Brief Program Description:
Thoroughly explore Shanghai by visiting ancient wonders and modern marvels that reveal how this engaging metropolis has evolved over the centuries. For a historical perspective, you will browse enlightening attractions such as Yu Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple and the water town of Zhujiajiao, which was founded 1,700 years ago. In contrast, the high-rises in the Pudong financial district represent the city’s vision for the future, as will riding a technologically advanced high-speed train that floats on a magnetic field above the tracks rather than on them.
DAY 1
After flying into Shanghai, you will transfer from the airport to the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel to spend the first of three nights. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Hotel check in is 2:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available upon arrival, this cannot be guaranteed. If you are arriving very early in the morning, an additional night may be requested and purchased.
Overnight at the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel or similar.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the Jade Buddha Temple, which was originally built in 1882 to store the two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The present temple was rebuilt in 1928 and is still a working Buddhist temple.
You will next visit Yu Garden and Old Town. The garden was first built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty as a private residential area that was the largest and most prestigious of its era. It opened to the public in 1961 and continues to gain popularity. You might like to wander through the maze of old laneways and alleys that encircle the garden.
Lunch at a local restaurant follows, after which you will drive to the Lujiazui area of Pudong, which was nothing more than farms and rice paddies a decade or so ago. Today, it is the financial and business center of Shanghai and full of high-rises.
You will next visit the Shanghai Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of 140,000 precious relics that include bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.
Continuing on, you will pause for photos at the foot of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and then stroll along the Riverside Walkway to enjoy the beautiful view of the waterfront Bund.
After returning to the hotel to freshen up and enjoy dinner, you will head out to watch a spectacular acrobatic show.
Overnight at the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel or similar.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for Fu Xing Park, a popular urban oasis where you may see locals engaged in activities such as exercising, singing, dancing and playing games.
You will then visit some markets – both traditional and modern – to observe daily life among the locals. You will see another side of Shanghai life in the Zhang Yuan area, which features a block of residential buildings designed in the Shikumen style, which blends traditional Chinese and Western elements. The largest Starbucks in Asia is located in the area.
After a dim sum lunch, you will settle in for a leisurely drive to the ancient water town Zhujiajiao, located in the suburbs of Shanghai. With a history of more than 1,700 years, Zhujiajiao – known as Shanghai’s Venice – covers a vast area that is linked by 36 ancient bridges in different shapes and styles.
While walking through Zhujiajiao, you will visit highlights such as the Fangsheng Bridge and Post Office of Qing Dynasty. In addition to strolling along the numerous lanes and alleys, you will have the opportunity to take a boat ride to explore the Old Town’s canal system.
Late in the afternoon, you will return to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Overnight at the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel or similar.
DAY 4
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will arrive at the Magnetic Levitation Train, more commonly known as the Maglev Train. This modern marvel is a state-of-art mode of transportation. Instead of using wheels, the train floats on an electromagnetic cushion and is propelled along guide-ways. The train can reach speeds of up 267 miles per hour as it travels the 20 miles between the Long Yang Lu Station to the Pudong International Airport.
After boarding the train, you will take that exhilarating eight-minute ride to the airport and back again to the Long Yang Lu Station. Afterwards, you can browse the Maglev Technology Exhibition Center, whose exhibits show how the Maglev train became a reality.
You will then enjoy a short drive through the Lujiazui area of Pudong to the Shanghai Tower, an iconic high-rise. After ascending to the observation deck on the 118th floor, you will gaze out over Shanghai’s urban sprawl, where you will see nearby landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower and the World Financial Center. The waterfront Bund and Expo Park can be seen in the distance.
After lunch at the Arc Restaurant on top of the Grand Theater, which situated at the People’s Square, you will take a scenic drive through the former French Concession, which offers an alluring mix of architectural styles.
While stopping at the Arts & Crafts Research Institute, a mansion built during the French Concession, you will find Chinese traditional crafts and working artists. Then, after browsing a nearby exhibition hall of silk products, you will transfer to the pier to embark the cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space may be released.
Meet and Greet & Transfer Information
•Final cruise documents will be sent via email 21 days prior to departure. These documents will include the local ground operator’s contact number on page 1, which can be used if you’re unable to locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Please note that the representative may be assisting other guests and might not be immediately visible when you exit Customs, and the baggage claim area.
• Upon arrival, look for a representative holding a sign with the cruise line’s logo, and possibly your name. If you’re uncertain or unable to locate them, airport staff can assist by directing you to the designated meeting point for cruise transfers or by paging the representative.
• Meet and greeting services and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of the land program, or for those who have booked pre-cruise accommodations through the cruise line. These arrangements are based on flight details provided at least 14 days prior to sailing.
• Guests arriving independently or before the official start date of the land program will not have transfers included. If we have not received your flight information—or if your flight details change and the Destination Services Land Team has not been informed, a transfer cannot be guaranteed. In such cases, guests will need to arrange and cover their own transportation to the land program hotel.
• For any flight updates or changes, please contact our Reservations Department as soon as possible, prior to departure.
DAY 1
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
After flying into the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, you will go through quarantine, immigration, luggage claim and Customs. One of our representatives will then meet you in the arrivals hall for the transfer to the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel or a similar hotel, where you will spend the evening.
Check in time at your hotel is 2:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight at the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel or similar
DAY 2
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
AM Buffet breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Depart for the Jade Buddha Temple
8:30am Visit the Jade Buddha Temple
9:15am Depart for Yu Garden
9:45am Visit to Yu Garden and the Old City
11:15am Depart for lunch
11:45am Lunch at a local restaurant
1:15pm Visit the Shanghai Museum
2:45pm Depart from the Shanghai Museum
3:15pm Photos at Oriental Pearl TV Tower and view the Bund from the Riverside Walkway
4:00pm Depart for the hotel
4:30pm Return to the hotel and dinner on own
6:30pm Depart for the acrobatic show
7:30pm Watch the acrobatic show
Overnight at the China World Hotel or similar
DAY 3
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
AM Buffet breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Depart for Fu Xin Park
8:30am Visit Fu Xin Park
9:15am Depart for the local markets
9:30am Visit the local markets
10:30am Depart for Zhang Yuan
11:00am Visit Zhang Yuan
12:00pm Dim Sum Lunch at a local restaurant
1:00pm Depart for Zhujiajiao Watertown
2:30pm Visit Zhujiajiao Watertown
4:30pm Depart from Zhujiajiao Watertown
6:00pm Arrive back at the hotel
Evening at leisure and dinner on your own
Overnight at the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel or similar
DAY 4
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
AM Buffet breakfast at the hotel
8:00am Depart for Long Yang Lu Station
8:45am Ride the Maglev Train
9:30am Visit the Maglev Technology Exhibition Center
10:00am Depart for the Shanghai Tower
10:30am Visit the Shanghai Tower
11:30am Depart for lunch
12:00pm Lunch at the Arc Restaurant
1:30pm Visit the Arts & Crafts Research Institute
3:00pm Visit a silk exhibition hall
4:00pm Embark the cruise ship at the port
General Information
Electricity:
The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC. A transformer is necessary. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, though in the guest rooms usually only 220V sockets are available. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Expected Weather:
In Shanghai, sunny spring days are common in March with occasional light rain. Average high temperature: 15 C / 59 F. Average low temperature: 4 C / 39 F.
What to Bring:
Light warm clothing, a windproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. The attire is casual for the entire program.
Currency:
The Chinese Yuan, denoted by CNY, is the official currency in China. You can use US dollars / Euros/ English pounds in hotels, in friendship stores, to buy items from vendors in the scenic spots, for any optional tours and to tip hotel porters and guides. You cannot use US dollars or other foreign currencies in department stores, small convenience stores, local restaurants or for some street vendors.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A Chinese Visa is required for this program as well as a valid passport with six months remaining until the expiration date is required for entry. Please contact your local embassy or consulate for the latest requirements and application procedures.
Vaccination & Health Regulations:
Guests are responsible for confirming up-to-date vaccination requirements directly with their local embassy or health authority. Please note that visa and vaccination costs are not included in the price of this program.
Hotel Address & Contact:
Peninsula Shanghai Hotel
No.32 The Bund, 32 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai, China
Telephone: +86-21-2327 6601
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
?Hotel accommodation – Deluxe Room at Peninsula Shanghai Hotel in Shanghai or similar standard
?3 breakfasts and 3 lunches served at local restaurants (lunch includes a soft drink, local beer or local mineral water)
?All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program
?Compulsory passenger insurance
?QuietVox Audio System for a sightseeing group of more than 24 passengers. The system consists of a microphone for the guide and a radio receiver for each guest to enhance the experience and improve conditions in which guided tours are conducted.
Program Excludes:
?Any meals and drinks not specified above
?Chinese Visa
?Gratuities for drivers and guides
?Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Hints & Restrictions:
?Restrooms in China vary from having toilets to holes in the floor and their cleanliness standards are not always up to par with those of the western world. You will encounter both types of restroom facilities. It is advisable to have hand sanitizer and extra tissues /toilet paper at all times in case needed.
?The itinerary includes visits to local parks and markets with the intent of showing local life in a natural way. Be aware that the environments or sanitary conditions may not meet your expectations.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
