Beijing (Tianjin)

On this whirlwind adventure, travel from Tianjin to Beijing and then to Xi’an to explore the spectacular icons in two of China’s greatest cities including the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Warriors Museum before returning to the ship in Shanghai.

Special Notes:

•Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

•This program involves walking distances at times over uneven ground. It is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions. Wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated.

•Please advise the RSSC Reservations team when you book this program should you have any special dietary restrictions or requirements. Requests will be sent to our local ground operators for review.

•A Chinese Visa is required for this program – see further below for details. We recommend purchasing a Visa in advance of travel.

Day 1

Disembark the ship in Tianjin and meet your guide before transferring to Beijing, China’s capital city. Upon arrival, your first visit will be to the Temple of Heaven.

Initially built in 1420, this UNESCO World Heritage site is where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for a bumper harvest. The main structure in the vast compound is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a magnificent triple-gabled circular building. Completely wooden, without any nails, it is one of the architectural wonders of ancient China. The Temple of Heaven is also a public park where local people begin their day with such morning activities as playing Tai Chi, singing Peking Opera, or writing Chinese calligraphy.

After a Chinese-style lunch at a local restaurant, continue with a visit to the Forbidden City, home to the emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties and a 250-acre complex of pavilions, halls, courtyards, and gates showcasing some of the most important treasures of China’s imperial past.

Late in the afternoon, you will check into your hotel and for dinner, enjoy the famous Beijing Roast Duck.

Note: The drive to Beijing takes approximately 3 hours. A comfort stop will be made en route. We recommend bringing tissue and hand sanitizer. Due to strict coach parking and drop-off regulations, there is a walk of about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on walking speed, from the coach drop-off area to the Forbidden City.

Day 2

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and take a scenic drive to the Great Wall (Juyongguan Pass), one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the amazing Great Wall which is actually a series of walls first constructed over 2000 years ago in an attempt to ward off northern nomads. Walk on the wall and enjoy the surrounding views before heading to a local restaurant for a Chinese-style lunch. There is an opportunity to shop for souvenirs after lunch.

After lunch, transfer to Beijing Airport for a flight to Xi’an. Light snacks will be served during the flight. Upon arrival in Xi’an, transfer to your hotel for check-in. During the flight you are accompanied by your National Guide. Dinner this evening is on your own with the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Note: Climbing the Great Wall is optional. You will need to climb a series of steps to access it.

Day 3

Following breakfast at the hotel, set out for a picturesque drive to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a repository for thousands of clay soldiers that were buried with China’s first emperor to accompany him in his eternal rest. Considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 7,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses were buried for centuries until excavated in 1974.

The warriors are grouped in battle order, rank by rank, some mounted on horse-drawn chariots and others in infantry groups armed with spears, swords, and crossbows. Each figure was individually created with unique characteristics.

After an incredible visit to see the warriors, enjoy a Chinese-style lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, a visit is made to the Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum, which houses two remarkable bronze chariots and horses, discovered in 1980 near the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), these life-size models are the largest, oldest, and best-preserved bronze artifacts of their kind ever found.

Each chariot consists of over 3,000 components, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship and advanced metallurgical techniques of the time. The chariots were intended to accompany the emperor in the afterlife, reflecting ancient Chinese beliefs and the incredible skill of Qin artisans.

After the museum, transfer to Xi’an Airport for a flight to Shanghai. Dinner will be served on the flight. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to the port where you will rejoin the ship. During the flight you are accompanied by your National Guide.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1

7:30am Disembark the ship in Tianjin, road transfer to Beijing

Comfort stop is made en route

10:30am Visit the Temple of Heaven

12:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant

2:00pm Visit the Forbidden City

4:00pm Depart from the Forbidden City

5:00pm Check-in at your hotel

6:30pm Depart for Roast Duck dinner

8:30pm Return to your hotel

Overnight at China World Hotel or similar

Day 2

AM Breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Drive to the Great Wall (Juyongguan Pass)

9:00am Visit the Great Wall (Juongguan Pass)

11:00am Depart for lunch

11:30am Chinese style lunch at a local restaurant

1:00pm Depart for Beijing International Airport

2:30pm Arrive at Beijing International Airport

4:00pm Flight from Beijing to Xi’an (Flight details TBA and subject to change),light snacks served on the flight

6:15pm Arrive in Xi’an

7:45pm Check-in at your hotel

Dinner on your own

Overnight at the Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel or similar

Day 3

AM Buffet breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Drive to the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum

8:30am Visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum

12:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant

1:00pm Transfer to the Bronze Chariots Museum

1:30pm Visit the Bronze Chariots Museum

2:30pm Transfer to the Xi’an airport

3:30pm Arrival at the airport

5:00pm Flight from Xi’an to Shanghai (Flight details TBA and subject to change. dinner served on the flight

7:15pm Arrive in Shanghai, collect luggage, transfer to the port

8:45pm Approximate arrival at the port, reboard the ship

What to bring:

Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, clothing that can be layered, camera

Note: Power banks will be strictly checked at the airports and could be confiscated if they look dubious.

Note about restrooms:

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 during your travels in China. It is advisable to have hand sanitizer and extra tissues /toilet paper at all times just in case they are required.

Local 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 things from vendors in the scenic spots, to pay for any optional tours and to tip porters of the hotels, tour guides and drivers or whomever you wish to tip. You cannot use US dollars or other foreign currencies in department stores or small convenience stores, local restaurants, or if you try to buy things from some street vendors.

Electricity:

The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC. An adaptor is necessary. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms but we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Luggage allowance for flights:

Guests are permitted to bring free of charge one carryon bag and one piece of check-in luggage although for this short program we recommend guests bring a carryon only, keeping in mind restrictions for liquids and gels and other items not suitable for carryon luggage. Carryon Luggage should not exceed 55x40x20cm (22x16x8 in) in size and 5 kg (11 lbs.) in weight; Check-in luggage should not exceed 100x60x40cm (39x24x16 in) in size and 20kg (44lbs.) in weight. These dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets.

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1.Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) - Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry a POC. Further paperwork may be required by the airline.

2.CPAP Machine NOT being used in flight – please advise RSSC at least 95 days before your cruise if you will bring a CPAP on the internal flight(s) used in this land program. Please supply the make, model, and battery type.

3.CPAP Machine to be used during flight – same as above + a doctor’s note is required mentioning the need to use the machine during flight.

*Guests are required to bring with them any details from the manufacturer regarding the CPAP specifications. While most modern CPAP machines are FAA-approved for in-flight use, having a copy of your manufacturer’s FAA-approval status will help to quickly clear any confusion that may arise.

* Failure to provide the above details in a timely manner may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator will be responsible for.

*Some hotels do not provide distilled water. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, at least 95 days before sailing, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Please keep in mind the rule for liquids in carry-on bags. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.

Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.

*We highly recommend that guests purchase a Chinese Visa in advance for this program.

At this time, China’s 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy allows citizens from 55 eligible countries to enter through designated ports and travel within specific areas without a visa when transiting to a third country which is Japan for this voyage. However, itineraries and Chinese policy can change at any time which is why we highly recommend purchasing a Chinese Visa in advance.

For those comfortable with the risk, guests may apply for the 240-hour Transit Visa while on board. Applicants will be required to declare their passport information with a scanned copy of the passport information page, flight ticket information (provided by our operator), hotel accommodation details during their stay in China, and other relevant information to the Immigration authorities before arrival. The above information shall be compiled by the ship team and forwarded to the Immigration authorities through the port agent.

During the entry inspection at the port, guests will be required to present their original passport, a photocopy of the passport information page, a printed confirmation of the flight ticket (provided by our operator, a printed hotel accommodation confirmation (land program itinerary), and other paper documents as required by Immigration officers, along with a completed paper arrival card which you will receive on board to fill out. Guests will be required to write their mobile phone number on the back of the photocopied passport information page for entry into their system. Guests should be sure their passports have a validity of more than 3 months from date of travel. Final Cruise documents received 21 days before sailing showing the cruise itinerary is also required.

NOTE: Should the itinerary or Visa policy change within 90 days of travel or the 240-hour Visa not be granted for whatever reason given by the Immigration Officials, the program at that point will be non-refundable.

At the time of booking please indicate to your booking agent whether you will apply for a visa in advance or if you will apply for the 240-hour (10 day) Visa. This information must be indicated in the comments of your program extension.

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle, and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.

Aircraft type (subject to change):

Typically Airbus or Boeing

Accommodation:

China World Hotel

1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing 100004, China

Phone: +86-10-6505 2266

Xian

Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel

208 Ci’en East Road, Qujiang New District, Xi'an, Shannxi, China

Phone: 86-29-6821 9999

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes:

•1 night at China World Hotel in Beijing or similar – Deluxe Room

•1 night at the Wyndham Grand Xian South Hotel, or similar – Standard Room

•2 breakfasts, 2 lunches served at a local restaurant (lunch includes a choice of one glass of soft drinks, local beer, or local mineral water), 1 dinner served in-flight, and 1 Roast Duck dinner in Beijing

•All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per program

•Compulsory passenger insurance

•QuiteVox Audio System for groups over 10 guests during sightseeing. (Consists of a microphone for the guide and a radio receiver for each guest to enhance guests’ experience and improve conditions in which guided tours are conducted)

•Economy class flights from Beijing to Xi’an to Shanghai – direct flights not guaranteed

•A National Guide to accompany the group throughout the program from Beijing to Shanghai

Program Excludes:

•Any meals and drinks not specified above

•Gratuities to drivers and tour guides

•Hotel incidentals including laundry, mini bar, and room service

•Excess or overweight luggage fees on flights

•Chinese Visa

Please note: 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. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

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.