Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: beijing & xian treasures tour at Hong Kong

Taking this unique overland program provides a memorable experience of visiting the most famous treasures and wonders of China - the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Great Wall, plus a close-up view of the life-size terra cotta army in Xian, consisting of 8,000 individual soldiers and horses, each a unique work of art.  

03MIDHKG-L Beijing & Xian Treasures  

Departure: Hong Kong  

Duration:  4 Days/3 Nights

Re-join ship: Shanghai

Reserve by: At least 90 Days Prior to Sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for China.

Guests must possess CHINESE VISA to participate at this Overland Program.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Chinese Renminbi; however, Euros and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

Important: Guests must obtain their own visa for China prior to joining the cruise.

Experience the highlights of fascinating Beijing, the legendary Great Wall and the famous Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian during this four-day overland excursion. After flying from Hong Kong to Beijing, discover the major attractions of China's bustling capital city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a guided walking tour of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the famous Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and site of numerous historic events.  

DAY ONE - Sunday, Jan 5, 2025 Hong Kong/Beijing

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 22 million as of 2023. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's largest state-owned companies. The metropolis, located in northern China, borders Hebei Province to the north, west, south, and a small section to the east, and Tianjin Municipality to the southeast.

Governed as a municipality under the direct administration of the national government, Beijing is divided into 14 urban and suburban districts and two rural counties. It is a major transportation hub, with dozens of railways, roads and motorways passing through the city, and the destination of many international flights to China. Few cities in the world have served as the political and cultural center of an area as immense. Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It has been the heart of China’s history for centuries, and there is scarcely a major building of any age in Beijing that does not have at least some national historical significance. The city is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and universities have long made it a center of culture and art in China.

Depart the pier in the morning for this overland excursion to Beijing via Hong Kong airport. Upon arrival, meet your Beijing guide then transfer back to downtown Beijing to enjoy a Chinese style lunch.

Summer Palace

Then, proceed to visit the Summer Palace. Occupying 290 hectares of land and water, it is one of China's largest and best-preserved imperial gardens. It consists mainly of Kunming Lake of 210 hectares and Longevity Hill dotted with halls and pavilions. It served as both the living quarters for the royal families but also the place for them to conduct state affairs. Summer Palace is a paragon of Chinese royal garden. In the Palace, the manmade scenery goes well with the natural beauty, without showing any affectation. Appreciate the royal garden view while listen to the story behind the scenic spots. Major sights in the Summer Palace include the 728-meter Long Corridor and the Marble Boat moored by the lakeshore.

Upo conclusion of your visit, check-in and take a brief break at Peninsula Beijing before dinner.

Overnight stay in Beijing Peninsula Hotel

Beijing Roast Duck (Beijing Kaoya) Style Dinner

According to a Chinese saying, no visit to this city is complete if you miss seeing the Great Wall or dining on Beijing Roast Duck (Beijing Kaoya). As a famous and delicious food with very long history, Beijing Roast Duck is an excellent choice if you want to understand more about Chinese cuisine, culture and customs. This evening take the opportunity to taste this unique food in Beijing Hua’s Courtyard Roast Duck Restaurant, one of the best restaurants serving Beijing Roast Duck.

DAY TWO Monday, Jan 6, 2025 - Beijing

After breakfast, transfer to the Hutong Area – the old residential area of local residence living for generations. The word “Hutong” probably came into use during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and literally means “well” in its original Mongolian language. Since people used to congregate where there was water, it came to adopt the meaning of “narrow lane” to refer to such a neighborhood.

Rickshaw Ride in Hutong

Leaving your motor coach behind and seated on a rickshaw, visit the deep hutongs for a glimpse into Beijing's yesterday, exploring Beijing's traditional side and experiencing the real life of Beijing locals. Take the rare opportunity for a visit to a private home in the hutongs. Chat with the hosts and learn more about daily life in Beijing.

Farm Style Lunch, Great Wall of China

Next, take a scenic drive out of the city. After a special “Farm-style lunch”, visit one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World” – The Great Wall of China. Located in Huairou County about 45 miles from Beijing, the Mutianyu Great Wall enjoys a long history and is part of the historic culture of China. It connects to the Juyongguan Pass in the West and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the East. The wall was first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 557). During Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), Tan Lun and Qi Jiguang, two famous patriotic generals, rebuilt it in order to strengthen its defensive potential as they regarded it as a strategic block for national defense. It served as the Northern area’s protective block, guarding the capital and imperial mausoleums for generations.

Mutianyu Great Wall runs 1.4 miles through lofty mountains and high ridges, where many sections are made of granite. The unique structure makes the wall almost indestructible. It measures 23 to 26 feet high and four to five yards wide. Both of the wall's inner and outer sides have parapets to defend against enemies coming from either side. Some parapets are saw toothed shaped structures instead of the regular rectangular form. Below the parapets, there are square embrasures at the top, which are designed by the shape of an arc structure, different from the traditional round embrasures.

There are 22 watch towers distributed at close intervals along the wall. They are located not only in the main wall but also at the distinctive 'branch cities'. Branch cities are built on the hill ridge against the inner or outer side of the wall. They measure from several yards to dozens of yards across. On the Northwest over 3,281-feet high, lies a section of the wall called 'Ox Horn Edge'. On the steep and lofty peaks, there are two walls named 'Flying Eagle Flies Facing Upward' and 'Arrow Lock.' What is more rarely seen on the Southeast side is a general gateway platform guarded by three watch towers together. In locations of strategic importance, batteries are set up to reinforce the defense capabilities. Mutianyu Great Wall really deserves to be the archetype of the Great Wall, with its impressive history as a historic strategic defense mechanism for the country. The roundtrip cable car ride (weather permitting) provides a leisurely and less strenuous way to take in the stunning scenery and the beauty of the Great Wall of China.

Return to hotel and enjoy the rest of the day. Individual set dinner inside Peninsula Hotel is arranged, you may enjoy it in the renowned Huang Ting restaurant with your small party at your desired timings.

Overnight stay in Beijing Peninsula Hotel

DAY THREE – Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025 – Beijing/Xi’an

Following breakfast, begin today's sightseeing with the visit to Beijing’s national symbol, Tiananmen Square. Known as ‘Gate of Heavenly Peace’, the square is dominated by a gigantic portrait of Chairman Mao. Since imperial times, Tiananmen Square has always provided an impressive stage for declarations and key events in local history. In modern times, the solemn flag-raising ceremony has become a revered daily celebration. It was from the giant gate that Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s Republic on October 1, 1949.

Forbidden City

Your next visit is the legendary Forbidden City. Off-limits to the public for 600 years, the vast complex of this World Heritage Site was opened in 1949 as the Palace Museum. Within its walls lies a maze of palaces built between 1417 and 1420 as the residence of China’s emperors. With some 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms, maintenance and restoration are an on-going process.

Lunch, Check in for Xian Flight

Next proceed to Hilton Beijing Airport Hotel for lunch. Afterwards, take a short ride to check-in your flight to Xian.

Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province

Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province, is known the world over as the home to one of China’s supreme cultural treasures, the 2,200-year-old Terra Cotta Army. Xian was once the homeland of thirteen dynasties and the easternmost site on the fabled Silk Road, which has left a unique cultural heritage.

Traditional Dinner at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant or similar

Upon arrival at Xi’an Airport in the late afternoon, you are be met by your local guide and driver, then transfer to De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant for dinner. Facing to the Bell and Drum Towers, De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant is famed for its own version of the Dumpling Banquet. Ingredients for the dumpling fillings include various meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Cooking methods include steaming, boiling, pan-frying, deep frying, and roasting. The flavor includes salty, sweet, hot and sour etc. A set dumpling dinner is provided.

Dinner and overnight stay at Gran Meliá Xian, one of the finest hotels in town.

DAY FOUR – Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025 – Xi’an/Shanghai

After breakfast, a 60-minute drive takes you to the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum located about 20 miles (32 km) north of Xian. Commence your visit to China’s premier archaeological site and Xian’s most famous attraction.  

Terra Cotta Warriors Museum

Nothing prepares the visitor for the amazing sight of a stunningly well-preserved, life-size honour guard standing in ranks near the tomb of Emperor Ch’in Shih Huang-ti, who died in 210 BC. The soldiers were first discovered in 1974 by a local farmer who was digging a well. So far, three vaults have been excavated, the first alone containing more than 6,000 men and horses arranged in an imposing formation. Every soldier differs in facial features and expressions and most carry actual weapons of the day. The find is regarded by many as the most sensational archaeological discovery of the 20th century. A protective hangar constructed over them comprises now the Museum of the Terra Cotta Warriors. Time permitting, a stunning audio-visual show can be viewed in a separate building and shops offer a wide variety of souvenir items.

After the exciting tour in the Terra Cotta Museum, you will be transferred to a special restaurant for a “Qin-style” Imperial Chinese Lunch.

Upon conclusion of your visit, transfer to the airport for your late afternoon flight to Shanghai and return to ship at around 20:00.

Please note:  This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking and climbing of many steps at most sites. Therefore, it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable shoes and dressing in layers is recommended. A warm jacket or sweater is necessary this time of year. Dress code throughout the trip is casual with sturdy walking shoes. It is recommended to leave jewellery and valuables on board. The order of the itinerary may be amended due to flight schedule changes or other unforeseen factors. In case of flight changes, the tour sequence may be reversed or amended. Access to certain areas of the Forbidden City are restricted by the Chinese government. The cable car ride is subject to favourable weather conditions and can be cancelled. Remember to bring your camera. There are baggage restrictions as follows: Hand Baggage gross weight is limited to 5 kg (11 lb.) and size is limited to 20*40*55 cm. One checked bag must be less than 20 kg (44 pounds). A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. Guests must obtain their own visa for China prior to joining the cruise.   

Programme Includes:

· Two-night stay at Beijing Peninsula Hotel - Beijing (or similar) - Beijing  

· One-night stay at Gran Meliá Xian Hotel (or similar) - Xian  

· Three breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners (lunch and dinner include choice of two glasses of local beer, house wine, soft drinks, water)

· Flights (Economy Class) - Hong Kong/Beijing, Beijing/Xian & Xian/Shanghai. At an additional charge, an upgrade to First or Business Class may be requested, subject to availability. Requests must be submitted at the time of booking this programme. Each flight is quoted separately and is non-refundable once confirmed.

· Exclusive tour at the Xian Museum of Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses

· All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Chinese visa, any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.

Note