Viking China (Part 2)

[Bruin Steve]

We did not buy any terracotta warriors; we found them in the National Geographic catalog for $35 plus shipping--which was cheaper than they were charging in the gift shop Xi'an.

 

Oh...I just realized there was MORE that we bought...For example, I forgot to list the book from the Great Wall of China...and other trinkets we gave away as gifts...

 

But...one note on those Terra Cotta Warrior figurines:

 

I had also read on this thread that they could be ordered on the internet cheaply enough, so not to bother...

 

BUT, here is why we finally gave in: Yes, at the official gift shops, the prices were quite high--comparatively--on EVERYTHING...Not only the Terra Cotta Warriors, but the bronze dragons and so on...Turned out that even the official gift shops would bargain a little...but, the prices were still relatively high...

 

But, all over the warrior site, people kept approaching us to sell us those little boxed sets of warriors...at first, $25...Then $20...By the time we were leaving the site, we had a guy offering us a set for a mere $5! So, I finally caved in and bought one...Figured not much to lose for five bucks...

As it turned out, maybe I should have held out...As we got on the bus to leave, another guy approached us offering the set for a mere TWO DOLLARS! Seriously!

 

Anyway, for $5 (or 2), despite the official gift shop warnings that the counterfeits may not be "of the same quality", they sure as heck looked to be exactly the same...And ours made it home perfectly fine--unboroken, undamaged...and they are currently on display in my living room--with the dragon, the other bronze figure, the lacquered ducks, etc.

 

What you have to realize is that, in China, there is a whole cottage industry of selling these souvenirs to tourists...At many of the stops, it is a virtual open-air market of souvenir stands...I especially enjoyed shopping at Shibaozhai--where we walked through what seemed an endless gauntlet of folding table top vendors on the way from the ship to the pagoda and back...It was on the way back here that I purchased my dragon and my ducks--at some incredibly low prices...

 

My advice is, if you see something you like, ask how much...But, if you really don't want to buy, be wary...Once you ask, it becomes somewhat of a routine...The vendor usually has a pad and a pen...and he/she will write down a price in Yuan...Do not pay this price--it's merely a starting point to see if you are foolish enough to bite...They will then try to hand you the pen and pad so you can write a counter. I found that the best strategy is to NOT make a counter...Instead, act suddenly not interested and refuse...They will not let you walk away--they will generally start bidding against their own price, continually writing down new lower numbers until they start approaching their lower limits--at which point they will ask "What you pay?"...At this point, I would typically give them a number slightly lower than their last--and typically get the item! IIRC, my dragon's initial asking price was 1200 Yuan (around $200 US)...I eventually bought it at something like 100-150 (around $20 US)...

[zumaqueen]

If you are into needle arts there are beautifully done embroidery pictures in the silk city, and cute cheap stuff for grandkids--we got some watches for $1.50 My rule--if it can break, don't buy it. I'm tired to hand carrying. Very nice silk things and if you go to the hutong you'll visit a lady who paints inside little bottles. Don't pack too many clothes, most people didn't even change for dinner, except to put on different shoes. I wasn't going to shop either but did. This is a great, but tiring excursion.

[Peregrina651]

 

My advice is, if you see something you like, ask how much...But, if you really don't want to buy, be wary...Once you ask, it becomes somewhat of a routine...The vendor usually has a pad and a pen...and he/she will write down a price in Yuan...Do not pay this price--it's merely a starting point to see if you are foolish enough to bite...They will then try to hand you the pen and pad so you can write a counter. I found that the best strategy is to NOT make a counter...Instead, act suddenly not interested and refuse...They will not let you walk away--they will generally start bidding against their own price, continually writing down new lower numbers until they start approaching their lower limits--at which point they will ask "What you pay?"...At this point, I would typically give them a number slightly lower than their last--and typically get the item! IIRC, my dragon's initial asking price was 1200 Yuan (around $200 US)...I eventually bought it at something like 100-150 (around $20 US)...

 

Steve, that is a great explanation of how to deal with the street vendors. BUT, to clarify, it is not the way to bargain in the legitimate shops, such as the shops at the Warriors. In the shops, your discount will not be as steep as it is with the street vendors (including all of the stands at Shibaozhai, which is one of the best places for souvenir shopping), where you can get the price down more than 75% most of the time.

 

Another, tip when dealing with the street vendors. Take your merchandise and then pay. That way if there is any disagreement over the agreed upon price, you won't be forced to hand over more money before getting what you bargained for. Best to give vendors exact change.

 

BTW and filed under your mileage may differ, I was never once approached by a vendor while at the Warriors. I was utterly disappointed. I kept looking for them. :(

[franski]

Thanks so much for the detail on the "treasures" that you bought... And the advice on working out the prices.

 

This looks to be a new experience for me!!

 

Fran

[systables]

Viking has recently updated their Imperial Jewels Itineraries for 2015

 

http://wpc.475d.edgecastcdn.net/00475D/passenger_documentation/2015/Rivers/15IMPVADPEK_Imperial_Jewels_BEI-SHA.pdf

 

And they no longer list the optional trip to the summer palace on afternoon of day 2. And we have now decided to do the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven with Discover Beijing Tours on August 25th,2015 on day 1 after our layover day.

 

Was the lunch on Day 2 that Viking provided near the Forbidden City or the hotels (our is suppose to be the Kerry) ? And did any one stay around the tourist area after lunch and make their own way back to the hotel? We may want to go to the Lama Temple after lunch after the morning viking tours and wonder if anyone did this arrangement?

[Rodie H]

I'm interested in reading responses to your question. Website has good info. Thanks for posting.

[thefamilycruisers]

It took me over a week, but I got through the entire Viking China (part 2) thread. WOW! What a wealth of information. Thank you to everyone for all the pointers and reports. My mind is boggled.

 

We are planning China for 2016 and am very disappointed that the Cultural Delights tour is not on the schedule. I called Viking today and they said it might appear on the schedule and may just be a case of all the contracts with hotels, etc. not being completed. I am keeping my fingers crossed..

[wanderer44]

Hello, my granddaughter (18) and I will be on the Imperial Jewels-July 4, 2015

I was wondering about day-time proper dress as it applies to short-shorts that all the teens are wearing now.

[Floridiana]

The ship had no dress code.

 

I took photos of the creative outfits of young Chinese women throughout China. Most wore tights in matching colors with their miniskirts, but we were there in May, not yet hot. In Shanghai, I also saw shorts without tights, short but not short short. Mini dresses and mini skirts were the most popular outfits. Most women were really slim and looked great.

 

Personally I don't wear shorts on trips because I don't like my skin on all sorts of more or less dirty seats in busses etc.

[Peregrina651]

Hello, my granddaughter (18) and I will be on the Imperial Jewels-July 4, 2015

I was wondering about day-time proper dress as it applies to short-shorts that all the teens are wearing now.

 

This is strictly IMHO and I know that a lot people won't agree with me. A teenager can get away with short-shorts a lot more easily than the rest of us. As a teenager, she'll blend right in with the rest of the local teenagers, whose fashion style is also much to the dismay and consternation of their parents and grandparents. Lets face it. It is going to be hot and humid, so she might as well be comfortable--and happy. She shouldn't have to buy a whole new wardrobe that she will never wear again just to travel.

 

Still, I think there are guidelines. We are guests in the country and should be courteous to our hosts.: Fanny and midriff should be covered. Leave the ripped and torn at home, even if was bought that way. Carry a cover-up that can be thrown on easily should the need arise; a lightweight sarong will do (it won't look elegant but it will hide what needs to be hidden at the moment).

 

Also under IMHO. In the hot and humid summer months, leave the jeans home. They just aren't practical for this trip. It will be too hot to wear them comfortably during the day. They don't hand-wash or air dry easily. They take up more room in the suitcase. Shorts and sundresses are the way to go for this trip--easy to pack, light in weight, cool and cooling to wear.

[Peregrina651]

It took me over a week, but I got through the entire Viking China (part 2) thread. WOW! What a wealth of information. Thank you to everyone for all the pointers and reports. My mind is boggled.

 

We are planning China for 2016 and am very disappointed that the Cultural Delights tour is not on the schedule. I called Viking today and they said it might appear on the schedule and may just be a case of all the contracts with hotels, etc. not being completed. I am keeping my fingers crossed..

 

That was a lot of reading!!!

 

I am SOOOOO disappointed to hear that Cultural Delights is not on the schedule for 2016. The extra few days are completely packed with places that most visitors to China don't get to see.

 

Somewhere in this thread are posts from VRC that include a contact e-mail that is not the frontline customer service department. I would find that e-mail and contact them about Cultural Delights. I urge anyone who was hoping to do Cultural Delights in 2016 to contact VRC via this e-mail and express your disappointment that Cultural Delights is not on the schedule for 2016. Don't call the regular operators; your complaint won't get high enough in the food chain to do any good.

 

At the same time, I would point out that there are no gaps in the published schedule for Imperial Jewels 2016. I can't imagine them starting to book passengers only to then have to cancel those bookings in favor of Cultural Delights. Contrary to what the rep told you, my gut says that the decisions have been made; there will be no Cultural Delights in 2016.

 

In the meantime, there is another thread on CC discussing a non-VCR alternative to Cultural Delights.

[Floridiana]

Fanny and midriff should be covered. Leave the ripped and torn at home, even if was bought that way. Carry a cover-up that can be thrown on easily should the need arise; a lightweight sarong will do (it won't look elegant but it will hide what needs to be hidden at the moment).

 

 

True, I never saw anything ripped or torn, no exposed midriffs/fannies either, but I never saw a cover-up like a sarong in China. Young women's fashion tended towards the pretty feminine with lace and pastel colors.

 

A cover-up of some sort is probably necessary in air-conditioned airports and planes.

[Going Coastal]

It took me over a week, but I got through the entire Viking China (part 2) thread. WOW! What a wealth of information. Thank you to everyone for all the pointers and reports. My mind is boggled.

 

We are planning China for 2016 and am very disappointed that the Cultural Delights tour is not on the schedule. I called Viking today and they said it might appear on the schedule and may just be a case of all the contracts with hotels, etc. not being completed. I am keeping my fingers crossed..

 

Sorry to hear that, but now especially glad we booked it for next month, instead of next year. While we have enjoyed Viking in Europe very much, my husband has been just as happy with Grand Circle, when he travels alone.

 

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[caribill]

A cover-up of some sort is probably necessary in air-conditioned airports and planes.

 

And temples.

[Live4cruises]

We are echoing Going Coastal - so happy we are going on this longer trip next month! I was somewhat surprised about the change at first, because it certainly appears that CD sells out, but if Viking has stronger demand for the shorter trip, it makes economic sense for them to standardize the core trip and add more extensions.

[Going Coastal]

Live4cruises,

Are you extending on this one?

 

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[Floridiana]

And temples.

 

The likelihood of visiting a temple is very slim in China. We went to one on the Yangtze River cruise, but it was a museum. There are few temples/churches in China with the exception of Tibet, but you are right, shorts then need a cover.

[Live4cruises]

No, we aren't extending. This trip uses up every minute of my vacation time for this year :( and we were in Hong Kong in 2008. So it's back home to start saving for the next one!

[Peregrina651]

True, I never saw anything ripped or torn, no exposed midriffs/fannies either, but I never saw a cover-up like a sarong in China. Young women's fashion tended towards the pretty feminine with lace and pastel colors.

 

A cover-up of some sort is probably necessary in air-conditioned airports and planes.

 

True, the sarong is not a fashion item but it is great for those moments when you have to cover your legs to enter a temple or the like. It is light and can be put in your day and pulled out if needed. However, there aren't many temples on the itinerary so don't go crazy trying to find one to pack; most of us will pass the modesty muster in whatever we are wearing. I suggested it for the granddaughter in short-shorts.

[Peregrina651]

We are echoing Going Coastal - so happy we are going on this longer trip next month! I was somewhat surprised about the change at first, because it certainly appears that CD sells out, but if Viking has stronger demand for the shorter trip, it makes economic sense for them to standardize the core trip and add more extensions.

 

Yes, economically for the company it makes sense; they can do two Jewels for every one Delights. But it truly saddens me that they have chosen economics over the unique opportunities offered on Cultural Delights itinerary.

 

Here are a couple of the sights they are giving up:

 

Yueyang Tower.

 

 

The temples on the sacred mountain of Mt. Juihua:

 

 

The Porcelain History Center, where they make porcelain the old fashion way--by hand:

 

[Mark_T]

Was the lunch on Day 2 that Viking provided near the Forbidden City or the hotels (our is suppose to be the Kerry) ? And did any one stay around the tourist area after lunch and make their own way back to the hotel? We may want to go to the Lama Temple after lunch after the morning viking tours and wonder if anyone did this arrangement?

 

For us, the lunch was at the Nikko Hotel.

 

After lunch the coaches split with those who were not doing the Summer Palace being taken back to their hotels.

[Kohola]

Hello, my granddaughter (18) and I will be on the Imperial Jewels-July 4, 2015

I was wondering about day-time proper dress as it applies to short-shorts that all the teens are wearing now.

The young people of China try to emulate what they think is in fashion in the western world. I messaged a friend in China that is about your granddaughter's age...she typically wears shorts with a t-shirt starting in April.

 

I would suggest preparing your granddaughter for the reactions she will get from the locals she encounters because it will be a cultural shock. Expect that she will be blatantly stared at and the Chinese tourists with want to be photographed with her. The greater the difference between her appearance and those of the Chinese the more attention she will receive, i.e. if she has blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes she will receive celebrity type status by the Chinese tourists from the more remote areas who typically don't see westerners. They want a photo to brag to their friends back home about meeting a foreigner. Normally Chinese men will not invade a western female's personal space, but I have had my arm grabbed on numerous occasions by Chinese women wanting a photo with me. I'm male, but it is still a bit unnerving until you get used to it. If you're gracious, smile and give them a "Ni hao" it becomes a positive experience in most cases. Here are some examples of normal local attire and the typical experiences. We traveled in spring so the weather is cooler, therefore they are dressed warmer.

 

My wife had a slight red tint to her hair which caught the attention of the Chinese. In this case, four college students rotated taking photos with her.

These were crew members we met off the boat, but it gives you an indication of how short their dresses are.

Typical example of the staring that takes place...our tour escort explained 2 minutes of staring is acceptable, after that it is considered being rude.

Typical attire for my friend's school function.

This photograph is my friend at college, but it again shows a lot of shorts and t-shirts.

[wanderer44]

Thank you for the great responses to the day-to-day proper dress. Looks like she will fit in just fine.

[Kohola]

True, I never saw anything ripped or torn, no exposed midriffs/fannies either, but I never saw a cover-up like a sarong in China. Young women's fashion tended towards the pretty feminine with lace and pastel colors.

 

A cover-up of some sort is probably necessary in air-conditioned airports and planes.

 

I did a little checking as to whether young women in China do wear tops which expose the midriff...the consensus I received was it depends on one's individual level of modesty. Some expose their midriff, but not to the point of the "button of the stomach" being revealed in their words.

This photo is from the Chinese FB page of one of my friends, it included a lengthy discussion as to whether they would wear the blouses these girls are wearing. Incidentally, they were also discussing "Fifty Shades of Grey" because one of them had a copy:eek:

 

When communicating with them you must be very aware that their reference to time is much different than ours. Ask the question... "Do you wear blouses that expose your stomach?"and the overwhelming response will be "No." Delve a little deeper and the reply becomes "No, because it is cold out." You have to frame your question to the time period which is appropriate for them to wear that type of attire.

If you ask them..."Do you work?" and it happens to be in the evening in China, they will tell you "no." Not because they don't work, just not at 9 in the evening.

[systables]

For us, the lunch was at the Nikko Hotel.

 

After lunch the coaches split with those who were not doing the Summer Palace being taken back to their hotels.

 

A:)s always ..thanks for the info...Mark_T ,,,,