Viking China (Part 2)

[Going Coastal]

Great pictures!

 

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[Bruin Steve]

Pulled into Shanghai yesterday after first visiting Provincial Museum in Wuhan and getting a concert on ancient bells...

Plane (China Eastern) was delayed about an hour fifteen...got to hotel--Shangri La Jing'An after six...great hotel...incredible views of Shanghai (we're on 35th floor...goes up to the 50s)...Buffet was sensational--Sashimi, crab, lamb chops, steak, and on and on and on...dessert table to die for...everyone seemed to grab about half a dozen desserts...full day of touring coming up today and acrobat show tonight...

[Rodie H]

Bruin Steve, sounds yummy!!!

[Carol From California]

Pulled into Shanghai yesterday after first visiting Provincial Museum in Wuhan and getting a concert on ancient bells...

Plane (China Eastern) was delayed about an hour fifteen...got to hotel--Shangri La Jing'An after six...great hotel...incredible views of Shanghai (we're on 35th floor...goes up to the 50s)...Buffet was sensational--Sashimi, crab, lamb chops, steak, and on and on and on...dessert table to die for...everyone seemed to grab about half a dozen desserts...full day of touring coming up today and acrobat show tonight...

 

Sounds like you are having a fabulous trip! The acrobatic show was one of the highlights of the trip for us. Hope you enjoy it!

[Rivieracruisers]

Pulled into Shanghai yesterday after first visiting Provincial Museum in Wuhan and getting a concert on ancient bells...

Plane (China Eastern) was delayed about an hour fifteen...got to hotel--Shangri La Jing'An after six...great hotel...incredible views of Shanghai (we're on 35th floor...goes up to the 50s)...Buffet was sensational--Sashimi, crab, lamb chops, steak, and on and on and on...dessert table to die for...everyone seemed to grab about half a dozen desserts...full day of touring coming up today and acrobat show tonight...

 

Steve, thank you for all the information you have been sharing. It sounds like we are in for a great experience in April, 2015. Safe travels home and keep enjoying.

[Bruin Steve]

Certainly not enough time in Shanghai...pulled in late first night, toured the next, then the acrobat show...then out early this morning for the flight to Guilin...

Of course, most of the tour flew home...out of 232 of us, only 27 continued on for the Hong Kong extension...got into Guilin around 1:00, then checked in at the Shangri-La by 3:00 with time to kill...hot and muggy...they took whoever wanted to go by bus to a massage place for a $20 foot massage (that actually covered the whole body)... We opted out, walked around the hotel (very nice) and adjoining neighborhood (somewhat scuzzy), then had a drink in the hotel bar...Dinner will be in the hotel buffet, 6:00-8:00...bags out tomorrow at 7:30, leave for the Li River boat tour at 8:30... Flight tomorrow night at 6:30 to Hong Kong...

[irocks]

Hello Steve, We will also be doing the Guilin extension. I have not read much about it on this forum. Any information or suggestions you have would be most helpful. Thank you for taking us along on your adventure with your posts.

[sisterpower]

Hello Steve, We will also be doing the Guilin extension. I have not read much about it on this forum. Any information or suggestions you have would be most helpful. Thank you for taking us along on your adventure with your posts.

 

I agree with irock - way to go Steve - this question goes out to Steve or anyone else who can answer - at the Great Wall left or right - tips and hints regarding the Great Wall would be appreciated. On one of the reviews a lady stated she got lost and was left behind by the tour not sure how that occured but don't want it to happen to me.

[Going Coastal]

Steve, we are also doing the extension in the spring. Really appreciate your continuing with this report for that part. Hope you enjoy it.

 

 

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[caribill]

at the Great Wall left or right - tips and hints regarding the Great Wall would be appreciated. On one of the reviews a lady stated she got lost and was left behind by the tour not sure how that occured but don't want it to happen to me.

 

Like Steve we also went to the left as it was the least crowded. It is supposed to be the harder path, but it looked about the same to us.

 

One hint. There are two stairways (near each other) leading up to the wall and then you can go in either direction. The stairway on the right is easier than the one on the left as the individual steps are not as high.

 

Nobody should be left behind, even if lost. The name badge you wear has the cell phone number of your guide. So if you are lost, someone will let you use their cell phone (or make the call for you) to contact your guide.

Edited June 29, 2014 by caribill

[sisterpower]

Thanks Caribill for your reply regarding left or right at the Great Wall I have heard the left is less crowded but harder I like the less crowded aspects but not sure how I would do physically - I am pretty good shape do alot of walking for leisure and spend most of my day at work on my feet had no trouble walking up steep mountain path last summer at Lake Louise.

[rhskls]

We are trying to recover from jet lag after our wonderful trip. We went Shanghai to Beijing. In Shanghai we stayed at Ritz Carlton; Xian, Hilton; Beijing, Regent. All were very nice with great service. We arrived in Shanghai a day early and it helped us rest.

Our guide was Matthew and he did a great job. There was always plenty of bottled water both in hotel, boat and when we were out.

We took a small pharmacy with us but only used Immodium and a very little sun screen. No bug spray needed.

Our room on the boat always felt damp.

We took small umbrellas with us and glad we did because a couple of times we were caught outside and needed them.

We were always able to connect to internet at the hotel. At Hilton when you sign in it says they will charge you but that is not accurate. On the boat I could usually get on internet.

At the Great Wall we went to the left. After the fourth tower the crowd greatly thins out. Someone in our group did both sides and said the right was much more crowded.

We enjoyed Tang Dynasty. the opera was ok. The Peking duck dinner was disappointing. Several I talked to agreed it was just like all the other Chinese dinners but with duck added

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City were huge and unfortunately it was very hot that day. We had been lucky the day before at the Great Wall and it was cool with a breeze.

Viking does a great job. They know what they are doing. Food was not great but no other complaints. Met great people and have wonderful new memories.

[sisterpower]

Thanks "rhskls" for you post it was very insightful. My sister and I leave on Friday and are very excited as I have stated previous this forum has been wonderful full of great information. Thanks to all those who post here.:)

[caribill]

Thanks Caribill for your reply regarding left or right at the Great Wall I have heard the left is less crowded but harder I like the less crowded aspects but not sure how I would do physically - I am pretty good shape do alot of walking for leisure and spend most of my day at work on my feet had no trouble walking up steep mountain path last summer at Lake Louise.

 

 

Here are some pictures from the day we went.

 

The uncrowded "hard" side to the left

 

 

The crowded "easy" side to the right

 

 

A closeup of part of the "easy" side to the right

[sisterpower]

Wow, Caribill wonderful pictures - is it just me or do both sides look like they have areas that are fairly steep! I am sure if my sister and I took our time the left side would be much more enjoyable with the less crowds. Thanks for posting Caribill I can hardly wait!

[caribill]

Wow, Caribill wonderful pictures - is it just me or do both sides look like they have areas that are fairly steep! I am sure if my sister and I took our time the left side would be much more enjoyable with the less crowds. Thanks for posting Caribill I can hardly wait!

 

Yes, both sides do have their steep parts.

 

If you look carefully at the "hard" side picture, you can see hand rails along both sides where it starts to get steep.

[Bruin Steve]

Okay...let's get those directions correct for the wall...it can be a bit confusing...

 

First you walk up the street from the hotel/coffee shop/gift shop...under the wall...to an entrance area on your right...then you hook around and walk back toward the wall and up the stairs...this is where you make that election...the lesser walked direction--in Caribill's first photo--is actually to your left as you reach the top of this entrance set of stairs. Most people opt to go RIGHT...as did we... I don't think either direction is necessarily ha rider or easier...and both will result in great views...the right just appeared more interesting to me though also more crowded..and we chose to go that way...

The towers are numbered..and Tower 4 is at a peak...it slopes back downward after that, then continues on up to another peak at Tower 7...Tower 4 is a pretty good workout and affords some great views...the final stretch up to Tower 4 is made up of 330 pretty steep steps...If you are not in reasonably good health, I would suggest stopping somewhere short of those steps and being satisfied by whatever views you get...If you make it to Tower 4, then you. Can make the next decision whether to continue on..you'll have a bit of a break doing the long slight downhill before commencing the next steep ascent. Remember, whatever you do going up, you'll do in reverse going back...

The wall to the left appears to be more of a steady climb upwards...

 

Okay...Today we did the Guilin Li River cruise...absolutely beautiful scenery. The area is "Karst" geology--similar to what we encountered in Slovenia, but with more tropical vegetation and a wide, interesting river...

 

Our ship was three decks and, as Viking booked it, fairly uncrowded...Our Viking group occupied about two-thirds of the first deck tables (there are 27 of us now...plus our escort and a local guide)...second deck has half an indoor deck and half an open observation deck...third level was all open observation deck...altogether, there were maybe 50-55 onboard including us, a group of Italians and some Asians...a lot of nice folks...all had tables in the lower deck and a half, but most wandered about the open decks for photos...again, no crowded at all...everyone was very accommodating in sharing time at the forward rail.

 

The Karst scenery is marked, on the surface, by striking limestone mountains--with fairly unusual shapes, mostly individual monolithic spires. The combo of jungle-like trees, monolithic spires and the wide river make for an almost otherworldly scene...continuing for miles along the river...

 

Lunch on the ship was pretty bad...Some of our group were smart...they grabbed some bread, cheese and fruit at the hotel breakfast, packed it away in baggies ...and enjoyed a much better lunch. If I ever do this again, I'm bringing along a few zip-lock gallon bags for such occasions...

 

The cruise ended at Yangshuo..where we had some free time for shopping...this place was a souvenir shoppers paradise...a lot of great junk to buy for gifts in shop after shop, block after block of small shops...I picked up a couple of allegedly 100% silk kimonos for my daughters--for just over $20 apiece! ...and some little ducks at $1 US for four...The souvenir photo books they were hawking on the ship for $30 were going for about $15 in town...

 

After shopping time, we did the long drive back to Guilin Airport...arrived in Hong Kong, checked into the Shangri-La Kowloon, then went out for a 9:00 dinner at Outback Steakhouse...a block from the hotel...it felt good to get a meal that wasn't communal Chinese food off a lazy Susan..We're thinking about Italian for tomorrow night--the concierge suggested Rocco's across the street,,,

 

Tomorrow's tour of Hong Kong leaves at 9:00 am and is supposed to get back around 2:30 pm..no lunch included and no lunch break. From here on out, except for the included hotel breakfast, we're on our own for meals...and that last full day in Hong Kong the day after tomorrow is on our own...

[Kohola]

Wow, Caribill wonderful pictures - is it just me or do both sides look like they have areas that are fairly steep! I am sure if my sister and I took our time the left side would be much more enjoyable with the less crowds. Thanks for posting Caribill I can hardly wait!

 

These are links to a detailed post I did in August of 2013 showing the difference between going left or right. Only a few remnants of Olympic sign you see in my 2009 and Carbill's photos existed in 2012 if you knew where to look.

The climb is along the peak of the ridge line with no switchbacks so it is strenuous in either direction, but very manageable. I think most hiking guide books would rate it as moderately difficult. We hiked beside a Chinese gentleman who successfully reached the top of the right side on only one leg.

 

The highest point reached hiking the accessible portions is the 8th tower to the right. My experience in doing both sides is the left has some steeper sections, but you gain more elevation overall going to the right.

I don't think the right side is more popular because it is less strenuous. Most Chinese spend the day there rather than just a couple of hours and the right side offers choices; a sky tram to the 8th tower and a toboggan run at the 4th tower which conclude at the base of the hill on the opposite side from where VRC busses drop you off. Going left your only option is going up and down on the same section of wall...going right there is actually a parallel section that goes back down the hill so you could do more of a loop hike.

 

One could theoretically walk down to the museum and take the sky tram to the 8th tower on the right and walk down the wall to the entrance alleviating the need to climb up the wall altogether.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=39724188&postcount=2244

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=39724592&postcount=2245

[sisterpower]

Thanks Bruin Steve for your recent update I am not taking any extensions but it is nice to hear all about your experiences when travelling. Kohola what amazing photos - I love to hear everyones ideas and insights regarding right vs left the idea of being on the Great Wall with less crowds is enticing. I leave today for Vancouver where I will meet up with my travelling partner and sister our real adventure begins on Friday. I will try to post like others have give short updates so that those who are awaiting their trip to begin.

[Turtles06]

Thanks Bruin Steve for your recent update I am not taking any extensions but it is nice to hear all about your experiences when travelling. Kohola what amazing photos - I love to hear everyones ideas and insights regarding right vs left the idea of being on the Great Wall with less crowds is enticing. I leave today for Vancouver where I will meet up with my travelling partner and sister our real adventure begins on Friday. I will try to post like others have give short updates so that those who are awaiting their trip to begin.

 

At Badaling, we went up the "left" side. I can't say whether it was more or less difficult than going the other way, but it was less crowded, and that's a huge plus. And, as caribill noted, you'll find handrails in the places where it's pretty steep.

 

Have a great trip!

 

 

(Badaling, by turtles06)

[Going Coastal]

Great picture again! Thanks.

And Bruin Steve we really appreciate your tips on the extension. Will add food safe bags to list to be used there.

 

 

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[Viking Cruises]

We are trying to recover from jet lag after our wonderful trip. We went Shanghai to Beijing. In Shanghai we stayed at Ritz Carlton; Xian, Hilton; Beijing, Regent. All were very nice with great service. We arrived in Shanghai a day early and it helped us rest.

Our guide was Matthew and he did a great job. There was always plenty of bottled water both in hotel, boat and when we were out.

We took a small pharmacy with us but only used Immodium and a very little sun screen. No bug spray needed.

Our room on the boat always felt damp.

We took small umbrellas with us and glad we did because a couple of times we were caught outside and needed them.

We were always able to connect to internet at the hotel. At Hilton when you sign in it says they will charge you but that is not accurate. On the boat I could usually get on internet.

At the Great Wall we went to the left. After the fourth tower the crowd greatly thins out. Someone in our group did both sides and said the right was much more crowded.

We enjoyed Tang Dynasty. the opera was ok. The Peking duck dinner was disappointing. Several I talked to agreed it was just like all the other Chinese dinners but with duck added

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City were huge and unfortunately it was very hot that day. We had been lucky the day before at the Great Wall and it was cool with a breeze.

Viking does a great job. They know what they are doing. Food was not great but no other complaints. Met great people and have wonderful new memories.

 

Dear rhskls,

 

Welcome home from your cruise! All of us at Viking are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time on your trip. If there are any comments you’d like to share with us directly, including any additional feedback you may have about the meals, please feel free to send an e-mail to TellUs@vikingcruises.com. Our Customer Relations team would be happy to speak with you.

 

Very best,

Viking Cruises

[irocks]

Hello Steve. Thank you for your information on the Guilin extension. On Viking's half day City Tour of Hong Kong the itinerary says we will be taken to Victoria Peak and travel around Hong Kong Island to visit the floating city of Aberdeen and take a sampan ride. Did they take you to any other sights. Do you have any suggestions on what to do or not to do with our extra day in Hong Kong before our return home?

[pacheco18]

Hello Steve. Thank you for your information on the Guilin extension. On Viking's half day City Tour of Hong Kong the itinerary says we will be taken to Victoria Peak and travel around Hong Kong Island to visit the floating city of Aberdeen and take a sampan ride. Did they take you to any other sights. Do you have any suggestions on what to do or not to do with our extra day in Hong Kong before our return home?

 

Hong Kong is easy to do on your own.

 

Have lunch or tea at the Peninsula Hotel

Go to one of the markets -- the Stanley Market, for example, has some great shopping opportunities

Watch the fireworks at night from the Intercontinental on the Kowloon side

Definitely take the Star Ferry

[Bruin Steve]

Hello Steve. Thank you for your information on the Guilin extension. On Viking's half day City Tour of Hong Kong the itinerary says we will be taken to Victoria Peak and travel around Hong Kong Island to visit the floating city of Aberdeen and take a sampan ride. Did they take you to any other sights. Do you have any suggestions on what to do or not to do with our extra day in Hong Kong before our return home?

 

The tour also included Stanley Market with some free shopping time...

 

We went to see the laser and lights show (not fireworks) from the waterfront near the Intercontinental...

The next day on our own, we took the Star Ferry across (2.50 in Hong Kong dollars per person each direction), then took the escalators up the hill and visited the Ohel Rachel Synagogue (built in 1901)...we also walked/went shopping on Nathan Street..We were going to visit the night market but were to worn out...

 

Some others went to Lantau Island to see the Giant Buddha--but the round trip there on public transportation takes about five hours...

 

We're heading home this morning...8:30 am flight...