Shanghai

Shanghai, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta in East China, is the largest city of the People's Republic of China and the ninth largest in the world. Widely regarded as the citadel of China's modern economy, the city also serves as one of the most important cultural, commercial, financial, industrial and communications centers of China. Shanghai is also one of the world's busiest ports, and became the largest cargo port in the world in 2005.

The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.

Art of Shanghai
Tour Code: SHA-4812
Duration: 4 hours
Retail Value: $69.00
Price: Free

Discover the uniquely spectacular art and architecture of Shanghai during this half-day tour of the Jade Buddha Temple and the Shanghai Arts and Crafts Research Institute.

Depart the pier for the drive to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the most renowned Buddhist temples in China. Built in 1882 to house two jade Buddha statues brought back from Burma by the monk Huigen, the temple was rebuilt in 1918, and is easily identified by its bright saffron walls. During your inside visit, you will view the 6-foot tall white jade Buddha that is seated, and encrusted with jewels. Although they are not all on display, artifacts abound here, and some 7,000 Buddhist sutra line the walls.

Next, you will proceed for a visit to the Arts and Crafts Research Institute, located in a lovely former French bourgeois villa situated in what was once the French Concession area. Established in 1956, the Institute is the first center in Shanghai to focus on the comprehensive study of traditional Chinese folk arts and crafts. When first opened, the Institute had only twelve veteran craftsmen. Today, five decades later, it is staffed with over 160 skilled artisans. The Institute is active in the comprehensive research of woolen needlepoint work, silk embroidery, knitting, boxwood and lacquer-ware carving, jade and ivory carving, fancy lantern making, and many other art forms.

Following your tour, you will rejoin your coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.

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Terms & Conditions:

Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.