Explore with Viking—China

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-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.

Embark on a panoramic journey through dynamic Shanghai and bask in the tranquility of an urban oasis. Drive along the famous Bund—colonial-era Shanghai’s financial center—and view the inviting promenade along the Huangpu River. Old and new Shanghai are on full display, with colonial architecture towering over the Bund and the futuristic cityscape of the Pudong district gleaming across the river. Continue to the enchanting Yuyuan Garden—the only classical Chinese garden in Shanghai. Commissioned by a Ming Dynasty mandarin, the garden is five acres of pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters. Enjoy an opportunity to stroll through this perfect gem of landscaping and architecture, admiring sights such as its 400-year-old ginkgo tree and bamboo groves, before returning to your ship.

See the striking Ming Dynasty temple where emperors once prayed for a bountiful harvest amid a peaceful park. Boasting a distinctive circular design, the Temple of Heaven is a 15th-century Taoist complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered a masterpiece of design, its rich symbolism incorporating circles to represent heaven, and squares to represent earth, has influenced architecture across the Far East for centuries. With your knowledgeable guide, enjoy time to explore the central hall, a stunning triple-gabled circular structure. View the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests—the centerpiece of the temple—and participate in a fascinating acoustics experience at the Echo Wall and Three Echo Stones. You will also learn about ancient rituals that were adopted by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties as well as the principles of yin-yang and fengshui.

Witness a performance of spectacular acrobatic feats built upon thousands of years of Chinese tradition. China’s acrobatic origins can be traced back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Over time, these performing  acrobats developed their identity and became known worldwide for their spectacular performance art along the Silk Road. Today’s highly skilled, rigorously trained artists—many of whom began training during childhood—have added new techniques and thrilling stunts to their ancient repertoire. You will transfer to your venue in the heart of Shanghai, where you will take your seat and be mesmerized by gravity-defying stunts, daring maneuvers and captivating choreography that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Marvel at these artists as they push the boundaries of human agility, movement and strength during an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Explore Dongsha, a quaint village on Zhoushan’s archipelago with a long-established connection to the sea. The Zhoushan Archipelago has been an important fishing center dating to the Ming Dynasty. A tight-knit community is at its heart, with a celebrated maritime culture and villages that are dedicated to keeping centuries-old folk traditions alive. Visit Dongsha and its informative museum that chronicles the village’s history of local fisheries. After lunch, take a stroll to admire the lines of homes, shops and galleries. Learn more about folk traditions, including Chinese puppetry and the famous dragon dance, and meet a local painter who will be on hand to answer your questions about local art. Enjoy free time to browse the galleries for marine-themed fishermen’s paintings, or handicrafts made using shells, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Discover the charms of Zhoushan during visits to a local market, serene beach and local fishing village. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the bustling dry goods market. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you browse the stalls, observing locals as they shop and perhaps catching glimpses of regional favorites. 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 look into the traditional lifestyle and practices of Zhoushan’s fishing community. Later, board your coach and make the return journey to your awaiting ship.

Explore cultural gems and historical treasures during a journey to the heart of Fuzhou. Embark on a drive to the iconic Sanfang Qixiang, aptly translated as “Three Lanes and Seven Alleys.” Nicknamed the “Beverly Hills of Imperial China,” this neighborhood consisting of three lanes and seven alleys is celebrated as an architectural museum of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, including numerous National Designated Monuments such as the historic residences of notable figures. Follow your guide as you stroll through centuries-old lanes adorned with well-preserved traditional architecture, ancient temples and vibrant local life, and learn the stories of the rich and famous residents that have lived here. Stop to admire the Xichan Temple, then savor a tasty meal of local fare. Your appetite sated, enjoy free time to explore before returning to your ship.

Indulge in a sumptuous meal accompanied by dances and music from the Tang Dynasty. The peace and prosperity enjoyed by Xian during the Tang Dynasty was accompanied by a flowering of the arts. Its position at the end of the Silk Road produced a cultural tapestry in which the art and ideas of various ethnic groups were incorporated into traditional music and dance. Witness many of them this evening amid the enchanting decor of the Tang Dynasty Palace Restaurant. Over a sumptuous meal accompanied by traditional music, you will be swept away as talented performers recreate the dances and music of the Tang Dynasty with flowing fabrics and brightly colored costumes. Enjoy the energy as performers grace the stage, showcasing the culture and traditions of this important era of Chinese history.

Peer deep into the past of an ancient, fortified city as you trace Xian’s remarkable walls. The capital city of 12 imperial dynasties, Xian’s history stretches back more than 3,100 years, reaching its peak during the glorious Tang Dynasty period. Once one of the world’s biggest and richest cities, it was the geographic terminus of the ancient Silk Road, presiding over one of China’s most glorious cultural periods and spreading its influence throughout Asia into Europe and Africa. This meant that, to ancient emperors, there was a lot at stake in protecting Xian. Join your guide and witness the vast wall that defended its cultural and material wealth and ensured its place as China’s powerful center. More than 90 miles long, it is the most complete in China. See the deep moats that surround the perimeter and visit the South City Gate, among other impressive sections.