Cher Visits China
September 2024
Travel To China with Cher B and Viking Travel
September 2024
Travel to China had long been on my Bucket List
I had planned – and canceled – 3 previous trips to China. Each time, something came up – including of course, the COVID pandemic of 2020. For 4 years (2020-2024), China was off-limits, so to speak, to western travelers. When Viking opened up their “historic inaugural China Discovery voyage onboard the Viking Yidun, with first-ever and privileged international visitor cruise access to coastal China…” we seized the opportunity!
This page is Summary and a Table of Contents of the posts I have written about our trip. There are photos, brief descriptions and links to the individual blogs highlighted on this post. Button tabs will take you directly to a specific link.
Language & Culture Immersion
The experience was wonderful. An added bonus was that the entire crew and staff of our cruise were Chinese! Many crew members had only 6 months of English language study prior to our sailing. Many local people in the places we visited spoke no English. Therefore, our experience both on-ship and on-land was very much one of almost-total immersion.
P.C. Co-worker on the ship. Sept 2024
Accepting the Weather
Rain. Heat. Humidity. But there were enough sunny days with bright blue skies to keep those in the forefront of our memories! The memories of 95 degree, humid days, quickly fade as we remember the whole adventure!
P.C. Cher B 07 Sept 2024
Embracing the Unexpected.
The major sites we visited were fabulous, as expected: The Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors, the cruise down the Li River, the Shanghai Tower, the Yuyuan Gardens...were wonderful.
It was the unexpected that always adds color and special memories to any travel adventure! Things like adapting to non-western toilets (i.e. restrooms with “squat toilets,” only holes in the floor!) I’d been alerted to bring my own toilet paper, but somehow missed the “warning” of the squat toilets! … And then there were the unimaginable numbers of steps everywhere, with no handrails… but that probably used up some of the calories were consumed with the delicious and abundant food!
Circling the Globe
Another unexpected event that occurred was that – upon completion of our itinerary – we had circumnavigated the entire globe via airplane! Previously not on my bucket list, but worth bragging rights anyway!
We booked air through Viking and they took us from home (mid-USA) to Qatar (in the Persian Gulf) to Beijing. Then we flew/sailed down the coast to Hong Kong. From here, we flew via San Francisco, California back to the Midwest USA. That is a LOT of time in the air! The eastern coast of China has a 13 hour time difference from our Minnesota time-zone.
VISA complexity
One of the unexpected items in preparation for our visit to China was the complexity of the VISA requirements to enter the country. Our overseas travel has primarily been to Europe which has no visa requirements for US citizens (at this time). We did need a visa for Egypt. I completed an e-visa online for Egypt for $25/person. It was fairly seamless and straightforward.
China Visa – well, it was complex. The information/data required seemed intrusive. Plus, we had to mail our original passport in, not just a copy. That alone is scary. On the recommendations of acquaintances who had traveled to China in recent years, we sought outside help. Too much could go wrong on so many levels. We chose to use the company recommended by (but not affiliated with) Viking Travel, Generations Visa Service. It was recommended that “due to the complexity of the online China visa application, GenVisa strongly recommends the use of White Glove Service to have Gen Visa staff complete the application on your (our) behalf.” With this service, we mailed our passports and applications to Gen Visa in Washington, D.C. and they personally dealt with the Chinese embassy. Everything went perfectly. It was worth it, although not in the initial budget. In the end, it cost us over $1200 ($600 each) to get the China Visa. (If you want an add-on extension to visit Tibet, that required additional forms and cost).
Our itinerary
~ Beijing ~
The Great Wall of China
P.C. Cher B 05 Sept 2024
The Great Wall of China snakes its way across northern China for thousands of miles. It carries with it centuries of Chinese history and lore. A visual symbol of China’s historic detachment and sense of vulnerability, it is today one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions!
A much anticipated highlight of our 3 week trip to China, It is truly as impressive and stunning as it claims to be.
Forbidden City
P.C. Skip B. 04 Sept 2024
The Forbidden City is China’s most magnificent architectural complex. Pictures do not do justice. The first thing I noticed is that it is overwhelmingly HUGE. It seems to go on forever! The first stop on our 3 week tour of China, the Forbidden City set the mood for our whole trip with history, culture and architecture.
Ming Tombs
P.C. Jeff H. Fellow traveler. 05 Sept 2024
The actual Ming tombs, burial place for many emperors (not sure how many?) – were not available to visit, but we enjoyed a walk along the tree lined avenue on a delightfully sunny day. The avenue is guarded by large sculptures of elephants, lions, tigers, camels and mysterious mythical beasts. The grand marble gateway – the Great Red Gate – is more than 400 years old and one of the largest in China.
(No blog for this site; but it is a good visit pairing with the Great Wall should you be in the area!)
Temple of Heaven
P.C. Cher B. 07 Sept 2024
The “Temple of Heaven” in Beijing is one of the largest temple complexes in China.
Its circular, central altar is magnificent, even in the rain!
~ Xi’an ~
Terra Cotta Warriors
P.C. Cher B. 08 Sept 2024
Like so many great archaeological discoveries, the Terra Cotta Warriors were accidentally discovered by ordinary people going about their daily lives! Thousands of clay soldiers and infantry, created to protect their emperor after his death, lay buried for hundreds of years. Near Xi’an, China, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and next to the Great Wall, the most visited site in China!
Xi’an City Walls
P. C. Viking Tour Guide. 09 Sept 2024
The uncontested Claim to Fame for Xi’an is the Terra Cotta Warriors – and a worthy claim it is!
But – as we discovered – Xi’an, the city, has so much to offer!
We experienced two magnificent performances: one beside and under the Xi’an city wall and one with dinner in a world-class restaurant.
Tang Dynasty Dinner & Performance
P.C. Cher B. 08 Sept 2024
Celebratory music and dance of the Tang Dynasty were accompanied by a sumptuous multi-course dinner at the famed Tang Dynasty Palace Restaurant. Included by Viking Tours as an optional part of our package, it was well worth the time and money.
Read my post for more on Xi’an and the Tang Dynasty Dinner here.
Chang’an Performance
P.C. Cher B. 07 Sept 2024
We were treated to an unexpected and spectacular event on our first night in Xi’an – a performance beside and inside the infamous city walls! It was not on the itinerary, but I recommend checking it out when you get a chance to visit Xi’an.
Read my post for more on Xi’an and the Chang’an Performance here.
~ Shanghai ~
YuYuan Gardens
P.C. Cher B. 10 Sept 2024
The Yu Gardens in Old Shanghai, China provide an oasis in the midst of a bustling modern city. Built by the Ming Dynasty over 400 years ago, it incorporates, history, classical Chinese architecture, pathways that lead across zig zag bridges over tranquil ponds amidst green gardens and lots of rockery!
Shanghai Tower
P.C. Cher B. 10 Sept 2024
The Shanghai Tower is the tallest in China and the 3rd largest in the world! The view is spectacular, even in the rain. The elevator is the fastest ever – and we didn’t feel a thing!
More on this on my the Shanghai city post.
Shanghai at Night & Shanghai River Front
P.C. Cher B 09 Sept 2024
Shanghai at night is magical!
Enjoy photos and highlights at myShanghai city post.
Shanghai Museum
P.C. Cher B. 10 Sept 2024
The Shanghai Museum holds a collection of the world’s finest collection of Chinese art.
Photos and highlights at my Shanghai city post.
Acrobatic Show
P.C. Cher B 10 Sept 2024
The Acrobatic Show in Shanghai was something not to miss. Acrobatic feats were performed that were built on thousands of years of Chinese tradition. Experiencing the culture of a country is an important part of any visit.
More on this evening at my Shanghai city post
~ Zhoushan ~
Guanyin Altar
P.C. Cher B 12 Sept 2024
Along the eastern sea coast of China, we stopped in the port city of Zhoushan. There we visited the Guanyin Altar, a unique Buddhist temple. Opened in 2020, it fuses tradition with modernity and differs greatly from the traditional Temple of Heaven (Beijing) and Wong Sin Temple (Hong Kong) we visited.
Enjoy details in photo and musings in my blog on the Guanyin Altar!
Impression Putuo Performance
P.C. Cher B 12 Sept 2024
This spectacular show was none like I’ve ever experienced. The rotating 360 degree seating moved the audience around, accompanied by state-of-art lighting and sound technology. The audience rotated to scenes played out in the actual mountains, the revered slopes of Mount Putuo, one of Chinese Buddhism’s four sacred mountains. The clear night revealed a lovely moon to set the mood! If you get a chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event while in China, I encourage you to do so!
Unfortunately, my photos do not do it justice sorry…no blog.
~ Guilin ~
Li River Cruise
P.C. Viking Tour Guide. 19 Sept 2024
We cruised on the Li River among the iconic karst mountains, famous in Chinese poetry and on Chinese scroll paintings.
It was the perfect, relaxing finish to a busy 3 weeks immersing ourselves in the fascinating culture of China.
Reed Flute Caves
The Reed Flute Caves were on my Must See in China list. Also known as the “Palace of the Natural Arts,” it got its name from the type of reed growing nearby which is used to make flutes.
The cave is filled with rock formations including many stalactites and stalagmites. Shapes are named according to their looks and legends surrounding them such as Crystal Palace, Fish Tale Peak and Dragon Pagoda. Illuminated by multicolored lighting. Inscriptions written in ink can be dated as far back as 792 AD, Tang Dynasty.
(No blog included – but I recommend a visit!)
Guilin at Night
Guilin is magical at night. The lighted streets, pagoda and the elephant trunk on the mountain next to the Li River are a must to include in one’s visit to the area. It is very walk-able city with lots of food options available close to the city center hotel where we stayed.
(No blog on this city, but I highly recommend spending an evening exploring the waterfront!
~ Hong Kong ~
Hong Kong was the last stop on our 3 week tour of China. Very European due to their influence over the centuries, it was a good transition back home! I’ve dedicated a blog post to Hong Kong. Read more here.
Hong Kong Palace Museum
Read my post about the highlights of this spectacular world-class art museum – click here
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Read my post about the highlights of this spectacular world-class art museum – click here
Victoria Harbour and Highlights
Read my post about the highlights of this spectacular harbor by day and night – click here
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Read my post about the highlights of this unique temple: click here
~ Xiamen ~
Huihe Stone Sculptural Park
P.C. Cher B 15 Sept 2024
Along the coast of China we visited lesser known cities with wonderful Chinese art exhibits. As a lover of outdoor exhibits of sculpture, the Huihe Stone Sculptural Park fascinated me! A wonderful array of Chinese stone sculpture, old and new, lined the paths that wound through the landscaped gardens and beside ponds. We also experienced a Puppet Show and Tea Ceremony.
While my photos were not worthy of a blog, I highly encourage visitors to enjoy this experience!
~ Viking Yi Dun Cruise Ship ~
P.C. Cher B. Sept 2024
I have not included a blog on the actual Viking Yi Dun ship, but here are some photo highlights of this fabulous Viking Ocean vessel! As with all their ships, Viking does it right!
Yi Dun Interior Lobby and Exterior Balconies
P.C. Cher B. Sept 2024
P.C. Cher B 2024
Yi Dun Main Dining Areas
P.C. Jeff H, fellow traveler. Sept 2024
P.C. Cher B. Sept 2024
Lounge Areas on Yi Dun
P.C. Cher B. Sept 2024
P.C. Cher B. Sept 2024
Yi Dun Pools & Deck
P.C. Cher B. Sept 2024
P.C. Cher B Sept 2024
Extras!
P.C. Cher B. Sept 2024
Sometimes it is the little things that make travel extra special – like the launderettes on each of the 3 cabin floors of the Viking Ocean ships. It was also a great spot to meet fellow passengers and develop friendships! (And discover the secret lives of those who iron and those who do NOT iron their clothes!)
Our 3 week Viking adventure to China will always have a special place in our hearts and travel memories. It was exhausting, on one hand, but we would not have cut out one place included in our itinerary and explored on our own. Our Chinese crew/staff (on the ship and on shore) were filled with welcoming, warm service.
Viking offers at least one included excursion at each site, which we of course could not pass up! Their guides were some of the best we’ve experienced. With only 800-900 guests, it is much less hassle to get on and off the ship when in port, compared to ships with thousands of passengers. Their rooms, service, staff and food deserve the high ratings they continually receive.
P.C. Kind fellow traveler. 06 Sept 2024
Sources
- All photos by Cher B or Skip B unless otherwise noted
- Information from blogs cited for each blog site and Viking Travel Guides and Tour Information
Charamana Consulting 