Memories of China - March 2009

China - a Great adventure

2010-12-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

We may have been back for awhile, but we still dream about China - and have a number of incredible itineraries for every budget and activity level. Call one of the advisor listed today!

2009-08-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

Join a journey through China and explore the many wonders!
Where: Marlin Travel, Sherway Gardens Mall
When: Thursday Sept 03rd 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm (Includes 1/2 an hour for questions and answers)

RSVP: Aug 26th 2009 by phoning our office at 416 622 8161
or email us: melissa.feeley@marlintravel.ca

View details here

12 days in China - A slide show

2009-04-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

Shanghai

2009-04-04T02:18:00.000-07:00

We are at the end of the trip - but what an end! Shanghai has re-claimed it glory as one of the key financial centres in the world. We arrived quite late - and headed to "the bund" for dinner on the river! What a skyline!

The next day was a full one - but wonderful (again)... Our first stop was a silk factory where we saw real silk worms - and the cocoons being un-spun to make the incredible fabric that we have come to know and love. Did you know that approximately 30% of the cocoons are "double" - with two silk worms working together. The cannot be un-spun but are used to make incredible silk duvets. They keep you warm in summer and hot in winter (that is what we were told). Now many in the group will be able to decide if this is true - because lots of us bought them!

Then it was onto the Maglev train - that went up to 300 km when we were on it - but during rush hour goes up to 430 km! A 1 hour bus ride was replaced by an 8 minute train ride...

After a great lunch in the Pudong area, we headed to an incredible bazaar area with shops and street vendors selling everything from jade (or maybe what looks like jade) to dumplings, silk garments, chopstick sets and more! There was even a Starbucks! It is a very popular place... It is also the place where you can find the Wu Garden and the crooked bridge (there were too many people on it to take a picture!)...

After an hour there, we were ready for.... the "fakes" shopping. The Asia Collection has found a 3-story "mall" of knock-offs! We all had lots of fun - and no one came back empty handed (although our wallets were lighter!)... Sorry - no pictures!! This was definitely a "no pictures" place - but we can tell you that everything your heart would desire was here!! You "name" it - they have it!

After an incredible dinner (again!) - off to the Chinese Acrobat Show. It is something to see - many of us agree it is better than the Cirque! What a way to end an incredible visit to China.

The East King

2009-04-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

Our ship, the East King must be commented on, because it is so wonderful. With only 80 cabins, at full capacity there are only 160 guests on board! The food was wonderful, and with a "west meets east" buffet for breakfast and lunch - everyone could find something they loved. The evening meals were events - with a Captain's welcome dinner and an Emperor's feast - you can see the emperor himself at the entrance!

Other things the boat included were a spa, a library, many indoor and outdoor sitting areas to admire the view, a small fitness centre and a doctor that was able to give acupuncture and cupping as well as traditional medical assessments.

One of the highlights for many is the Three Gorges Dam and locks. The ship goes though the 5 locks - and it is a man-made marvel to watch. A visit to the 90% complete dam was incredible, you cannot believe how big it is. (there was also the most amazing washrooms - but you will have to ask your travel advisor about that!)...

Cruising along the Yangtze River....

2009-04-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Cruising along the Yangtze on the East King reminds us of something out of a 1940's movie... Elegant, refined and calming... The scenery is spectacular...

Our excursion on the sampan boats was incredible. As we cruised up the stream, we saw hanging coffins, incredible landscape - and heard the traditional folk songs of the local people (our guide sang for us!)...

The Yangzte River Cruise

2009-04-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that we haven't been able to update this lately - the internet connection on the boat was slow - so sorry! We'll have to try and explain how incredible the last 3 days on the Yangtze were...

We left from Chongqing after dinner - and straight to bed the first night - so nothing exciting.... But the next day...

A misty visit to the Ghost City of Feng du seemed so fitting... The city of Feng Du was one of the towns relocated (over 150,000 people were relocated due to the higher water levels due to the new dam) - but they left the Temples of Death - that were at the pinnacle of the mountain. There were two ways to get up, walk or by cable car - which was actually just like a ski lift!!

Once up there - there were many temples - all beautiful, with many Buddhas... The god of Hell is the black figure - even though he is not supposed to be scary - his presence and temple with his 18 horrible disciples was quite chilling for all!

AIRPORTS

2009-04-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, we do a lot of flying during this itinerary - but it couldn't be easier. With Marlin Travel Asia Collections trips - the team has brought the process to a fine art. Our checked baggage is whisked away, and we get our boarding passes literally as soon as we step out of the coaches... And the airports are modern, clean and have shops, massage, restaurants that make any spare time fly by! The planes also couldn't be more modern, and with incredible service - we had a meal served to us on the 50 minute flight from Xi'an to Chongqing!!

Chongqing and the Pandas

2009-04-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

We flew to Chongqing (pronounced Chongching) and couldn't believe that we had never heard of this incredible city! It was so modern, and beautiful - and BIG - almost 30 million people live in the city and suburbs!! The city seemed green - with beautiful parks and landscaping everywhere - even on the side of the highway! But the real highlight was seeing the pandas at the Chongqing zoo - an amazing garden in itself.

We also got a private lesson with a professor from the Chongqing school of fine arts. He explained all about Chinese art and read a poem to us. He also showed us incredible paintings on Banyan leaves... A couple of moments walking around the gallery was lovely....

After lunch, the next stop was the incredible ancient city of Chongqing. Small narrow passage ways with vendors selling everything from pastries to octopus tentacles on sticks (barbecued!), jewellery, haunted house rides and more! You can see it is a popular place on a Sunday afternoon!

The Terra Cotta Warriors

2009-03-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Today's weather started off quite sketchy, but cleared up by the end of the day. But as they say "There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate dressing". This time we were ready with umbrellas and layers.

The Terra Cotta Warriors museum and complex was really a site to behold, with 3 excavated pits to see. This is definitely a must do - because you can't really show it with pictures. The pits are massive, and all the terra cotta warriors really are all different. Do you recognize the marionettes? These massive structures were used at the Beijing Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics.

Dumpling Dinner and Show in Xi'an

2009-03-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Wow. What can we say? A dinner and show that was colourful and wonderful in all respects! Check out the pictures of the 18 types of dumplings served. Many are shaped to look like their contents, can you guess what they are?

Our "fearless leader" Alex Lee, with two beauties! The show was spectacular!

Beijing to Xi'an

2009-03-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

An early morning start had us at the Beijing airport close to 8 am to catch our 2 hour flight to Xi'an. This is where we said good bye to our Beijing tour guide, Frank, who gave us a wealth of knowledge during the 2 days. We'll miss you Frank! We are all still amazed at how beautiful the airport is - and could easily have spent more time shopping!

Xi'an is where the terra cotta warriors are, and was the capital city for most of history - so one of the most historically relevant cities in China. Because of this, we headed to the Museum - a real eye-opener to how incredibly enlightened China was even 3,000 years ago. Unfortunately - no cameras were allowed - so no pictures!

Our next stop was the Xi'an wall. It is completely intact and measures over 17 kilometers round trip. Unfortunately, as you can see, the weather did not cooperate - so biking or rickshaw rides were out!

Thursday Evening... KUNG FU!

2009-03-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

After a nice dinner - and the special treat of finding a Dairy Queen for ice cream (yes, sometimes a bit of home is a nice change!) - we headed off to the Kung Fu show. This show is optional on the Asia Collection tours - and definitely worth it - if you like exciting dancing and fighting moves set to drums and music. Based on a traditional Chinese myth - the story was told in English - so we were able to follow along. The building doesn't do it justice - and that in itself was pretty exciting! Tomorrow it is off to Xi'an!!

Shopping and Bird's Nest

2009-03-26T07:06:00.001-07:00

After a bit of time learning about Jade (did you know in comes in many, many colours?), and other traditional Chinese handicrafts, as well as a fabulous lunch on the way back to Beijing, our next stop was the Olympic Stadium, the Bird's Nest.

Just recently opened to the public, it was a thrill to see it and enter into the stadium and down right on the main staging area, where the mascots were dancing for us! This is a new stop on Asia Collection tours, and our input was requested. It was a unanimous YES that this should be on all Beijing itineraries going forward.

Climbing the Great Wall

2009-03-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

After an early morning breakfast - we were out of the city - and on the Great Wall of China! What an experience... Really one of those "tick off on your list of things to do before you die" experiences. With 90 minutes of free time, it allowed everyone to travel at their own pace - some climbed up over 7 towers, while others went to first terrace and then enjoyed the view and a cup of coffee. But all agreed - it was a morning to remember! The scenery and sites were spectacular - both on the wall and off!

The first afternoon...

2009-03-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

The first afternoon was as memorable as the morning, which got us all excited at thinking about how much more we would see! The temples of heaven were almost as impressive Forbidden City - with precise measurements and celestial ratios that were as impressive as the pyramids or the Mayan ruins. The weather has warmed up enough for jackets not to be needed.

We definitely enjoyed the foot massage at the Chinese medicinal stop that ended the day (this is the pre-soaking part) after the walking we have done to day. This tour seems to have the perfect mix of walking and resting, so almost anyone that can shop for a day would have no problems with the activity - although our beds did look good when we finally arrived home after dinner!

Lunch!

2009-03-25T06:33:00.001-07:00

After the Peking Duck last night, we assumed the meals would be all downhill! But we were pleasantly surprised when we went for lunch to a lovely restaurant close to the Shopping District we had visited last night. The quantity of food was immense, and lovely jasmine or green tea was complimentary.

The only think to pay for was beer or soft drinks - but for 8 yan for a large bottle of beer (approximately $1.45 CAD) - soft drinks were even cheaper - the additional cost was minimal!

Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City

2009-03-25T05:53:00.000-07:00

We were not the only tourists, but the only western tourists! Short lines to everything except to view the "mummied" MAO.

Inside the Forbidden City, Frank, our tour guide, was able to give us a great understanding of what it must have felt like to live there hundreds of years ago. Pointing out the details, really made the difference (like the 12 dragons that were on the roof - that portrayed the importance of this building,

Our first Day in Beijing!

2009-03-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous morning! The breakfast buffet in the Novotel Hotel Beijing was incredible. Chinese and "American" style food, coffee, tea and juice included.

Landing in Beijing

2009-03-24T06:47:00.001-07:00

What in incredible international airport Beijing has! Very modern, very efficient and very clean. There are 3 terminals - Air China flies into the newest terminal #3. That is where we met Alex (our tour guide - and own of Asia Collection) and our bus. This is our bus - and typical of the buses that are used on the "Asia Collection". They are very modern, air conditioned and water is provided each day.

On route to China!

2009-03-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Today was long day for everyone, but the flight couldn't have been better. No turbulence and AIR CHINA is a premium scheduled airline that is part of the Star Alliance program so AEROPLAN points can be earned your trip!

The food got mixed reviews from some people, but others liked it. Water, juice beer and wine were offered consistenty, and there were 2 hot meals (first choice, pork or fish, 2nd choice - chicken or pork). (this is the first meal) as well as a sandwich.

Memories of China - Preview!

2009-03-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

16 Marlin Travel advisors are setting off to China to experience the exclusive "Asia Collection" China Trip. Continue to visit and see where we go and what we see! Interested in visiting China - the Marlin Travel Advisor in your area will be happy to contact you once they return!

Our Itinerary

Estimated consumer prices $1699

Exclusive Only at Marlin Travel

23rd March (MON) Vancouver – Beijing Air China (CA992) direct flight to Beijing

24th March (Tue) Beijing
Hotel: Novetel Sanyuan Chaoyang District,Beijing

25th March (Wed) Beijing (B/L/D)
Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Hutong Tour
Peking duck dinner

26th March (Thu) Beijing (B/L/D)
The Great Wall
Visit Bird’s Nest
Summer Palace
Show: Kungfu Show

27th March (Fri) Beijing – Xian (B/D)
Hotel: Tianyi Hotel or similar

28th March (Sat) Xian (B/L/D)
Terra Cotta Warriors Museum
Old City wall, Bell Tower,
Shaanxi Provincial Museum
Show: Dumpling Banquet &Tang Dynasty Show

29th March (Sun) Xian – Chongqing (B/L/D)
Chongqing National Zoo – Panda Bear
Ancient Town of Chongqing

Boarding: MS East King Cruise Ship down the Yangtze

30th March (Mon) Yangtze River (B/L/D)
Short Excursion – Fengdu City Tour
Captain’s Welcome Dinner

31st March (Tue) Yangtze River (B/L/D)
Sailing Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge
Shore Excursion – Shennong Stream

1st April (Wed) Wuhan – Shanghai (B/L/D)
Shore Excursion – Three Gorges Dam Site
Disembark East King and coach to Wuhan

Shanghai Hotel: Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel

2nd April (Thu) Shanghai (B/L/D)
Yu Garden & Bazaar
Silk factory, Xintiandi in French concession
Visit Pudong and enjoy the ride on Magnetic
Train - MAGLEV
Night view of the Bund
Show: Acrobatic Show

3rd April (Fri) Shanghai – Vancouver (B)
Depart for Canada Arriving same day 3rd April (Friday).