HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA - JOURNEY FOR WOMEN ITINERARY:
SEPTEMBER 26, 2008
Board an overnight flight to Beijing. In Flight
SEPTEMBER 27, 2008 Beijing
Your Abercrombie & Kent representative (holding a yellow A&K
signboard) waits for your arrival in the Baggage Claim area of
Beijing's airport to transfer you to your hotel. Your day is
free to explore the cultural and historic heart of modern China
that still retains the atmosphere of its imperial past.
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing
SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 Beijing
Begin your guided tour of Beijing in Tiananmen Square, the
largest public plaza on earth. Lying in the center of the main
city, Tiananmen Square holds deep and divided meaning to most
Chinese. On any given day, thousands of visitors gather to walk,
chat or enjoy the panoramic view of the monuments that surround
the square. Stroll past the Great Hall of the People, the Museum
of Natural History and the Revolution, the Mausoleum of the late
Chairman Mao Zedong and the monument that commemorates the
revolutionists who died in the struggle to create modern China.
For nearly 500 years the Forbidden City (today the National
Palace Museum) was the imperior residence of the emperors and
their families. Walk through the Forbidden City to many of the
halls and galleries. Notice the purple walls that represented
the imperial status of the inhabitants. In the late 18th century
as many as 100,000 people including servants, soldiers and
attendants lived in the palace. After lunch, journey to a more
tranquil setting. Cruise around the shores of Kunming Lake and
stop at the Summer Palace, where a long breezeway takes you to
the Marble Boat, a model of a ship constructed for the emperor
Qianlong in the late 18th century. Join Abercrombie & Kent and a
leading female journalist for a welcome dinner and talk about
the role of women in China today. Ritz-Carlton Beijing B,
L, D
SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 Beijing
China's Great Wall has been built up in myth and legend for
years, but one standard never changes: the views are remarkable
from this great wonder of the world. You see it from the
less-visited Mutianyu section and have the option to ascend by
cable car or the traditional route of a 1,156-step climb. This
afternoon, meet Megan Connolly, a research fellow at the Asian
Art Archives, for an engaging look at women in art and design in
China today. This evening, you may wish to partake of the
optional visit to the Peking Opera, which has its roots in
southern China and was adopted by the Qing court in the 19th
century. The most striking difference between Chinese and
Western opera is in the make-up that defines the Chinese
performers. Elaborate patterns and colors denote the personality
of the characters, and an observant audience can tell the "good
guys" from the "bad guys" by the design and color of their
make-up. Voice control, body movements and hand and head
movements are also a very important part of this art form.
(Please note: This is an optional excursion and not included in
your tour price. This excursion is also subject to availability
and prices are subject to change.) Ritz-Carlton Beijing B, L
SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 Beijing/Xian
The Chinese are known for their ancient wooden buildings that
were constructed without the help of a single nail. Visit one of
them this morning, the aesthetically pleasing and deeply
symbolic Temple of Heaven. The emperor used to visit twice a
year, once to offer thanks for a successful harvest and then to
ask that the coming harvest be blessed as well. With its unique
circular shape, azure blue roof and intricate gold inlay work,
the Temple of Heaven has been called the single most outstanding
example of ancient Chinese architecture. Then fly to Xian and
transfer to your hotel. You have the option this evening to
attend a performance of the Tang Dynasty Show, a recreation of a
thousand-year-old Chang'an music and dance spectacle that
chronicles life in Xian during this period.
(Please note: This is an optional excursion and not included in
your tour price. This excursion is also subject to availability
and prices are subject to change).
Shangri-La Hotel B, L
OCTOBER 01, 2008 Xian
Explore the greatest archaeological site in China: the Terra
Cotta Warriors and Horses Dig. This most exciting find of the
20th century consists of three distinct dig "pits" that date
back to the second century BC. The current dig is made up
entirely of military figures said to represent ancient Chinese
military might and part of the mausoleum of the first emperor of
the Qin Dynasty. After lunch, make a stop at the Shaanxi
Provincial Museum that celebrates the tremendous achievements of
Shaanxi province, recognized as one of the cradles of Chinese
civilization. Wander past collections of ancient sandstone and
granite animal figures, Tang Dynasty stone friezes, bronzes,
Neolithic pottery and jewelry. Then move on to the Small Wild
Goose Pagoda, a fine example of early Buddhist architecture from
the seventh century. Meet with a museum specialist to learn
about the rule of the great Tan Empress Wu Zetian (690-705), the
only woman to rule outright as emperor. Shangri-La Hotel B, L
OCTOBER 02, 2008 Xian/Chongqing/Yangzi River
Travel to the ancient city gate for picturesque views of the old
city. The current wall dates to the 14th-century Ming Dynasty
and served as effective protection against attack when Xian was
under siege by hostile warlord armies in the 1920s. At the Han
Yangling excavation site, visit the ongoing archaeological dig
that has yielded a unique cache of female warriors, the first
evidence of female soldiers serving in the imperial rank.
Observe the small collection of discoveries from Han Dynasty
tombs when you visit the Yangling Museum. While the actual
imperial tomb of the emperor Jindgi and chief consort has yet to
be opened, archaeologists have excavated more than 20 satellite
tombs that have yielded a treasure trove of exquisite funerary
pieces. Then fly to Chongqing and join your guide for a city
tour that includes the Stilwell Museum, dedicated to American
General Joseph Stilwell who was commander-in-chief in World War
II's China-Burma-Indian theater. Then head to Loquat (Pipa)
Hill, where locals come to drink tea, play cards or chess, strum
guitars or wander through the gardens and stop at either
Chongqing Zoo or the local market. The highlight of your journey
is the Yangzi River cruise through the picturesque Three Gorges
region. Board the deluxe 'Yanzi Explorer' river cruiser and
begin the downstream course. This evening, walk up to the
rooftop deck for stunning nighttime views of Chongqing, when
thousands of glittering lights illuminate the sky and enrich the
beauty of the Three Gorges. Please Note: Cruising itineraries
are subject to last minute changes due to weather and other
unpredictable situations. Your ship's director and tour escort
will keep you informed of any changes to your scheduled
itinerary as they occur.
During your cruise you stop to visit with a rural farm family to
learn about the life of women in farming communities, and Tour
Director Mei Wah Chao shows her award-winning documentary China
in Revolution, showcasing the role women played in China's
pivotal years, 1900-1949. 'Yangzi Explorer' B, L, D
OCTOBER 03, 2008 Yangzi River
Disembark in Fengdu, a river town affected by the Three Gorges
Dam Project. Often called "the town of ghosts," tradition holds
that whenever a person dies, regardless of nationality or
religion, his or her spirit journeys to Fengdu. While you're
here, visit Snowy Jade Cave and drive around the city for a
panoramic tour of landmarks in this city that is also known as
the "abode of devils" for the landmark shrines and temples
dedicated to the gods of the underworld. Return to the ship and
continue toward the first of the Three Gorges, the mighty Qutang
Gorge. ' Yangzi Explorer' B, L, D
OCTOBER 04, 2008 Yangzi River
'Yangzi Explorer' enters the Qutang Gorge, the narrowest stretch
of the river on your cruise itinerary, through the majestic Kui
Men. These two imposing cliffs resemble a towering door into
some other world destination and is so famous a scene that its
image appears on a Chinese banknote. The ship then begins the
course of the scenic Gorges region, a source of inspiration to
countless painters, poets, travellers and scholars. Pass the
mountain landscapes of Wu ("Witches") Gorge to Badon, a bustling
river port that lies at the confluence of the Yangzi and the
Shennong Xi Rivers. Disembark here to board longboats poled by
Tujia boatmen, the traditional mariners of the great junks.
While many visitors to the Yangzi have heard of the Daning River
excursion to view the Lesser Gorges, the Shennong Stream
excursion is relatively new. This region of Hubei province has
only been open to foreign travel in the last 15 years, allowing
fortunate visitors an opportunity to see a side of China rarely
seen by either foreign travellers or Chinese citizens. The
scenery is unrivaled anywhere along the middle course of the
river. Crystalline waters, rich forest and towering rock
formations mark the landscape that has remained literally
unaltered for thousands of years. The Shennong region is also
home to several species of endangered flora and fauna including
the elusive golden hair monkey and many varieties of medicinal
plants. After some time on your own to explore the shore, return
to the ship for its passage through the majestic Xiling Gorge,
the longest of the three. One of the most memorable passages is
through the Yellow Ox Gorge (Huangniu Xia), where the river
widens and sweeps under the Huangling Temple that stands amid
groves of orange and pomelo trees. Then stop at the site of the
Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest dam construction project.
'Yangzi Explorer' B, L, D
OCTOBER 05, 2008 Yangzi River/Yichang/Shanghai
Disembark and return to the site of the Three Gorges Dam
Project. Ascend to the highest point above the project for some
panoramic views of the site, then see a scale model of the
finished project with a comprehensive description of each phase
of construction. Finally, stop near the ship locks to observe
the current phase's progress. Travel overland to Yichang for a
city tour (time permitting) that includes a visit to People's
Square before you board a flight to Shanghai. Portman
Ritz-Carlton B, L
OCTOBER 06, 2008 Shanghai
Join noted Shanghai architect and historian Ann Warr for an
architectural tour of the city. Pause for lunch at a local
restaurant to meet with a small group of Shanghai businesswomen
and cultural leaders. Afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to
the Urban Planning Museum, showcasing urban development. This
modern five-story building is constructed of microlite and its
u-shaped mezzanine is divided into exhibits of colonial and
contemporary Shanghai. Your next stop is at the Shanghai Museum,
housing a stunning collection of Shang and Zhou period bronze
artifacts (16th century - seventh century BC), as well as an
extensive exhibition of Ming porcelain. This evening, enjoy a
thrilling performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Circus.
Portman Ritz-Carlton B, L
OCTOBER 07, 2008 Shanghai/Zhujajiao/Shanghai
As you approach Zhujajiao, a tranquil ancient town on the
southern side of the Yangzi River, notice the crisscross of
canals spanned by 14 stone arch bridges. Observe traditional
houses that date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties that are
connected by xiang (narrow alley passages). Return to Shanghai
this afternoon to meet Yu Sai Khan, the city's most successful
female entrepreneur. In addition to being a successful
television host, she is the owner of China's largest cosmetic
and beauty company. Visit her World of Yu Sai flagship lifestyle
store. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a
farewell dinner. Portman Ritz-Carlton B, L, D
OCTOBER 08, 2008 Shanghai/USA or Canada
Board your homebound flight. B
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