Huangpu district, Shanghai. They can be contacted by calling: +86 215 355 5032.
Personal tour guide in shanghai--qinqin
Mobile:0086-13482286062
Email:[email protected] [email protected]
msn:[email protected]
Skype:panglobe0802
Top Shanghai Tours
$238 Per Day
Private Hangzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train
Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.
...Read more
Take in the highlights of beautiful Hangzhou on a private full-day tour from Shanghai. After hotel pickup and transfer by high-speed train to Hangzhou, your private guide takes you to see some city attractions, such as Faxi temple. Moreover, enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Longjing village. There, learn about the process of farming and producing dragonwell tea, the region’s most famous product. Finally, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed West Lake before returning to Shanghai.
This is a private, full-day trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou. After you are picked up in your hotel lobby in the early morning, you will take a bullet train to Hangzhou. This is the fastest way to Hangzhou and you can experience train speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Your tour begins at one of Hangzhou's signature sites, the West Lake. Enjoy a lake cruise to see the top ten West Lake scenic views. You will then be taken to experience the wonderful cuisine of Hangzhou at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will visit Faxi temple, a well-known Temple dating back to the Jin Dynasty. See its famous wooden Buddha. Here, you will see fewer tourists and more locals. Finally, enjoy a cup of green tea when you visit the famous Longjing village to see wild fields of Longjing tea bushes where the locals produce the world famous green tea- Longjing Tea. In the village, all locals are tea farmers and you will see the entire procedure of making the famous tea and will get the chance to taste the best quality emperor tea. Afterwards, you will take the bullet train back to Shanghai and you will be returned to your hotel.
$70 Per Day
Bike Tour - "Shanghai by Night"
What would be a better way to experience the “City That Never Sleeps” than hopping on one of our vintage Forever bicycles and explore a whole New World after dark?...Read more
What would be a better way to experience the “City That Never Sleeps” than hopping on one of our vintage Forever bicycles and explore a whole New World after dark? Follow our foreign expert Tour Leader on a multi-themed route from the narrow streets of the Old Town all the way to the dazzling lights of the Bund. Meanwhile, cycle around the famous landmark Yu Garden, learn about Ghost Wedding rituals, visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine outlet and get to learn more about the "Paris of the East". Finally, tickle your taste buds with some delicious street food in order to immerse yourself deeper into local life. In just one evening, we'll explore the many faces of Shanghai that make this city so unique. Easy and accessible ride for all!
USEFUL INFORMATION
- English-speaking (for other languages, please contact us)
- About 9 km ride, easy ride for all.
- From 18:15pm to 21:30pm
- Up to 6 participants
- Departure and arrival at our Culture Shock Office in Xintiandi district.
- Minimum height is 1.50m. Tandem bikes are available for kids below 12
- Prices are all inclusive (Snack food, a bottle of water, a foreign experienced guide, a helmet and single-gear vintage bike rental with all lights)
- Join-in Group every Tuesday/Friday/Saturday (USD 70 per person)
- Private Tour possible every day (USD 210 in total for 2 participants)
$2202 Per Day
Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai 10days study tour
Day 01 Arrival at Beijing
On arrival in Beijing, you will be met by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Beijing. Free for the rest of the day.
Day 02Beijing (B L)-- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Beijing Zoo
After breakfast at your hotel, start your tour with the visit to Tiananmen Square(40minutes), the largest public square in the world. Then move on to the Forbidden City(2hours), the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty.
Lunch at a special restaurant.
...Read moreDay 01 Arrival at Beijing
On arrival in Beijing, you will be met by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Beijing. Free for the rest of the day.
Day 02Beijing (B L)-- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Beijing Zoo
After breakfast at your hotel, start your tour with the visit to Tiananmen Square(40minutes), the largest public square in the world. Then move on to the Forbidden City(2hours), the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty.
Lunch at a special restaurant.
Then move on to Beijing zoo(1.5hours), which is one of the oldest zoos in China and has one of the largest animal collections in the country. The zoo and its aquarium has over 450 species of land animals and over 500 species of marine animals. In all, it is home to 14,500 animals. More than six million visitors come to the zoo each year. The zoo was founded in 1906 during the late Qing Dynasty. Like many of Beijing's parks, the zoo's grounds resemble classical Chinese gardens, with flower beds amidst natural scenery, including dense groves of trees, stretches of meadows, small streams and rivers, lotus pools and hills dotted with pavilions and historical buildings.
Day 03 Beijing ( B L )--Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Green, outside look the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, Shaolin kungfu school
Morning excursion to the most beautiful section of the Great Wall - the Mutianyu Great Wall. The hike takes about 2-3 hours. After lunch at Chinese Restaurant, Then head to the Olympic Green to have an outside look at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube(1hour). Shaolin Kung Fu is a huge scientific system, not the general sense of the "branches" or "boxing kinds". Chinese martial arts enjoy a huge structure complex with many branches, among which shaolin kung fu has the dominant place by its long history, the complex system and excellent technology boundary. Back to your hotel.
Day 04 Beijing-Xi'an( B L )
Hands-on D.I.Y Chinese dumplings(2hours) at the local family in Gaobeidian, enjoy these with other Chinese dishes and this will be your Lunch. Afternoon learn the Art of paper cutting, visit the gaobeidian school. After the tour, we go to the train station to Xian. Overnight on the train.
Day 05 Xian ( B L )--Big Wild Goose Pagoda square, Muslim Bazaar, Xi'an City Wall
Arrive in Xian, pick up. Breakfast at hotel. The Muslim Bazaar, the Muslim quarters lies 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi'an.The 500 meters long avenue paved by bluestones are dotted with many unique stall,souvenir shop,coffee and bars which are mostly run by Muslim people. We visit massive Xian City Wall. Have a nice walk in the North Square to view the fully illuminated Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Musical Fountain Performance.
Day 06 Xian ( B L )-- Qin Terracotta Army, Shaanxi Historical Museum
Morning pick up by local guide. Enjoy your full day visit to the Qin Terracotta Army, one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation. Afternoon, visit the Shaanxi Historical Museum. Among the 400,000 items on display are treasures from many of the Dynasties, including some magnificent bronzes and porcelain, many of which have never been on permanent display before.
Day 07 Xian--shanghai ( B L )
Visit Bell tower and Drum tower. Farmer paintings, and learning the painting. Then go to airport to catch a flight. Pick up by shanghai local guide, only transfer to hotel.
Day 8 Shanghai ( B L )-- Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, the Bund
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Jade Buddha Temple. Jade Buddha Temple is a key temple in Shanghai that thriving with flows of disciples every day, especially on the 1st and 15th day of every lunar month as well as all the traditional Buddhism festivals. Visit pearl factory, it's a nice place to buy a necklace or bracelet. It is very good gift from China. Visit the lovely old Yuyuan Garden look nine zig zag bridge with golden fish pond, bridges and pavilions. Explore the Bund in the evening.
Day 9 Shanghai ( B L )--Shanghai Museum, People Square, Nanjing Road, Oriental Pearl TV tower, Children's Palace
The Shanghai Museum which is the largest museum of ancient Chinese art in Shanghai. Visit the People Square and Nanjing Road for shopping. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV tower 2nd level. Visit the Children��s Palace 30-45minutes.
Day 10 Shanghai ( B )
Your China Experience is over all too soon as you transfer to the airport and board the homebound international flight, bidding a fond farewell to this ancient land.