Cruise the Far East - from Hong Kong to Shanghai and Beijing

The northern section of a Far East cruise from Hong Kong continues to Shanghai and possibly Beijing in China. Some cruises may call at Taiwan or Japan, perhaps South Korea.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has been part of China since 1997, but place names such as Aberdeen and Stanley reflect the British rule. Sail into the busy harbour, often mooring at the Ocean Terminal in Kowloon. Next to the Star Ferry, it is a short trip across the harbour to the famous skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island.

Overlooking the harbour is the Peak, a superb vantage point, best reached by the historic tramway up a steep incline. The compact shopping centre is easy to stroll around, or take a colourful tram. See stalls and shops at Hollywood Road and the nearby Man Mo temple. If time, go out of town to Aberdeen and its floating restaurants or Stanley and its market.

Kowloon itself has superb shopping. Its waterfront is a good place to watch the nightly 'Symphony of Lights' with laser displays from the financial centre buildings across the harbour.

Taiwan and Okinawa

From Hong Kong your cruise may call at Keelung, the port for Taiwan's capital Taipei, home to Taipei101, until recently the world's tallest building. See reminders at the Martyr's Shrine and Memorial Hall of Chiang Kai-shek and the democracy struggles. The cruise may also visit Naha on Okinawa island for a taste of Japan and reminders of the Battle of Okinawa. The World Heritage site of Shurijo Castle is a highlight.

Shanghai

From the mouth of the River Yangtze (See our Yangtze River Cruises section) smaller ships can cruise up the Huangpu River to the cruise terminal in the centre of Shanghai. Opposite the tall TV Tower and the skyscrapers of the new Pudong financial district, the terminal is a short distance to the famous Bund. With a waterside walk on one side and historic buildings dating back to British influence, the Bund is being redeveloped for Shanghai Expo 2010.

Pedestrianised Nanjing Road in Shanghai's bustling centre is a shopper's paradise with all types of stores and wares. Quieter is the Old Town and the Yuyuan Garden, a fully restored Chinese classical garden. The old French quarter has interesting buildings.

If going to Shanghai Airport take the Maglev bullet train for a 250mph experience.

Beijing

The Xingang cruise terminal in Tianjin is some 85 miles from Beijing, so a Beijing hotel is needed to see the city before or after a cruise.

Familiar through coverage of the 2008 Olympics, Beijing has been the cultural centre of China for over 800 years. It is notable for the walled Forbidden City with its grand palace of 9,999 rooms and the huge Tiananmen Square, scene of many historic events.

Attractions include the Imperial Summer Palace with its lakeside Chinese gardens, and a must-do excursion to the Great Wall of China snaking across valleys and hills into the distance.

See our China Tours and Yangtze River Cruises for a further choice of options including Landtours to China's highlights

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All photographs on these pages are by Blue Water Holidays customers or staff