Experience “home from home” while cruising from China’s ancient capital, Nanjing, to cosmopolitan Shanghai. The maiden voyage began on the 11th April and the interest for this maiden voyage was such that it was sold out!

Nanjing, the City of Emperors, is situated on the south bank of Yangtze River and it is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It’s a modern city offering a rich heritage to explore, notably the City Wall built by the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, who also selected the city as China’s capital. The majestic Yangtze River, China’s longest river, and several of its branches flow through Nanjing.

The first shore excursion included in the price is a visit to the famous city of Taizhou whose history stretches some five thousand years. This prosperous and vibrant city is home to Hu Jintao, a former President of China, and Mei Lanfang, one of the most famous Peking Opera artists. We will visit the Ancient City Wall, a collection of charmingly irregular rock walls that once formed the boundaries of a rustic Ming Dynasty village. The afternoon is reserved for Fengcheng River.

Alternatively (at an additional fee) you could visit Yangzhou and the famous the Ge Garden, created for a wealthy salt merchant in the Qing Dynasty, and which represents a beautiful example of the harmony of Jing and Jang. Walk through Yangzhou’s rich heritage by visiting Dongguan Street, once the main transport artery through the town and today a commercial and cultural centre.

The following day, we visit what is known as the cleanest city in the country, Zhangjiagang, which was a small rural town until the economic reforms of the mid 1980’s brought industry and business to the area. Today it is a prosperous city famous for its large parks, clean and well-maintained streets and friendly inhabitants. The day trips include a visit to the Shuangshan Island famous for its emerald plants and home to various birds. Later we visit the Xingshan Scenic spot, famous for its historical sites, most notably the Wangjiang Pavilion.

Another optional excursion is a visit to the “Venice of the East”, Suzhou. We walk through the Humble Administrator’s Garden which was constructed in the Ming dynasty. Its layout featuring a ‘mountain island’, bamboo dock, rocks and a tranquil flow has won it the honour of “the world’s model garden”. Right on the Grand Canal, Hanshan Temple has become the city’s most important landmark. The temple was first built between the years 502-519 and was named after a Tang-dynasty monk who lived there. Through the centuries, the temple has undergone several cycles of destruction and restoration, the current one is late-Qing architecture. Suzhou’s Shantang Street has always been regarded as the principal of Suzhou ancient streets for three reasons, its long history of about 1,100 years, its layout and architecture best represent the characteristics of Suzhou’s old alleys, and it has connections to many ancient Chinese celebrities and anecdotes.

A further optional excursions is a visit to the less commercialised and less known water  town of  Wuxi.  Sightseeing includes a visit to the third largest freshwater lake in China, Taihu Lake, and to the famous Nanchan Temple dating back to the Southern Dynasty (549AD)

Back on the ship for the Captain’s Welcome Reception, then the dance-floor awaits!

The following day, we sail into Shanghai in Style! Watch the amazing skyscrapers passing by from your private balcony or come and join us on the 360-degree observation deck for iconic photos of this amazing city.

Between sightseeing schedules passengers can keep fit in the state-of-the-art fitness room or relax in the quiet Library, try the traditional Chinese board game Ma Jong or the art of Chinese Calligraphy. Tai Chi is organised for early morning risers on the observation deck which offers beautiful 360-degree views. Evenings are equally filled in with folk dancing, performances of local opera and the exuberant dancing displays of local minorities.

The food, freshly prepared by international chefs, offers a wide choice at every meal. The breakfast choice ranges from sumptuous croissants filled with chocolate or almonds, freshly-made coffee, juice or English tea, to fresh fruits, yogurts as well as bacon and eggs. Alternatively, if you feel adventurous, you can taste some more traditional breakfast food such as delicious steamed buns, soybean milk and tempting deep-fried dough sticks or rice porridge. Lunch and dinner offer both Chinese and Western buffet meals with a variety of choices so prettily presented that they are almost too exquisite to tuck into.  Meals are generally all served in the single-seating main restaurant, with marvelous picture windows which invite the dramatic scenery of the Yangtze River indoors.

Until now, you could only visit this historic city of Nanjing if you booked a long cruise between Chongqing and Shanghai, but from now on a regular luxury cruise service will operate between Nanjing and Shanghai aboard Century Sky, one of the ships owned by the leading cruise company on the Yangtze River, Century River Cruises, and which offers flawless service on 6 decks. The deluxe cabins are palatial at 25.9 sq/m plus the 2sq/m balcony- the size of cabins actually had to be enlarged in order to fit the spacious and comfortable beds (2.0m by 0.9m).

Departures from Nanjing are every Wednesday and the price for a 4-day / 3-night cruise is US$350 per person. The price includes all meals and shore excursions. Kids are welcomed.

For more information please email sales@centuryrivercruises.com or visit www.centuryrivercruises.com