Wonders of China

Arrive and check in to your hotel. Beijing dates back more than 3,000 years and was a grand imperial capital from the 10th century until it became the capital of the new Communist nation in 1949. It is inarguably China's historic and cultural center, a massive repository where modern life thrives amid the reverential tone of enormous monuments to the past, from the sprawling Forbidden City to the serpentine Great Wall. Beijing also exudes an intimate side, found among the quiet warrens of hutongs. These tidy residential pockets recall the Peking of old and bring visitors back to China at its most authentic.

The arts thrive in Beijing, embracing traditions that date back centuries. Peking Opera is considered one of the highest expressions of Chinese culture, and critical to any performance are the music and lyrics. More than 140 museums further celebrate Beijing's and China's arts and history, from the National Art Museum of China to the Beijing Museum of Natural History. The city is also the gateway to several sections of the ancient Great Wall, including the stunning ramparts that snake their way over the steep hills of Huangyaguan and the well-preserved bulwarks at Badaling.

Beijing is a dynamic and captivating metropolis, rich in diversity and history. Its position as an imperial capital and its role as a political, economic and educational center have attracted people from across China and Asia for centuries. Predominantly Han Chinese, the city is also home to a substantial population of Hui Muslims, Manchu, Mongol, Korean and other ethnic minorities. These groups have with them their traditions, languages and cuisines, creating a vibrant fusion of cultures that permeates the city, from its historic hutongs to modern skyscrapers.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Beijing and transfer to the airport for your flight.

Upon arrival, meet your Viking Representative and transfer to your ship. China's largest city and one of the world's most important ports, Shanghai began as a fishing village 5,000 years ago. Long a draw for people from around the world, it has a history of being an open-minded city with a freewheeling character. Today, it is a modern metropolis and center of finance that orbits around its famous Bund, the elegant riverfront promenade overlooked by colonial-era banks and trading houses. Shanghai's old quarter retains the narrow lanes and street markets of yore. The renowned Shanghai Museum contains a wonderful collection of ancient Chinese art.

Straddling the west bank of Huangpu River, Shanghai's historic Bund provides sweeping views of the city's past and future. Elegant colonial architecture overlooks the famous walkway, from the neo-Renaissance Union Building to the grand Customs House. On the river's opposite bank, the skyline of Lujiazui in the Pudong District points Shanghai toward tomorrow. The Oriental Pearl Tower boasts a space-age design with its pair of orbs. Other skyscrapers, including the pagoda-like Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, are among the world's tallest buildings.

The East China Sea is a vital maritime route for international trade and fishing, connecting China, Japan and South Korea. Its history is entwined with regional cultural exchange, shaping the area's heritage and identity. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Zhoushan has an ancient connection to the sea. A coastal city, it is located on the largest island in its namesake archipelago, which encompasses nearly 1,400 islands of varying size and more than 3,000 reefs. The surrounding waters of the East China Sea are renowned for their biodiversity, teeming with an array of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. From its early days as a traditional fishing community, it has evolved into one of China's most important ports and a prominent fishing center, supplying not only the domestic demand but also the international market.

Dongtou is a district in the southern Zhejiang province, the largest of a 168-island archipelago in the East China Sea. It has a strong fishing tradition, and many of its coastal villages are home to colorful fishing boats anchored just offshore. The picturesque district is also renowned for its peculiar rock formations; formed as the result of years of erosion by the elements, they provide an otherworldly and captivating backdrop. The district's most iconic landmark is Wanghai, a temple with more than 1,500 years of history.

Pingtan is located off the southern tip of Fuzhou, across the strait from Taiwan. The largest island in the Fujian province and the fifth-largest China, it straddles the boundary between the East and South China Seas. Known as the 'Maldives of China,' Pingtan is renowned for its beautiful coastal scenery, including pristine beaches, clear waters and numerous undersea reefs. Offshore, various weathered granite sea stacks dot the coast, the product of eons of erosion by the sea. Long a center for fishing, Pingtan is now a popular destination during the summer months.

Xiamen straddles the islands at the mouth of the Jiulong River and boasts picturesque colonial architecture. One of China's most fascinating cities, it is graced by salty sea breezes, rocky promontories and gleaming glass towers. Xiamen has been largely influenced by the Hoklo people. Han Chinese whose ancestors hail from this Fujian province, they continue to hand down their own unique dialect and cultural traditions. The city's Nanputuo Temple complex, a sacred Buddhist temple, is one of China's most revered and attracts pilgrims from all corners of the nation.

The South China Sea has been one of the world's major trade routes for centuries. Today, one-third of the world's maritime shipping passes through its waters, which are also rich fishing grounds and potential energy resources. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Nicknamed China's 'Silicon Valley,' the modern metropolis of Shenzhen is a symbol of the country's rapid economic growth and reform. Since the late 1970s, Shenzhen has transformed from a small fishing village into a global technological and financial hub. Today, it is home to numerous tech giants, startups and research institutions, making it a center for innovation, electronics manufacturing and the global technology industry. A diverse cityscape features futuristic skyscrapers, while its proximity to bustling Hong Kong imparts an international flavor to the city.

After breakfast, disembark your ship in Shenzhen and transfer to Hong Kong International Airport for your flight.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your Viking Representative. Located on the edge of the fertile Red Basin, Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province in southwest China. More than 2,000 years old, it is thought to be the birthplace of the world's first widely circulated paper money, so it is no surprise that today it is a modern center of economic, transportation and communication activities. Silk brocade, cotton, wool and satin are still produced here as they have been for centuries. Another tradition, taking tea in a traditional teahouse over a rousing game of mahjong, also still thrives throughout the land.

This evening, enjoy time at your leisure at your hotel.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Chengdu and transfer to the airport for your flight.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your Viking Representative. Known as the 'City of the Sun,' Lhasa is the economic, spiritual and cultural center of Tibet. The city rests at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet. Its most notable building is the iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A masterpiece of Tibetan and Han Chinese design, it is a showcase of white exterior walls, red-painted woodwork and imposing golden roofs set atop Marp Ri ('Red Hill'). The former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, it remains the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism; its Red Palace is the final resting place eight Dalai Lamas.

This evening, enjoy time at your leisure at your hotel.

Lhasa is nestled on the picturesque, elevated Tibetan Plateau, nicknamed the 'Roof of the World.' An enchanting land, it is a mix of grasslands, highland plains and forests. However, the views are dominated by majestic, snow-capped mountain peaks—the famous Himalayas loom high in the south and the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains in the north, combining to create a stunning panorama. The Lhasa River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, meanders through the valley, which is also dotted with pristine alpine lakes, including the sacred blue waters of the Yamdrok and Namtso.

Tibet is home to some of the world's tallest peaks, including Mt. Everest. Straddling the border of Nepal and Tibet, it is the Earth's highest point at 29,035 feet and is considered one of mountaineering's ultimate challenges. The history of conquering Everest dates to the early 20th century, with numerous attempts and several tragic failures. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay successfully summited in 1953, marking a historic achievement. Since then, Everest has drawn climbers from around the world, becoming an iconic symbol of exploration and human achievement.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Lhasa and transfer to the airport for your flight.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your Viking Representative. Xian's history stretches back more than 3,100 years. The capital of China for 12 imperial dynasties, the city reached its peak during the glorious Tang Dynasty. Once one of the world's biggest and richest cities, and rivaling Egypt and Greece as the birthplace of civilization, Xian sat at the terminus of the fabled Silk Road. The city is encircled by the most complete ancient city wall in China. With deep moats all around, the wall has four gates and is more than 90 miles long. Most famously, thousands of ancient Terra Cotta Warriors were unearthed nearby in 1974.

This evening, enjoy time at your leisure at your hotel.

Xian's historical, cultural and architectural importance extends beyond its connection to the fabled Silk Road and the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. This rich heritage is on display at the Shaanxi History Museum, home to a treasure trove of more than 370,000 valuable Chinese relics and artifacts. The city's religious diversity can be seen at the monumental Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist shrine and pilgrimage destination, and the 14th-century Great Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that combines Chinese and Islamic design elements.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Xian and transfer to the airport for your flight.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your Viking Representative. Beijing is renowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine, its culinary traditions a delicious mix of Chinese flavors and regional influences. Some iconic dishes include Peking duck and Mongolian hot pot, as well as jianbing (savory crepes), and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste). Beijing's food scene also offers a wide range of street food, from grilled skewers to traditional snacks like baozi (steamed buns). The city's historic hutongs are a great place to explore authentic culinary experiences, with local eateries serving up mouthwatering regional specialties.

This evening, enjoy time at your leisure at your hotel.

The expansive cityscape of Beijing is a juxtaposition of ancient and modern elements, offering a dynamic and visually captivating mix that reflects the Chinese capital's role as a global economic and cultural hub. The city has undergone remarkable transformation in recent decades. The Beijing National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, is a striking symbol of contemporary architecture. Skyscrapers, such as the iconic China Zun and the CCTV Headquarters, punctuate the skyline, while modern, avant-garde designs coexist with traditional courtyard homes in the city's hutongs. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and journey home.