Shanghai, China - Far East Cruises

Sit back and relax during the scenic drive to the Garden City of Suzhou. The Garden of the Humble Administrators was built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty and it is considered one of the four finest classical gardens in all of China. As you stroll through the garden’s three parts – the Eastern, Middle and Western you will see the extraordinary fusion of nature, art and architecture that evokes the serenity of a Chinese painting.

Suzhou has long been famous for its silk industry, especially its silk embroidery. The Silk Embroidery Research Institute was opened to preserve traditional methods and to research new techniques. This Institute has done superb work in hair embroidery and petit point, but the most widely executed types are single and double faced work and modern cross-stitch. There will be a chance to purchase souvenirs at the end of your visit.

A delicious Chinese luncheon will be served in a local hotel before an exclusive cruise on the Grand Canal. Sail along the largest man-made waterway, view classic Chinese architecture and glimpse at the lifestyle of the people living along its banks. A brief photograph stop will be made at the Pan Gate which dates back some 2,500 years, when it was the only entrance to a wall that surrounded the city.



This tour will operate by coach, boat and on foot. The drive to Suzhou is approximately 2½ hours. There is approximately 2 hours of walking during the tour.

One of the main highlights of Shanghai is the Yu Garden and Old Town area. Take a stroll around the Yu-Yuan Garden, a place of peace and tranquility in the heart of a bustling city. The Gardens date back to the fabled Ming Dynasty and were named 'Yu-Yuan' as ‘yu’ in Chinese means 'peace and health'. The Old Town area, with its vibrant markets, has been one of the city’s most popular gathering places for years. Take a moment to absorb the unique atmosphere as you wander through the small bazaar.

Your tour continues to visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Built in the style of the Song Dynasty, this popular Temple is graced with upturned eaves, bright yellow walls and symmetrical halls and courtyards. Gaze upon the revered 6½ foot-high, 455-pound Buddha statue made of white jade and precious gems. Originally brought to Shanghai from Burma, it is a sight to behold.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that the tour of the Garden and Old Town will be conducted on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking involved in this tour, including some steps at the Garden and Temple. Shopping time has not been allocated, other than during the visit to the Old Town. The lighting in the Temple is low, care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Temple buildings.

The Jinmao Hyatt Building is one of the tallest skyscrapers in China. Completed in 2001, it is a soaring monument to Shanghai’s economic boom and its gently tapered design embodies China’s history and culture. Take the express elevator to the 88th floor observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Drive through the under-river tunnel to the Yu Garden and Old Town area and during a guided walking tour, explore the narrow alleys and cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town. Traverse the zigzag bridge and see the charming pavilion teahouse. The highlight of your visit is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden home with traditional halls and pavilions.

Enjoy a Chinese luncheon at local restaurant before transferring to the Shanghai Museum located in downtown Shanghai, where you will start your independent exploration. From here, The Grand Theatre, Shanghai Art Gallery, People’s Square and Nanjing Road Shopping Street are all within walking distance. You’ll have approximately 3 hours to explore the city on your own.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking involved in the guided part of this tour. Please pay careful attention to the pick-up point and time as coaches cannot be held for latecomers. It is recommended that you take Chinese Yuan on this excursion. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

An air-conditioned car with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made. Cars will take up to two guests. Take a guided walking tour exploring the narrow alleys and cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town. Traverse the zigzag bridge and see the charming pavilion teahouse. As well as some shopping time in the Old Town, the highlight of your stop here is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden home with traditional halls and pavilions. Enjoy a family-style Chinese luncheon at a hotel in the city. Visit the Shanghai Museum, one of this city’s foremost treasures. Its collection of 110,000 historical objects and 430,000 reference pieces enjoy worldwide fame. No visit to Shanghai would be complete without seeing the wonderful Jade Buddha Temple, featuring a priceless Buddha statue carved from one piece of white jade.The temple was built in the Song Dynasty and is still an active venue for Buddhist events. Inspired by the widow of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the Children’s Palace is dedicated to furthering the talents of gifted children, allowing them to pursue their talents in music, dance, science, art and more. Meet these gifted young people and observe their many talents and skills.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one ticket per party should be booked and the full cost will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Enjoy a walking tour exploring the narrow alleys and cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town. Traverse the zigzag bridge and see the charming pavilion teahouse. As well as some shopping time in the Old Town, the highlight of your stop here is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden home with traditional halls and pavilions.

Whilst the sun is setting over the city, you will be taken to a local restaurant to enjoy an authentic Chinese dinner.

Then it’s time to admire Shanghai by night, as you head to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. This 468 meters tower is the world's third tallest TV and radio tower. Even more alluring than its height is the tower's unique architectural design. The base of the tower is supported by three seven-meter wide slanting stanchions. Surrounding the 11 steel spheres that are 'strung' vertically through the center of the tower are three nine- meter wide columns. There are three large spheres including the top sphere, known as the space module. The entire structure rests on rich green grassland and gives the appearance of pearls shining on a jade plate. Located in the tower’s pedestal is the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, a wonderful introduction to the city's and an insight into what life was like before private cars and skyscrapers.

An evening in Shanghai wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the Pearl’s Observation Decks to admire the panoramic views of the cities stunning illuminations.



This tour operates by coach and on foot. There is approximately 3½ hours of walking on this tour, including some steps and inclines. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. Delays can be experienced boarding the lift to the observation deck, due to its popularity. There will be some time given to purchase souvenirs and postcards at the shop in the TV Tower.

An air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made. Minivans will take up to four guests. One of the main highlights of Shanghai is the Yu Garden and Old Town area. Take a stroll around the Yu-Yuan Garden, a place of peace and tranquility in the heart of a bustling city. The Gardens date back to the fabled Ming Dynasty and were named 'Yu-Yuan' as ‘yu’ in Chinese means 'peace and health'. The Old Town area, with its vibrant markets, has been one of the city’s most popular gathering places for years. Take a moment to absorb the unique atmosphere as you wander through the small bazaar. Your tour continues to visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Built in the style of the Song Dynasty, this popular Temple is graced with upturned eaves, bright yellow walls and symmetrical halls and courtyards. Gaze upon the revered 6½ foot-high, 455-pound Buddha statue made of white jade and precious gems. Originally brought to Shanghai from Burma, it is a sight to behold.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one ticket per party should be booked and the full cost will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.
Guests are advised that the tour of the Garden and Old Town will be conducted on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking involved in this tour, including some steps at the Garden and Temple. Shopping time has not been allocated, other than during the visit to the Old Town. The lighting in the Temple is low, care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Temple buildings.

An air-conditioned car with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made. Cars will take up to 2 guests. One of the main highlights of Shanghai is the Yu Garden and Old Town area. Take a stroll around the Yu-Yuan Garden, a place of peace and tranquility in the heart of a bustling city. The Gardens date back to the fabled Ming Dynasty and were named 'Yu-Yuan' as ‘yu’ in Chinese means 'peace and health'. The Old Town area, with its vibrant markets, has been one of the city’s most popular gathering places for years. Take a moment to absorb the unique atmosphere as you wander through the small bazaar. Your tour continues to visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Built in the style of the Song Dynasty, this popular Temple is graced with upturned eaves, bright yellow walls and symmetrical halls and courtyards. Gaze upon the revered 6½ foot-high, 455-pound Buddha statue made of white jade and precious gems. Originally brought to Shanghai from Burma, it is a sight to behold.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one ticket per party should be booked and the full cost will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour. Guests are advised that the tour of the Garden and Old Town will be conducted on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking involved in this tour, including some steps at the Garden and Temple. Shopping time has not been allocated, other than during the visit to the Old Town. The lighting in the Temple is low, care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Temple buildings.

Drive from the port area of Shanghai to Pudong Longyanglu Station, your boarding point for the famous Maglev Train. Maglev, short for ‘magnetic levitation’, whisks you off to nearby Pudong Airport using groundbreaking technology. Without the friction of wheels or rails, the innovative train reaches speeds of 267 miles per hour, making it the fastest transportation on land.

Return to Longyanglu Station at record speed and continue your insight into the future with a visit to the Jinmao Hyatt Building, an impressive 88-floor skyscraper. Jinmao Hyatt is one of the tallest buildings in China, a soaring monument to Shanghai’s economic boom. Completed in 2001, this building’s gently tapered design embodies China’s history and culture. Take the express elevator to the observation floor at the top of the building to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. On your return journey you will have chance to photograph Oriental Pearl TV Tower, standing at 1,536 feet this makes it the worlds’ third tallest TV tower.

This excursion will operate by coach and on train. There will be a brief time for shopping at the Hyatt Building to purchase souvenirs and postcards. Guests must be able to negotiate steps onto and off the bus and train. Delays can be expected prior to boarding the lift to the observation floor due to its popularity.

Take in the interesting sights during your 90-minute coach ride to Zhujiajiao. En route, visit the Tianhou Silk Factory. Your guide will show you through the workshops and explain how silk is made. There will also be an opportunity to shop for silk products and gifts in the factory’s gift store.

The ancient town of Zhujiajiao is well known throughout China as its history dates back over 1,700 years. Endowed with the elegant name ‘Pearl Stream’, the little town of Zhujiajiao is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in the area. Old bridges, bubbling streams and willow trees add to the allure of this small water town. A typical Chinese style luncheon will be served in a local restaurant.

En route back to Shanghai you will visit the Qicai Silk Factory. Walk with your guide through the workshops and listen as they explain the silk making process. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to shop for silk products and gifts in the factory’s gift shop.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The surfaces in Zhujiajiao are very rough and uneven with cobbled streets and steps. There is approximately 2-2½ hours of walking involved on this tour. The gift store at Qicai Silk Factory will accept major credit cards and foreign currency. Some shops accept US Dollars, however it is advisable to take Chinese Yuan.

Enjoy a Shanghai-style dinner at a local restaurant, before joining the Shanghai Acrobatic Troup for a breath-taking performance. The troupe was founded almost half a century ago and is renowned in international circus acrobatic circles. In an exuberant 1½ hour long performance that combines breathtaking acrobatics, martial arts, enchanting music, and spectacular lighting and set design, the award-winning troupe captures a celebration of ancient and modern Chinese culture. The 40-member company includes phenomenal gymnasts, dancers and jugglers who focus their bodies and minds to work in perfect harmony. Following the show, enjoy a drive along the Bund, to see the city’s glittering night lights.

This tour will operate by coach and on foot. The dress code for the evening is smart casual.

After an exhilarating one hour bullet train ride from Shanghai you will arrive in the city that the great explorer Marco Polo considered ‘the most beautiful and elegant city in the world’- Hangzhou. The capital of Zhejiang Province is scattered with beautiful gardens, lavish temples and the scenic West Lake. Lingyin Temple is one of the largest temples in China and the name translates into English as ‘The Temple of Souls Retreat’. Explore some of the 70, elaborately decorated, halls of worship that once housed over 3,000 monks. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Chinese luncheon served in a local hotel. After luncheon, you’ll board your exclusive boat to cruise on the West Lake. West Lake has long been considered one of the scenic wonders of China and is situated at the heart of Hangzhou. Surrounded by gentle green hills, the lake’s willow-shaded causeways and fragrant cover of lotus blossoms have long been an inspiration for artists. A unique visit to the Chinese Medicine Museum will allow you to experience the healing traditions and different aspects of this ancient field of study. The Museum was built on the foundations of an ancient traditional Chinese Pharmacy and you’ll see examples of over 3,000 years of study and texts written before the second Century BC detailing lists of herbal remedies still used in the present day.

This tour will operate by coach, bullet train, boat and on foot. The drive to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is approximately 1½ hours. There is approximately 3½ hours of walking on this tour.

Take a guided walking tour exploring the narrow alleys and cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town. Traverse the zigzag bridge and see the charming pavilion teahouse. As well as some shopping time in the Old Town, the highlight of your stop here is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden home with traditional halls and pavilions. Enjoy a family-style Chinese luncheon at a hotel in the city. No visit to Shanghai would be complete without seeing the wonderful Jade Buddha Temple, featuring a priceless Buddha statue carved from one piece of white jade.The temple was built in the Song Dynasty and is still an active venue for Buddhist events. Visit the Shanghai Museum, one of this city’s foremost treasures. Its collection of 110,000 historical objects and 430,000 reference pieces enjoy worldwide fame. Your last stop is the Qicai Silk Factory. Visit their workshops and learn the secret of how silk is made and have a chance to shop in their gift shop for silk garments, home accessories, carpet and souvenirs.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 3½ hours of walking on this tour, including some steps and inclines. The Jade Buddha is displayed on the second floor of the Temple. Should you wish to purchase any art and craft items at the Qicai Silk Factory, it is recommended you take Chinese Yuan. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. The lighting in the Temple is low, and care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Museum and Temple buildings.

Take a ride through the Bund, Shanghai’s old town waterfront. This area was formerly the financial hub of colonial Shanghai and showcases outstanding examples of foreign buildings from the pre-1950’s.

You will drive through the under-river tunnel to the Pudong Economic Area, glimpsing the contrasts between old quarters and modern developments. Stop for photographs at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, considered by some to be one of the most vulgar structures in the East.

Next pass by the Jinmao Hyatt Building, one of the tallest building in China, featuring 88 floors of shimmering glass and steel. Take the express elevator to the observation floor on the top of the building for amazing views of the sprawling city of Shanghai.

Stop at People’s Square, located on the site of an English colonial racecourse. Long considered the city’s commercial, cultural and political hub, People’s Square is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity to people-watch, take a short stroll or photograph the surrounding sights.

Return to the ship via the French Quarter, a former residential area for French colonists.


This excursion will operate by coach. Guests not wishing to take the high speed lift to the top of the Hyatt tower may remain on board the coach. Delays can be expected prior to boarding the lift to the observation floor due to its popularity. Walking at People's Square is optional. The tour sequence may vary depending on traffic conditions in Shanghai.

An air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made. Minivans will take up to four guests. Take a guided walking tour exploring the narrow alleys and cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town. Traverse the zigzag bridge and see the charming pavilion teahouse. As well as some shopping time in the Old Town, the highlight of your stop here is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden home with traditional halls and pavilions. Enjoy a family-style Chinese luncheon at a hotel in the city. Visit the Shanghai Museum, one of this city’s foremost treasures. Its collection of 110,000 historical objects and 430,000 reference pieces enjoy worldwide fame. No visit to Shanghai would be complete without seeing the wonderful Jade Buddha Temple, featuring a priceless Buddha statue carved from one piece of white jade.The temple was built in the Song Dynasty and is still an active venue for Buddhist events. Inspired by the widow of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the Children’s Palace is dedicated to furthering the talents of gifted children, allowing them to pursue their talents in music, dance, science, art and more. Meet these gifted young people and observe their many talents and skills.

There is approximately 3½ hours of walking on this tour, including some steps and inclines. The Jade Buddha is displayed on the second floor of the Temple. Should you wish to purchase any art and craft items at the Children’s Palace, it is recommended you take Chinese Yuan. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. The lighting in the Temple is low, and care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Museum and Temple buildings.

There is approximately 3½ hours of walking on this tour, including some steps and inclines. The Jade Buddha is displayed on the second floor of the Temple. Should you wish to purchase any art and craft items at the Children’s Palace, it is recommended you take Chinese Yuan. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. The lighting in the Temple is low, and care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Museum and Temple buildings.