Pure East Asia – between Zen and Zeitgeist Small Ship Cruise

Xiamen owes its name, meaning “door to the house”, to its centuries-old role as the gateway to China’s treasures. It features an impressive contrast between the vibrant urban life of a metropolis and charming Gulangyu: a pedestrian-only island with idyllic scenery including green parks, beaches and picturesque streets with colonial architecture. The former 19th-century tea trading port has maintained its importance as an international hub, while the sleek urban parks along the coast of Xiamen ensure a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere today.

Shanghai is the leading industrial city in the People’s Republic of China and one of the biggest cities in the world. It produces state-of-the art technology, is a global financial centre and presents itself with a breathtakingly futuristic skyline. The city underwent a Golden Age in the 1920s and 1930s, which today is reflected in impressive colonial architecture and art deco buildings. These days, Shanghai offers a unique interplay between luxury and modern, with exclusive hotels, as well as the main shopping streets Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu, which are an inviting place for a stroll. Enjoy the atmosphere until the evening thanks to a long lay time.

Tianjin, one of China’s most prosperous and modern cities, is famous for its diverse cultural scene – and is your starting point for exploring the megacity of Beijing. The cultural and political centre of China fascinates visitors with a multitude of sights from different periods of the imperial era. The Forbidden City with its countless palaces, the legendary Temple of Heaven and the sprawling Tiananmen Square bear witness to Beijing’s imperial past. You will encounter the modern face of this metropolis of millions in the trendy 798 Art District, in architectural masterpieces such as the CCTV Tower, or along the luxurious shopping boulevards. Thanks to an overnight stay, you can look forward to plenty of time for in-depth discoveries.

Busan stood in Seoul’s shadow for a long time, before becoming a popular destination in its own right. Today, South Korea’s second-largest city attracts visitors with its idyllic coastline, busy markets and vibrant way of life. Highlights include the 1.5 km (just under a mile) long Haeundae Beach and Geumjeongsan Mountain. From the mountain range’s highest peak, Godangbong, you can enjoy breathtaking views over Busan. The famous Haedong Yonggungsa Temple also offers some fascinating insights and outlooks thanks to its spectacular location on the edge of a cliff. Art enthusiasts will find what they are looking for in the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village, where local artists sell their works in colourful houses.

In lively Fukuoka, you can experience the fast pace of Japanese civilisation, whose origins date back to 300 BC. The authentic atmosphere is particularly apparent at the rustic Yatai street stalls, where locals slurp ramen and tell each other the latest news. Fukuoka is an attractive city with modern highlights including the enormous Canal City shopping and entertainment centre, which has an artificial canal flowing through it. Cultural and historic gems like the Dazaifu Temple stand as testament to the city’s importance in the seventh century, when it was the political and cultural centre of Kyushu Island. The history of the Futsukaichi Onsen hot springs go back just as far and still today offer a great place for a relaxing bath.

Hiroshima symbolises a very eventful period in modern history – your exploration of the area will be shaped by memorials. Tracing the tragic events of 1945 will take you to the Peace Memorial Park, designed by star architect Kenzo Tange. Experience Hiroshima as an impressive place of historic reflection as well as a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Hiroshima Castle, also known as Rijo, will take you back to times long past. It is a perfect example of Japanese architecture in the traditional pagoda style and its museum tells the story of the samurai. With its variety of miniature landscapes, the Shukkeien Garden displays Japanese landscape gardening as an art form: pause for a while at the tea houses and koi carp ponds to find inner peace and serenity.

In a picturesque location on the Seto Inland Sea, Uno Port welcomes you with a lively harbour atmosphere and a distinctive creative flair. Enjoy the view across the expansive waters with Japan’s famous “art islands” of Naoshim, Teshima and Shodoshima as you stroll along the promenade and soak up the ambience. Original sculptures can be found here as well as boutiques selling local designs, while restaurants serving regional fish specialities invite you to enjoy yourself and while away some time. Thanks to the long lay time, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the maritime atmosphere and explore the sights of the surrounding area until the evening hours.

Kobe is a modern, international city with many unique attractions to offer. These include settlements in Kitano with its former foreign residences, the lively Nankinmachi Chinatown and the Nada Sake district. The Rokko mountain range attracts hikers with spectacular views, while Arima Onsen is known for its thermal springs. A cable car takes visitors up to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden with its beautiful plants and flowers and in the port district, visitors can find the Kobe Daibutsu, one of Japan’s three great Buddha statues. You can gather exciting impressions until the evening and during the next day, because your ship has an overnight lay time here.

* The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.