Viking China (Part 2)

[Chloe's mom]

I was on Imperial Jewels this year, in April/May. Summer Palace is now an optional, additional cost tour that is offered on the afternoon of the day the group visits the Forbidden City. I don't know why, but the escorts actively discourage people from signing up for the Summer Palace tour. I heard them telling people that it's not necessary to go there, because it's similar to the Forbidden City (which is not true). They also said that it's not possible to visit the Summer Palace and also go to the opera, which is also not true. I think the guides do a real disservice to their groups by discouraging people from seeing the Summer Palace. In fact, if one had to skip something, I would skip the opera, since it's possible to see Chinese opera in the U S, but you actually have to go the Summer Palace to experience it.

[Bruin Steve]

On our tour, the people on the OPTIONAL Summer Palace tour were just getting back to the hotel as we were heading to dinner. They said they felt as though they were rushed through the Summer Palace as some on the tour had signed up for both that and the opera...

 

Okay, yesterday, we were taken to the Hutongs and had a pedi-cab tour (I think I said "rickshaw" in the last post...but meant pedi-cab)...then a visit to a local home in the hutongs where the daughter made hand-painted snuff bottles which were for sail...a visit to the bell/drum tower tea room for a tea tasting, then boxed sandwich lunches in the bus on the way to the airport...

 

Flight to Xi'an at 3:05 on China Eastern Airline...plane remarkably modern and comfortable, service not so good--rushed, drinks only but NO diet drinks...

 

When we got to Xi'an and claimed our luggage (which was taken directly to our rooms at the Hilton for us) and were given our room keys (right there at the airport), we went by bus directly to dinner--a dumpling feast...

 

This morning, after breakfast, it was a ride to the Terra Cotta Warriors...Pretty amazing...

They advise you to NOT buy the little boxes of warriors from the street merchants roaming around the site but to wait for the lunch place--which is in a government owned gift shop...

They would have served us better telling us to buy from the street merchants...but to wait until we were getting back on the bus...

I just wanted a set as a cheap souvenir...

The merchants at the site have a starting asking price of 150 Yuan for a boxed set of five figures...but quickly drop down to 130...

I kept saying no and walking away...as we were getting near the end in pit three, a seller approached me and dropped his price to 100, then 80, then 60, then 50...and I figured what the heck and said okay, sold...figured 50 yuan is about 8 bucks, no big deal...But I should have waited...by the time we were getting on the bus, the price was 20 yuan...and then TEN YUAN...about a buck seventy for five figurines! Oh well...

Yes, the ones at the Government shop were, perhaps, a better quality...but they were asking 560 yuan for a small set of five...For my purposes, the cheap set were just fine...

Lunch at the shop was a buffet...get the noodles...

We had a little free time this afternoon, so I walked to the wall, then along the wall from the Hilton (all within a few blocks)...some good shots of the city wall and an interesting look into ordinary life in Xi'an...

 

Oh, when you go to use the Internet at the Hilton, there appears to be a charge...but later, our escort, Richard, told us it is free to Viking guests...It doesn't work very well in the rooms...better in the public areas..so I'm down here in the Lobby typing this...

 

Tonight at 6:45, we leave for the (optional) Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show...

[sisterpower]

 

This morning, after breakfast, it was a ride to the Terra Cotta Warriors...Pretty amazing...

They advise you to NOT buy the little boxes of warriors from the street merchants roaming around the site but to wait for the lunch place--which is in a government owned gift shop...

They would have served us better telling us to buy from the street merchants...but to wait until we were getting back on the bus...

I just wanted a set as a cheap souvenir...

The merchants at the site have a starting asking price of 150 Yuan for a boxed set of five figures...but quickly drop down to 130...

I kept saying no and walking away...as we were getting near the end in pit three, a seller approached me and dropped his price to 100, then 80, then 60, then 50...and I figured what the heck and said okay, sold...figured 50 yuan is about 8 bucks, no big deal...But I should have waited...by the time we were getting on the bus, the price was 20 yuan...and then TEN YUAN...about a buck seventy for five figurines! Oh well...

Yes, the ones at the Government shop were, perhaps, a better quality...but they were asking 560 yuan for a small set of five...For my purposes, the cheap set were just fine...

Lunch at the shop was a buffet...get the noodles...

We had a little free time this afternoon, so I walked to the wall, then along the wall from the Hilton (all within a few blocks)...some good shots of the city wall and an interesting look into ordinary life in Xi'an...

 

Oh, when you go to use the Internet at the Hilton, there appears to be a charge...but later, our escort, Richard, told us it is free to Viking guests...It doesn't work very well in the rooms...better in the public areas..so I'm down here in the Lobby typing this...

 

Tonight at 6:45, we leave for the (optional) Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show...

 

This is what I love about this forum dedicated people like Bruin Steve who blog as the action is occurring, giving great tips like the terra cotta warrior figures which is actually what I had in mind just a cheap figure as a souvenier. Keep up the great work Bruin Steve it is very much appreciated.

[Bruin Steve]

Just back from the Tang Dynasty show...pretty impressive...much better than the Peking Opera...lots of performers, very flashy costuming...really a spectacular...bring your cameras...

 

We left the hotel at 6:45... Dinner about 7:30, bland music during dinner...the the real show started after dinner...around 8:30 and went until 9:35... Got back to the Hilton about 10:15... Luggage out tomorrow at 8:00 am...leave the hotel 9:15...they told us we're going to the Provincial Museum before our flight out...but not all the buses are going. I believe it's because they couldn't get all of us on the early flight to Chongquing...so, those of us on the later flight have the museum stop...not sure what the others are doing...whether they just board the ship earlier or if they have a comparable activity in Chongquing?

[caribill]

so, those of us on the later flight have the museum stop...not sure what the others are doing...whether they just board the ship earlier or if they have a comparable activity in Chongquing?

 

I suspect they will get to see the Pandas

[Peregrina651]

When you were speaking with Viking about the Summer Palace, did they happen to mention Cultural Delights? We are doing CD next spring.

Thanks!

 

I've been following this conversation about what is included and what isn't and here's what I have to say:

 

I've been following this thread for about five years now and this is what I have observed. It doesn't not really matter what the brochure says or what you are told on the telephone, the most helpful and most accurate information comes from the passengers like Bruin Steve and Chloe's Mom, who are reporting what they have actually seen and done. The Viking China team is constantly tweaking the program according to the day's conditions--and in response to the comment cards. What the brochure says is not set in stone (and that is in the fine print).

 

This change in the Summer Palace visit is new this year and may be fall out from the decision to split the Duck and Opera into two separate option (my observation, not verified fact). It may or may not be changed in 2015. Also, regardless of what we have been told, whether or not it is actually included on the tour for Roof and Delights IMHO remains to be seen.

 

 

 

.

[Lola911]

I was on Imperial Jewels this year' date=' in April/May. Summer Palace is now an optional, additional cost tour that is offered on the afternoon of the day the group visits the Forbidden City. I don't know why, but the escorts actively discourage people from signing up for the Summer Palace tour. I heard them telling people that it's not necessary to go there, because it's similar to the Forbidden City (which is not true). They also said that it's not possible to visit the Summer Palace and also go to the opera, which is also not true. I think the guides do a real disservice to their groups by discouraging people from seeing the Summer Palace. In fact, if one had to skip something, I would skip the opera, since it's possible to see Chinese opera in the U S, but you actually have to go the Summer Palace to experience it.[/quote']

 

Yes, this is how the tours work now. I had a Viking rep tell me left right and center that Summer Palace was not included unless I paid the optional cost for it. I was flabbergasted and told her I had printed the outline of the tour and it was included...false advertising...we had planned on it, etc. She could not believe I had an outline with it included and sent me another one while on the phone. I then said...you are correct it is not included UNTIL I noticed it was Jewels she was quoting and I had to point out we were on ROOF - Oct 3rd. She apologized of course, but 30 mins volleying back and forth about it when she did not look at our account correctly. I had originally phoned to check on the pandas out of Chongqing and that sounds like it is on again off again for Roof people. We have decided to go to the Zoo in Beijing.

[Lola911]

Did I miss your comments on the Peking Duck Dinner? Are you recommending it? Thanks for commenting on Tang Dynasty dinner...it sounds like a good 'optional'.

[Bruin Steve]

Did I miss your comments on the Peking Duck Dinner? Are you recommending it? Thanks for commenting on Tang Dynasty dinner...it sounds like a good 'optional'.

 

Peking Duck dinner was good...of course, I am not a big Peking Duck fan, but had to go for the experience. It seemed well done and most everyone enjoyed it...lots of other courses beside the duck, of course...presentation was very good...food was excellent...decor was elegant. Tables of ten made it fun, especially getting to know some of our tour mates as we had just started the tour in Beijing...

 

Hua's Restaurant

 

http://www.huajiacai.com

 

I believe it was the one at Wangfujing...

 

I can't compare it to the places usually recommended here (BSK, for example) since I haven't been there...It does rank #46 out of 9,405 restaurants in Beijing on TripAdvisor.com, 4.5 out of 5 with a 2014 Certificate of Excellence...So, probably not as bad as some on here have suggested...

 

I'm glad we did. It this way...Trying to hook up with BSK at their temporary home at the Orchid Hotel on a day where we were still jet lagged would have been tough...doing it this way was easy...

[travelfirst]

After reading this thread I got my video out from my Viking China cruise and just watched it.

They have photos in there with the passengers doing different things.

There are some of me in there. One is when I was with the little girls at the school and they had stickers all over my face and berets in my hair, etc.

 

Do they still make the video of your China cruise?

[Mark_T]

It's really a shame that Viking has altered the trip this way --- not just making the Summer Palace "optional" but actually discouraging it.

 

Looking at the current description on the website, it doesn't appear to be 'optional':

 

"After lunch in a local restaurant, take some free time to explore Beijing on your own or relax at your hotel. Or, you may choose to tour the Summer Palace, a 700-acre complex of elegant buildings and gardens (complete with man-made Kunming Lake) frequented by the Imperial Court when they wanted to escape the bustle of Beijing. Tonight, taste some local specialties at dinner, or attend an optional Peking opera, a form of traditional Chinese theater. (B, L, D)"

[sisterpower]

Looking at the current description on the website, it doesn't appear to be 'optional':

 

"After lunch in a local restaurant, take some free time to explore Beijing on your own or relax at your hotel. Or, you may choose to tour the Summer Palace, a 700-acre complex of elegant buildings and gardens (complete with man-made Kunming Lake) frequented by the Imperial Court when they wanted to escape the bustle of Beijing. Tonight, taste some local specialties at dinner, or attend an optional Peking opera, a form of traditional Chinese theater. (B, L, D)"

 

It is true that the Viking website implies the Summer Palace is included but according to their December 12, 2103 tour PDF we received the information clearly states "Bejing Leisure Time or Optional Summer Palace tour" I think Viking needs to update their website.

[caribill]

Looking at the current description on the website, it doesn't appear to be 'optional':

 

"After lunch in a local restaurant, take some free time to explore Beijing on your own or relax at your hotel. Or, you may choose to tour the Summer Palace, a 700-acre complex of elegant buildings and gardens (complete with man-made Kunming Lake) frequented by the Imperial Court when they wanted to escape the bustle of Beijing. Tonight, taste some local specialties at dinner, or attend an optional Peking opera, a form of traditional Chinese theater. (B, L, D)"

 

That says it is optional. Never is something that is included phrased that you might choose to do it.

[sisterpower]

That says it is optional. Never is something that is included phrased that you might choose to do it.

 

Good catch on the phrasing Caribill you are right!

[Mark_T]

That says it is optional. Never is something that is included phrased that you might choose to do it.

 

You are stretching the English language beyond its normal use though.

 

Having a choice does not equate to something not being included.

 

Best we can say is that the language they have used is at best confusing.

[caribill]

You are stretching the English language beyond its normal use though.

 

Having a choice does not equate to something not being included.

 

 

 

When the choice is to relax at your hotel or take a tour, the tour is always extra cost.

[Mark_T]

When the choice is to relax at your hotel or take a tour, the tour is always extra cost.

 

... and on the same day the Opera trip is described as 'optional' whereas the afternoon tour is a 'choice'.

 

Again, your interpretation is just that, one interpretation of words that are unclear.

 

For the most part the things they wish to charge for are described as 'optional' which is at least clear.

 

It seems like the bits where they have changed the itinerary are not so clearly described.

[Lola911]

Mark, I spoke to them on the phone as mentioned in a previous reply. The Summer Palace will be OPTIONAL with a cost for all itineraries except ROOF OF THE WORLD where it is still included. Yes, they need to update documents and website to make it clear to everyone. We can no longer go with what others had included in tours last year. When are you going?

[Lola911]

Thanks for your comments on HUA @ Wangfujing. I looked it up and looks very elegant. We are starting in Shanghai, but I understand we have to choose our "Optionals" at the beginning of the tour.

[caribill]

Thanks for your comments on HUA @ Wangfujing. I looked it up and looks very elegant. We are starting in Shanghai, but I understand we have to choose our "Optionals" at the beginning of the tour.

 

Depends when the first "optionals" are.

 

Obviously starting in Bejing where the opera and Sumemr Palace are optional at the start of the tour, they must be selected immediately.

 

When we started in Shanghai there were no optionals before going to the ship, so there was no rush to pick. Optionals were paid for while on the ship for us.

[Mark_T]

Mark, I spoke to them on the phone as mentioned in a previous reply. The Summer Palace will be OPTIONAL with a cost for all itineraries except ROOF OF THE WORLD where it is still included. Yes, they need to update documents and website to make it clear to everyone. We can no longer go with what others had included in tours last year. When are you going?

 

I understand the feedback from those on the tours this year, but last year was when I booked this trip based on the published itinerary at the time.

 

We will be traveling in October this year.

Edited June 22, 2014 by Mark_T

[Chloe's mom]

Depends when the first "optionals" are.

 

Obviously starting in Bejing where the opera and Sumemr Palace are optional at the start of the tour, they must be selected immediately.

 

When we started in Shanghai there were no optionals before going to the ship, so there was no rush to pick. Optionals were paid for while on the ship for us.

 

 

We started in Shanghai in April this year. We were asked to choose our optional tours while at the airport waiting for our first flight, the day that we left Shanghai. The optional tours were included on our ship bill, which we paid on the day we disembarked the ship, so I assume that one could add optional tours up until the time the ship invoices were created. I do know that when we were in Beijing and people started realizing that the Summer Palace tour was something that others were doing, and that it was doable, they wanted to do it as well, and were told that it was no longer possible for them to add it.

[caribill]

We started in Shanghai in April this year. The optional tours were included on our ship bill.

 

I do know that when we were in Beijing and people started realizing that the Summer Palace tour was something that others were doing' date=' and that it was doable, they wanted to do it as well, and were told that it was no longer possible for them to add it.[/quote']

 

This is an important thing for those going Shanghai-to-Beijing to know.

[Bruin Steve]

On the ship now...My apologies...

My reports may start getting a bit sparse...the WiFi onboard is really bad/slow...

Menu last night--American style...steak, salmon, etc.

Today, Shabozai Temple ...3 hour tour leaves at 2:15...

Chongqing was a BIG city...incredible...33 million, lots of high rises...everywhere...

[rhskls]

Left June 15 Shanghai to Beijing. Arrived a day early and went to Jingam temple and the Bund at nite. Both very nice. We stayed at Ritz Carlton--very nice. Met our guide Matthew and toured the Bund, Shanghai museum and silk factory. They were definitely trying to sell us at the factory. Shangai acrobats at nite-excellent. Tuesday morn toured Yu garden which was very interesting then flew to Wuhan. At Wuhan visited museum with tomb artifacts and bell recital. While at museum we were asked to tell which optional tours we wanted this was our only chance to do so. We were discouraged from going to Summer Palace. From there we boarded ship which was quite nice. Wednesday visited elementary school which was wonderful. It is too bad Viking does not tell people they can take supplies because most did not but they wished they had known they could. The children were precious. Thursday went to Three Gorges dam tour. Hot as blazes but very interesting. Friday we toured Lesser Three Gorges and they were beautiful. That nite the crew did a cabaret show which was very cute. Saturday went to Shibaozhai temple. It was lightly raining which made it a little less enjoyable because you walk all the way from the boat. Wheelhouse tour that afternoon. Sunday disembarked at Chongqing which was quite an adventure. Somewhere on this website someone posted a picture of the steps there and it was no exaggeration plus you have porters grabbing at you to try to carry your bags. Visited zoo and got to see pandas which was fun. Flew to Zian and free time in afternoon. This morning went to terra cotta warriors and they are indescribable. Free time this afternoon and Tang Dynasty show this evening. Sorry did not give more detail but on ipad this is best I could do for now. Viking does a great job and great quality. We are at Hilton in Zian and it is very nice. Off to Beijing tomorrow.