CHINA INTENSIVE: BEIJING, SHANGHAI & HONG KONG Cruise on Azamara Pursuit from Incheon (Seoul, South Korea)

Incheon (Seoul, South Korea)

Capital of South Korea, the best seasons to visit Seoul is in the spring and the autumn. The principal places to visit are the Horim Museum, the Deoksugung Palace, the Presidential Residence Cheongwadae or the Hongdae Market, market for the youngest artists.

Tianjin (China)

The northern Chinese city of Tianjin is located in the southeast of Beijing. The former fishing village on the Great Canal has been a commercial city since the 13th century and was of great significance as a grain store for the imperial court in Beijing. Today Tianjin with its deep-sea port Tianjin Xingang to Shanghai is the most important coastal metropolis of China. The city is an industrial center, transportation hub and cultural hub of the region. The Tianjin administrative region, with its 10 million inhabitants, is not a contiguous urban area, but rather similar to a small province due to its rural settlement structure.

Tianjin (China)

The northern Chinese city of Tianjin is located in the southeast of Beijing. The former fishing village on the Great Canal has been a commercial city since the 13th century and was of great significance as a grain store for the imperial court in Beijing. Today Tianjin with its deep-sea port Tianjin Xingang to Shanghai is the most important coastal metropolis of China. The city is an industrial center, transportation hub and cultural hub of the region. The Tianjin administrative region, with its 10 million inhabitants, is not a contiguous urban area, but rather similar to a small province due to its rural settlement structure.

Dalian (China)

Dalian is one of the most beautiful places in the north of China.People of all over China meet in Dalian at the point of the Laiodong Peninsula, attracted by the depth of the blue bay and amazing beaches. The city has avenues full of trees, nice hotels, seafood restaurants, acuatic sports, and a nice climate all year round. The surroundings are full of cereal fields and apple trees.

Shanghai

Shanghai, with a population of more than 23 million, is the largest and most developed city in China. Shanghai is split in two by the Huangpu River, Puxi (West) is the older city center and Pudong the mass of new high-rise development across the river. Shanghai is a fascinating mix of East and West. It has historic shikumen houses that blend the styles of Chinese houses with European design flair, and it has one of the richest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. There is everything from classic Parisian style, to Tudor style buildings that give an English flair and 1930s buildings reminiscent of New York or Chicago.

Shanghai

Shanghai, with a population of more than 23 million, is the largest and most developed city in China. Shanghai is split in two by the Huangpu River, Puxi (West) is the older city center and Pudong the mass of new high-rise development across the river. Shanghai is a fascinating mix of East and West. It has historic shikumen houses that blend the styles of Chinese houses with European design flair, and it has one of the richest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. There is everything from classic Parisian style, to Tudor style buildings that give an English flair and 1930s buildings reminiscent of New York or Chicago.

Shanghai

Shanghai, with a population of more than 23 million, is the largest and most developed city in China. Shanghai is split in two by the Huangpu River, Puxi (West) is the older city center and Pudong the mass of new high-rise development across the river. Shanghai is a fascinating mix of East and West. It has historic shikumen houses that blend the styles of Chinese houses with European design flair, and it has one of the richest collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. There is everything from classic Parisian style, to Tudor style buildings that give an English flair and 1930s buildings reminiscent of New York or Chicago.

Naha (Japan)

Naha is the largest city in Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa. The approximately 100 km long island of Okinawa is part of a group of islands that separates the East China Sea from the Pacific. Naha's climate is subtropical and monsoonal. The city's landmark is the red Suri Castle with the royal garden Shikinaen with the typical ponds, stone bridges and wooden palaces. Naha is also a lively city with a vibrant shopping street, parks and a lively nightlife. A visit to the Naminouegu Shrine and the Fukushūen Garden is particularly recommended.

Ishigaki (Japan)

Ishigaki, on the island of Ishigaki-jima in Okinawa Prefecture, is the southernmost city in Japan. The urban area covers the entire island, which is primarily known as a tourist center. Many guests come to the island primarily because of the fantastic beaches, the turquoise sea and the sun. One can scuba dive, snorkel and observe beautiful corals, manta rays and tropical fish. There are opportunities for excursions into the tropical forests and mangroves.

Keelung (Taiwan)

Located on the Northern point of Taiwan, Keelung is the gatway for visitors to the economic, political and cultural center of Taipei. Although a bustling modern metropolis, Taipei still treasures its rich history and tradition. The National Palace Museum holds one of the largest collections of ancient Chinese artifacts spanning Thousands of years. Other popular attractions for tourists include the Lungshan Temple, the Confucius Temple modeled after the original Confucius Temple in Qufu, China, the Pao An Temple and the Yang Ming Shan National Park/Yehliu/Hot Springs.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meetsWest", reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with influences from its time as a British colony. Hong Kong balances a modernised way of life with traditional Chinese practices. The fusion of east and west also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where dim sum, hot pot, and fast food restaurants coexist with haute cuisine. Hong Kong is a recognised global centre of trade, and calls itself an "entertainment hub".Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department subsidises and sponsors international performers brought to Hong Kong. Many international cultural activities are organised by the government, consulates, and privately.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where "East meetsWest", reflecting the culture's mix of the territory's Chinese roots with influences from its time as a British colony. Hong Kong balances a modernised way of life with traditional Chinese practices. The fusion of east and west also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where dim sum, hot pot, and fast food restaurants coexist with haute cuisine. Hong Kong is a recognised global centre of trade, and calls itself an "entertainment hub".Hong Kong government supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department subsidises and sponsors international performers brought to Hong Kong. Many international cultural activities are organised by the government, consulates, and privately.