Silversea Luxury Cruises Nach TIANJIN (Beijing)

Visit two extraordinary landmarks in Beijing, the Forbidden City and Beijing Olympic Green, on this full-day journey to this historic city. Your excursion begins with a three-hour transfer by coach from Tianjin to Beijing, the capital of The Peoples' Republic of China. Upon arrival in the city, proceed to the Forbidden City.

Forbidden City

Enter through the great gate into the vast complex that has been off limits to the public for over 500 years. Within its walls lies a maze of some 800 palaces built between 1417 and 1420 as the residence of the imperial clan. The 9,000 rooms require a permanent restoration squad that is constantly busy painting and repairing. Feast your eyes on the elaborate architecture, décor and furnishings that make the Palace Museum one of the most visited places in the world. (The huge complex requires an extensive amount of walking.)

Tiananmen Square

Next, proceed to Beijing's most famous square and the country's national symbol. The enormous square is dominated by the gigantic portrait of Chairman Mao. Since imperial days, Tiananmen Square has provided an impressive stage for declarations to the assembled masses. It was from the giant gate that Chairman Mao proclaimed the People's Republic on October 1, 1949. In modern times, the flag-raising ceremony has become a revered daily celebration.

Olympic Green

After having lunch of Chinese cuisine at a local restaurant, proceed to the Olympic Green for a short photo stop. View the unique 'Bird's Nest' and the 'Water Cube', Beijing's intriguing new landmark structures erected for the 2008 Olympics.

Leaving Olympic Green, embark the coach and sit back and relax during your journey to the ship.

This excursion gives you the opportunity to get closer to the highlights of Beijing, the Great Wall, the Olympic Green and Tiananmen Square on coach.

A visit to the Great Wall of China presents a fascinating experience. Built along the rolling ridges of steep mountains, it offers spectacular, even awe-inspiring views, and is surely one of humankind's greatest architectural achievements.

Departing from the port of Tianjin, begin your excursion with a scenic journey through the countryside to one of mankind's most impressive creation, the Great Wall. During the journey to the Great Wall's Juyongguan Section, your guide's commentary about the country and its people makes for an interesting drive.

The Great Wall

Nothing quite prepares you for the sight as you approach this part of the Great Wall. Built centuries ago, the wall stretches for over 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) and ranks amongst the top wonders of the world. The Juyongguan Section of the Great Wall also enjoys the reputation of being 'The Number One Strategic Pass Under Heaven'. Today, you will have the opportunity to get closer to the Wall and take a photo.

Olympic Green

After having lunch of Chinese cuisine at a local restaurant, proceed to the Olympic Green for a photo stop. Marvel the unique 'Bird's Nest' and the 'Water Cube', Beijing's intriguing new landmark structures erected for the 2008 Olympics.

Tiananmen Square

Before driving back to the ship in the afternoon, drive through the Tian'anmen Square, Beijing's most famous square and the country's national symbol. The enormous square is dominated by the gigantic portrait of Chairman Mao. Since imperial days, Tiananmen Square has provided an impressive stage for declarations to the assembled masses. It was from the giant gate that Chairman Mao proclaimed the People's Republic on October 1, 1949. In modern times, the flag-raising ceremony has become a revered daily celebration.

Afterwards, return back to the ship by motor coach.

Experience the major points of interests in Tianjin, including Ancient Culture Street, Tianjin Museum and Shi Family Mansion, on this full-day outing to the city.

Tianjin

Departing the port, a 75-minute drive takes you into Tianjin city. Home to nearly six million people, Tianjin boasts an interesting history as a foreign concession. Since the mid-20th century, Tianjin has been a centre of major industrialization and production of a wide range of consumer goods known for their excellent quality.

Upon arrival in Tianjin, a sightseeing drive through the city centre highlights the major points of interest. Its European architecture from the turn of the 20th century gives the impression of an outdoor museum, while new, high-rise buildings of glass and steel puncture the city's skyline.

Next, visit the Ancient Culture Street, an interesting and historically accurate street depicting life in 19th-century Tianjin. Note the splendidly replicated classical architecture in the folk style of the Qing Dynasty. Afterwards, lunch of Chinese cuisine is served at a local hotel restaurant before continuing to the Tianjin Museum. Newly renovated, this state-of-the-art museum not only tells the history of the city of Tianjin, but also has a large collection of arts and crafts treasures.

Shi Family Mansion

Re-board the coach for a drive to the Shi Family Mansion. Built in 1875 and occupying over 19,000 square feet (1,765 sq. metres), this mansion boasts 12 courtyards, each originally with specific functions and now the site for a Folklore Museum. Its brick, wood and stone carvings are among the best in north China.

Finally, the 75-minute drive takes you back to the pier and the ship.

Experience the spectacular beauty, architecture and history of Tianjin during a picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion to this bustling city.

Tianjin City, Jingyuan Garden and Ancient Culture Street

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 90-minute drive to Tianjin City. Your first stop is at the Jingyuan Garden, or 'Garden of Serenity', the former residence of Puvi, last emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Built in 1921, this lovely garden home has two, two-story Western-style villas as its main buildings. In 2007, a year-long restoration project transformed the residence into a museum about the emperor's life. Next, some free time is made available for a leisurely stroll along Ancient Culture Street. This 600-year-old street is home to a wonderful blend of architectural styles. Along the way, marvel at its classic cultural features, perhaps purchase various folk crafts and sample the delicious local Tianjin snacks.

Lunch and Yangliuqing New Year Painting Museum

After a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, proceed for a guided tour of the Yangliuqing New Year Painting Museum. The famous, 17th-century knives, wood plates and woodcarving paintings displayed here reflected the local citizenry's hopes for a better life amidst a turbulent society. The early paintings gradually formed their own characters with an auspicious festive tone, and today, locals decorate their homes with Yangliuqing New Year paintings ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year. During your visit, marvel at the beautiful artwork and observe a local artisan make the painting using wood plates.

Five Avenue Area and Former Mansion of Prince Qing

Next, re-board your coach for a drive through the Five Avenue Area. A Tianjin icon and showcase of modern Chinese history, this historical area features more than 2,000 garden buildings constructed in various architectural styles during the 1920s and 1930s. Your final stop is at the Former Mansion of Prince Qing. Renowned for its exquisite blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, the main building of the mansion still maintains its original appearance. Following your guided tour, relax with a Chinese afternoon tea served with snacks at the mansion's bistro. Time permitting, visit the Prince Qing Mansion History Exhibition, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

This tour option is designed for those guests interested in overnight staying in Beijing and touring independently.

Take the opportunity for a full immersion of the city and surroundings at your leisure, in the comfort of your own private car with an English-speaking guide and overnight accomodation at the Peninsula Hotel in Beijing (no.1 Double Room). Enjoy the flexibility of creating your own itinerary in which to explore this fascinating region of China with friends and family at your own pace. Price is exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities.

This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to embarkation.

This tour option is designed for those guests interested in overnight staying in Beijing and touring independently.

Take the opportunity for a full immersion of the city and surroundings at your leisure, in the comfort of your own private van with an English-speaking guide and overnight accomodation at the Peninsula Hotel in Beijing (no.2 Double Rooms). Enjoy the flexibility of creating your own itinerary in which to explore this fascinating region of China with friends and family at your own pace. Price is exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities.

This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to embarkation.

This tour option is designed for those guests interested in visiting Beijing independently.

Explore at your leisure during your full-day (11-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights. Price is exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

This tour option is designed for those guests interested in visiting Beijing independently.

Explore at your leisure during your full-day (11-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights. Price is exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Tianjin at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights. Price is exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Tianjin at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights. Price is exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

This tour option is designed for those guests interested in visiting a portion of the Great Wall of China independently.

Explore at your leisure during your full-day (11-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights. Price is exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

This tour option is designed for those guests interested in visiting a portion of the Great Wall of China independently.

Explore at your leisure during your full-day (11-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights. Price is exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

A visit to the Great Wall of China presents a fascinating experience. Built along the rolling ridges of steep mountains, it offers spectacular, even awe-inspiring views, and is surely one of humankind's greatest architectural achievements.

The Great Wall

Departing from the port of Tianjin, begin your excursion with a scenic journey through the countryside to one of mankind's most impressive creation, the Great Wall. During the journey to the Great Wall's Juyongguan Section, your guide's commentary about the country and its people makes for an interesting drive. After having a Chinese-style lunch at a local restaurant near the Wall, begin the afternoon exploration of the Juyongguan Section of the Great Wall.

Nothing quite prepares you for the sight as you approach this part of the Great Wall. Built centuries ago, the wall stretches for over 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometres) and ranks amongst the top wonders of the world. The Juyongguan Section of the Great Wall also enjoys the reputation of being 'The Number One Strategic Pass Under Heaven'.

Leaving the Juyongguan area, embark the coach and sit back and relax during your journey to the ship.

Depart from the pier for an approximately one hour and a half transfer to the city of Tianjin.

Traditional Dinner

You'll first enjoy a Tianjin tradition dinner at the renowned Baoxuan Yufu Restaurant in Tianjin Food Market. Then re-board the coach to explore the colonial style buildings in Tianjin on the way to the way to the dock.

The Haihe River (Hai River) is regarded as the 'mother river' of Tianjin. Covering a catchment area of 122,700 sq miles (317,800 sq kilometers), it is a great contributor to the improvement of Tianjin, and ties closely to the lives of people living there for generations. People visiting it today to appreciate its scenic beauty as well as its historical and cultural atmosphere.

Night River Cruise & Sightseeing

Today you will take this 1-hour Haihe night cruise, enjoy stunning views of Tianjin's brilliant skyline and its iconic landmarks as the sun sets and the bright lights of the city illuminate. See Tianjin urban planning museum, the Jinwan Square, Tianjin Modern City Office Tower, the Tianjin Eye, The Ancient Culture Street, Jiefanglu Financial Street and more, including 8 bridges and 10 city attractions. The cruise travels along the Haihe River to the feet of Tianjin Eye, with live narration from a professional tour guide to provide an entertaining journey.

Following the river cruise, enjoy a drive marveling at the city's glittering night lights transfer back to ship.