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Ruth Rosenthal | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> China with Viking River Cruises - 2011 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

China with Viking River Cruises - 2011

We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in great style by going on a two-week land and sea tour of China. Pictures are by Ruth AND Howard; we have many more that didn't make "the cut"! While I tend to focus on buildings and not people, I've tried to include a few more people pictures this time, including a few rare "Ruth" pictures!

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After flying to Shanghai, we checked into the hotel. This is the Pearl Tower from the elevated walkway near the hotel.
After flying to Shanghai, we checked into the hotel. This is the Pearl Tower from the elevated walkway near the hotel.		 Pearl Tower. It used to be the tallest; now the Jinmao & World Financial Ctr bldgs are higher
Pearl Tower. It used to be the tallest; now the Jinmao & World Financial Ctr bldgs are higher		 The next day, Viking took us to the Yuyuan Garden in old Shanghai
The next day, Viking took us to the Yuyuan Garden in old Shanghai		 Dragons are everywhere in China, and this one at Yuyuan Garden was impressive!
Dragons are everywhere in China, and this one at Yuyuan Garden was impressive!
Emperors are common, too!
Emperors are common, too!		 At the garden we were told about Chinese architecture
At the garden we were told about Chinese architecture		 Howard outside the Tea House
Howard outside the Tea House		 Howard & I skipped the Shanghai Museum visit & took a ferry across the river. Our hotel (Shangri La) is in the background.
Howard & I skipped the Shanghai Museum visit & took a ferry across the river. Our hotel (Shangri La) is in the background.
The muddy Huangpu River runs through Shanghai, & the river traffic never ends.
The muddy Huangpu River runs through Shanghai, & the river traffic never ends.		 That evening, we were taken to an acrobatic show. The colors and bending were fabulous.
That evening, we were taken to an acrobatic show. The colors and "bending" were fabulous.		 Shanghai's beautiful Jinmao Tower in a rare clear moment. It resembles a pagoda - or maybe the Empire State Bldg
Shanghai's beautiful Jinmao Tower in a rare clear moment. It resembles a pagoda - or maybe the Empire State Bldg		 The Jinmao Tower with World Financial Ctr (highest in Shanghai, with observation area up top)
The Jinmao Tower with World Financial Ctr (highest in Shanghai, with observation area up top)
Viking flew us to Wuhan to board the Emerald, but first we stopped at the Provincial Museum.
Viking flew us to Wuhan to board the Emerald, but first we stopped at the Provincial Museum.		 At the museum, we heard a performance using replicas of ancient bells and other instruments
At the museum, we heard a performance using replicas of ancient bells and other instruments		 Chinese cities are big on lights at night. These were only a few of the lights at Wuhan.
Chinese cities are big on lights at night. These were only a few of the lights at Wuhan.		 The beautiful Viking Century Emerald, looking up from the deck where we boarded
The beautiful Viking Century Emerald, looking up from the deck where we boarded
Cabin 104. It was quite comfortable & roomy, and Leo took great care of us.
Cabin 104. It was quite comfortable & roomy, and "Leo" took great care of us.		 Viking sponsors a school in Yueyang. We docked, & visited the school.
Viking sponsors a school in Yueyang. We docked, & visited the school.		 The kids welcomed us.
The kids welcomed us.		 Cute!
Cute!
The kids performed for us.
The kids performed for us.		 I brought pencils, erasers and stickers left over from the Md. Lighthouse Challenge (thanks, Kyle!)
I brought pencils, erasers and stickers left over from the Md. Lighthouse Challenge (thanks, Kyle!)		 A typical classroom
A typical classroom		 Here's the Emerald docked at Yueyang. There was always a walk up to land - very basic docks in China!
Here's the Emerald docked at Yueyang. There was always a walk up to land - very basic docks in China!
In Yueyang.
In Yueyang.		 Viking employees put on a Minority Fashion Show - beautiful clothes & people!
Viking employees put on a "Minority Fashion Show" - beautiful clothes & people!		 The show was quite artfully done.
The show was quite artfully done.		 Viking employees, who participated in the show, are absolutely the best in terms of friendliness & customer service.
Viking employees, who participated in the show, are absolutely the best in terms of friendliness & customer service.
Emerald tour director Iowa told us about what we were seeing (i.e., which dynasty the clothing was from).
Emerald tour director "Iowa" told us about what we were seeing (i.e., which dynasty the clothing was from).		 We were on the Yangtze for 5 days.The 1st part was a bit commercial but the boats (here - sampans) were always interesting.
We were on the Yangtze for 5 days.The 1st part was a bit commercial but the boats (here - sampans) were always interesting.		 We went through the Gezhouba Dam. Later we would see the new, expensive 3 Gorges Dam that replaced it.
We went through the Gezhouba Dam. Later we would see the new, expensive 3 Gorges Dam that replaced it.		 Going through a dam is fun - the view from our cabin certainly changed!
Going through a dam is fun - the view from our cabin certainly changed!
I was fascinated by the beacons on the Yangtze - black on one side of the river; red on the other
I was fascinated by the beacons on the Yangtze - black on one side of the river; red on the other		 We toured the largest dam in the world. Note 2 ships can go at once through a lock!
We toured the largest dam in the world. Note 2 ships can go at once through a lock!		 The 3 Gorges Dam was very expensive & is controversial. Many people were moved to highrises along the river as a result.
The 3 Gorges Dam was very expensive & is controversial. Many people were moved to highrises along the river as a result.		 When we docked near the 3 Gorges Dam, a beautiful temple greeted us.
When we docked near the 3 Gorges Dam, a beautiful temple greeted us.
Even food was for sale at the maybe later market where we docked to tour the dam. Vendors were everywhere we went, & NOT shy!
Even food was for sale at the "maybe later" market where we docked to tour the dam. Vendors were everywhere we went, & NOT shy!		 There were always tons of boats on the Yangtze - some big, some small.
There were always tons of boats on the Yangtze - some big, some small.		 Boats were used to mark dangers in the Gorges (here - green water) & Yangtze. They reminded me of Christmas trees.
Boats were used to mark dangers in the Gorges (here - green water) & Yangtze. They reminded me of Christmas trees.		 We had lots of fun bargaining for kites outside the bus at 1 stop. Of COURSE Howard bought some kites & of course he bargained!
We had lots of fun bargaining for kites outside the bus at 1 stop. Of COURSE Howard bought some kites & of course he bargained!
At night we went through the 3 Gorges Dam snugged up close to a tanker full of sand. The ship was SO close.
At night we went through the 3 Gorges Dam snugged up close to a tanker full of sand. The ship was SO close.		 Mountains and a beacon near the dam
Mountains and a beacon near the dam		 An attractive bridge. What amazed me about the Yangtze was the no. of high rise cities along the river.
An attractive bridge. What amazed me about the Yangtze was the no. of high rise cities along the river.		 We sailed through the Wu, Xiling and Qutang Gorges. They were gorgeous.
We sailed through the Wu, Xiling and Qutang Gorges. They were gorgeous.
In Qutang Gorge, you can see the mountain that graces the 20 Yuan note. Alexey, the ship's photographer, pointed it out to us.
In Qutang Gorge, you can see the mountain that graces the 20 Yuan note. Alexey, the ship's photographer, pointed it out to us.		 Russian-made hydrofoil on the Yangtze
Russian-made hydrofoil on the Yangtze		 Qutang Gorge, on the way to Shibaozhai - or maybe it was Wushan. I'm afraid I forget!
Qutang Gorge, on the way to Shibaozhai - or maybe it was Wushan. I'm afraid I forget!		 Sailing into Wushan was incredible - bottle rockets going off on both sides of the river for a half hour!
Sailing into Wushan was incredible - bottle rockets going off on both sides of the river for a half hour!
In Wushan we boarded a boat like this for a trip through the Lesser Gorges.
In Wushan we boarded a boat like this for a trip through the Lesser Gorges.		 All boats going through the Lesser Gorges had to check in at this check point.
All boats going through the Lesser Gorges had to check in at this check point.		 A trip on the Lesser Gorges is a popular attraction, although the current water level may soon make it less so.
A trip on the Lesser Gorges is a popular attraction, although the current water level may soon make it less so.		 Wushan grew to 4 times its original size after people were relocated as a result of the dam
Wushan grew to 4 times its original size after people were relocated as a result of the dam
We went under a bright red and white new bridge in Wushan.
We went under a bright red and white new bridge in Wushan.		 I was glad we didn't have to walk up these steps - we transferred directly to the small boat for a tour of the Lesser Gorges!
I was glad we didn't have to walk up these steps - we transferred directly to the small boat for a tour of the Lesser Gorges!		 The flag on the Lesser Gorges tour boat
The flag on the Lesser Gorges tour boat		 The happy room on the boat. Fortunately there was one western toilet, too!
The "happy room" on the boat. Fortunately there was one western toilet, too!
We saw monkeys on the Lesser Gorges trip!
We saw monkeys on the Lesser Gorges trip!		 And we saw the famous hanging coffins of the Ba people, put there a long, long time ago.
And we saw the famous hanging coffins of the Ba people, put there a long, long time ago.		 I had good intentions of doing Tai Chi with Master Tom, but photography always got in the way - or at least that was my excuse!
I had good intentions of doing Tai Chi with Master Tom, but photography always got in the way - or at least that was my excuse!		 Not all of the ships on the Yangtze were as nice as ours - many had laundy hanging to dry!
Not all of the ships on the Yangtze were as nice as ours - many had laundy hanging to dry!
Water level sign. With the big dam, no more flooding is expected.
Water level sign. With the big dam, no more flooding is expected.		 The town of Fengdu, taken from the ship. I had read that it was rather touristy, with cutesy fake temples.
The town of Fengdu, taken from the ship. I had read that it was rather touristy, with cutesy fake temples.		 Along the river - condos, the national bird of China (the crane - steel, not feather) and a beautiful church.
Along the river - condos, the national bird of China (the crane - steel, not feather) and a beautiful church.		 The Emerald docked at Shibaozhai so we could tour the gorgeous pagoda built into a mountain
The Emerald docked at Shibaozhai so we could tour the gorgeous pagoda built into a mountain
Early in the morning, I walked around the Emerald and got my 1st glimpse of the Shibaozhai pagoda. Note wall around base.
Early in the morning, I walked around the Emerald and got my 1st glimpse of the Shibaozhai pagoda. Note wall around base.		 I saw people washing clothes in the muddy Yangtze
I saw people washing clothes in the muddy Yangtze		 Before going to the pagoda, Howard got this fantastic shot of water buffaloes on a ferry!
Before going to the pagoda, Howard got this fantastic shot of water buffaloes on a ferry!		 A beautiful woman washing a beautiful tablecloth (or something!)
A beautiful woman washing a beautiful tablecloth (or something!)
You could hire stick men to carry you through town but we were told they occasionally dropped you off too soon, so we passed.
You could hire stick men to carry you through town but we were told they occasionally dropped you off too soon, so we passed.		 Mao jacket, peacock jacket - some beautiful stuff for sale on the long walk to the pagoda.
Mao jacket, peacock jacket - some beautiful stuff for sale on the long walk to the pagoda.		 Once you got through town, a bridge awaited. It swayed a little as we walked across.
Once you got through town, a bridge awaited. It swayed a little as we walked across.		 I'm not sure what this meant, but I guess it was warning us that the bridge was pretty primitive.
I'm not sure what this meant, but I guess it was warning us that the bridge was pretty primitive.
Loved the animal heads! I was born in the year of the rabbit, I think.
Loved the animal heads! I was born in the year of the rabbit, I think.		 The stunningly gorgeous pagoda on the walk to it. It was built in 1650.
The stunningly gorgeous pagoda on the walk to it. It was built in 1650.		 Deer decoration
Deer decoration		 The temple at the base of the pagoda was gorgeous, too.
The temple at the base of the pagoda was gorgeous, too.
Temple and pagoda. The pagoda was built without nails attaching it to the rocks. It leans against the rocks.
Temple and pagoda. The pagoda was built without nails attaching it to the rocks. It leans against the rocks.		 The bridge to the pagoda, seen from above. A moat has been built @ the island as protection against rising dam waters.
The bridge to the pagoda, seen from above. A moat has been built @ the island as protection against rising dam waters.		 Although my expression doesn't show it, I absolutely loved the pagoda - so striking!
Although my expression doesn't show it, I absolutely loved the pagoda - so striking!		 In 1956 3 more levels were added to the top - not sure why, though.
In 1956 3 more levels were added to the top - not sure why, though.
Dragon on front of temple from inside the pagoda.
Dragon on front of temple from inside the pagoda.		 The way up the temple was narrow with wooden steps. Here's one of the dioramas up top.
The way up the temple was narrow with wooden steps. Here's one of the dioramas up top.		 A stick chair and lanterns in Shibaozhai - probably set up for visitors, but I found it charming nevertheless
A stick chair and lanterns in Shibaozhai - probably set up for visitors, but I found it charming nevertheless		 A special Chinese backpack.
A special Chinese backpack.
We disembarked the Emerald in Chongqing & were taken to the zoo. I used to love hippos, so I stopped to clown around!
We disembarked the Emerald in Chongqing & were taken to the zoo. I used to love hippos, so I stopped to clown around!		 There were all sorts of activities going on at the zoo, including some kind of martial arts exercise!
There were all sorts of activities going on at the zoo, including some kind of martial arts exercise!		 I had seen the Wash DC pandas, but seeing the Chongqing pandas was still a treat.
I had seen the Wash DC pandas, but seeing the Chongqing pandas was still a treat.		 Panda closeup
Panda closeup
Munch, munch, munch...
Munch, munch, munch...		 An artist talked to us about Chinese painting. He spoke no English, so our Chongqing guide translated.
An artist talked to us about Chinese painting. He spoke no English, so our Chongqing guide translated.		 We flew to Xi'an. The next AM, we saw the terra cotta warriors.There are tons of them & each one is different.
We flew to Xi'an. The next AM, we saw the terra cotta warriors.There are tons of them & each one is different.		 This is in the main pit, which we visited first. It was 2 football fields long and resembled an airplane hanger.
This is in the main pit, which we visited first. It was 2 football fields long and resembled an airplane hanger.
It was mind boggling to realize these guys weren't discovered until 1976, when farmers dug a well.
It was mind boggling to realize these guys weren't discovered until 1976, when farmers dug a well.		 It was great to be let into the museum before anyone else.
It was great to be let into the museum before anyone else.		 A well preserved (or perhaps just well worked-on) warrior.
A well preserved (or perhaps just well worked-on) warrior.		 Howard took this picture of people working before he saw the sign saying no pictures.
Howard took this picture of people working before he saw the sign saying "no pictures."
Warriors in the sun
Warriors in the sun		 Horses waiting to be worked on in Pit 2.
Horses waiting to be worked on in Pit 2.		 Warriors from the back
Warriors from the back		 Lots of guys
Lots of guys
A fallen soldier waits to be dug out & healed.
A fallen soldier waits to be dug out & healed.		 A few good men in great light for photography!
A few good men in great light for photography!		 And a few good horses.
And a few good horses.		 We flew to Beijing. I was thrilled when Shan Shan took us to see the Bird's Nest (2008 Olympic venue).
We flew to Beijing. I was thrilled when Shan Shan took us to see the Bird's Nest (2008 Olympic venue).
The Bird's Nest up close.
The Bird's Nest up close.		 Water Cube. I tried to take the metro back that night to see the colored bldgs at night, but the Oly line no longer runs!
Water Cube. I tried to take the metro back that night to see the colored bldgs at night, but the Oly line no longer runs!		 The Westin Chaoyang was the nicest hotel I'd been in (lobby, taken by Howard from above).
The Westin Chaoyang was the nicest hotel I'd been in (lobby, taken by Howard from above).		 The next AM, we visited the Great Wall. Here we're approaching it.
The next AM, we visited the Great Wall. Here we're approaching it.
Our group posed at the base for a shot, then split up. This colorful group posed too, & Howard got the shot.
Our group posed at the base for a shot, then split up. This colorful group posed too, & Howard got the shot.		 Howard & I decided to walk the south side (less crowded). It was less dramatic, but easier to walk in many ways.
Howard & I decided to walk the south side (less crowded). It was less dramatic, but easier to walk in many ways.		 The north part of wall going on forever, taken from south part of wall
The north part of wall going on forever, taken from south part of wall		 On the wall
On the wall
Mountains
Mountains		 A Chinese tourist stopped Heidi to be photographed with her. I was stopped at Tiananmen Square for a photo.
A Chinese tourist stopped Heidi to be photographed with her. I was stopped at Tiananmen Square for a photo.		 Here we are on the Great Wall, half way around the world! Harry, this pic's for you!
Here we are on the Great Wall, half way around the world! Harry, this pic's for you!		 The wall is getting steep, and even the younger folks are huffing a little now!
The wall is getting steep, and even the younger folks are huffing a little now!
I was feeling my age now for sure!
I was feeling my age now for sure!		 The view from south wall about 10 AM
The view from south wall about 10 AM		 The north wall through a south wall arch
The north wall through a south wall arch		 Squiggling south wall
Squiggling south wall
One of our guys, sporting his purchase from a vendor on the Wall.
One of our guys, sporting his purchase from a vendor on the Wall.		 In the afternoon, we visited the Ming Tomb Walkway, lined with beasts and soldiers.
In the afternoon, we visited the Ming Tomb Walkway, lined with beasts and soldiers.		 The actual tombs are somewhere else, but the walkway, and animals, were delightful.
The actual tombs are somewhere else, but the walkway, and animals, were delightful.		 Lions and tigers and elephants, oh my!
Lions and tigers and elephants, oh my!
The next day it was on to Tiananmen Square, where Mao watches over all!
The next day it was on to Tiananmen Square, where Mao watches over all!		 Tons of people were milling around Mao's mausoleum
Tons of people were milling around Mao's mausoleum		 Tian. Sq. is huge. Shan Shan arranged a wheelchair/pusher for the day. Michael was worth every yuan he charged.
Tian. Sq. is huge. Shan Shan arranged a wheelchair/pusher for the day. "Michael" was worth every yuan he charged.		 This exhibit was only for the flower exhibition & is not always displayed at Tiananmen Square
This exhibit was only for the flower exhibition & is not always displayed at Tiananmen Square
Don't be scratching the relics, Viking passengers!!
Don't be scratching the relics, Viking passengers!!		 At Tiananmen Square, more animals!
At Tiananmen Square, more animals!		 In China, there are cameras & police, plus bag x-rays in metro, but with so many people, how can you monitor everyone?
In China, there are cameras & police, plus bag x-rays in metro, but with so many people, how can you monitor everyone?		 Lots of marble at the huge Forbidden City (former palace)!
Lots of marble at the huge Forbidden City (former palace)!
A Chinese woman wanted to have her picture taken with me - not uncommon in China.
A Chinese woman wanted to have her picture taken with me - not uncommon in China.		 It's a huge lantern!
It's a huge lantern!		 Fake people on the balcony in Forbidden City
Fake people on the balcony in Forbidden City		 Concubine alley, Forbidden City
Concubine alley, Forbidden City
Tour Escort Shan Shan getting a rest (few & far between) at the Forbidden City. She was an awesome tour escort.
Tour Escort Shan Shan getting a rest (few & far between) at the Forbidden City. She was an awesome tour escort.		 Forbidden City - the artist in me LOVED the bright colors and designs!
Forbidden City - the artist in me LOVED the bright colors and designs!		 Moat, water and beautiful marble
Moat, water and beautiful marble		 Ruth and Howard at the Forbidden City, Beijing
Ruth and Howard at the Forbidden City, Beijing
We visited a jade factory, where the happiness balls are carved from a single piece of jade.
We visited a jade factory, where the "happiness balls" are carved from a single piece of jade.		 More beautiful clothing!
More beautiful clothing!		 As if the Forbidden City weren't enough, there was also the Summer Palace, a beautiful affair.
As if the Forbidden City weren't enough, there was also the Summer Palace, a beautiful affair.		 A dragon boat with the Marble Bridge in the background.
A dragon boat with the Marble Bridge in the background.
Detail on the roof of the dragon boat
Detail on the roof of the dragon boat		 At the Summer Palace, we took the Dragon Boat to the other side of Lake Kunming.
At the Summer Palace, we took the Dragon Boat to the other side of Lake Kunming.		 The Long Corridor, with its varied and beautiful paintings
The Long Corridor, with its varied and beautiful paintings		 One evening in Beijing, I took the metro to see the Performing Arts Center & Great Hall of the People
One evening in Beijing, I took the metro to see the Performing Arts Center & Great Hall of the People
The one child per family rule was very evident in China, although if you have money, you can pay extra to have more kids.
The one child per family rule was very evident in China, although if you have money, you can pay extra to have more kids.		 This pic represents THE END. Some parents use functional pants for their kids. There's a big slit in the back!
This pic represents THE END. Some parents use functional pants for their kids. There's a big slit in the back!
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comment | share
Guest 14-Apr-2012 16:05
Great job Ruthie & Howard, outstanding photos of the warriors! Can't wait to go in Sep 2012!
Bushy
Dave 07-Nov-2011 02:45
Your pictures are amazing ... much better than mine of basically the same trip.
Guest 04-Nov-2011 16:35
Hey Ruth, thanks for sharing. I feel like I went on a cruise to China today. I enjoyed the pics. I am glad the reading souvenirs worked out. Welcome Home!
Guest 04-Nov-2011 01:00
SIMPLY STUNNING!!!!!!!
Guest 03-Nov-2011 23:21
p.s. Happy Anniversary from Sherri & Mike!!!
Guest 03-Nov-2011 23:21
Ruth, you have truly outdone yourself. The pictures are wonderful. Looks like a fabulous trip. Glad you & Howard were able to go.
Vickie BROWN03-Nov-2011 16:45
Great works of many images in the gallery, very well done. Voted
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