Arrive and check in to your hotel. Beijing dates back more than 3,000 years and was a grand imperial capital from the 10th century until it became the capital of the new Communist nation in 1949. It is inarguably China’s historic and cultural center, a massive repository where modern life thrives amid the reverential tone of enormous monuments to the past, from the sprawling Forbidden City to the serpentine Great Wall. Beijing also exudes an intimate side, found among the quiet warrens of hutongs. These tidy residential pockets recall the Peking of old and bring visitors back to China at its most authentic.

The arts thrive in Beijing, embracing traditions that date back centuries. Peking Opera is considered one of the highest expressions of Chinese culture, and critical to any performance are the music and lyrics. More than 140 museums further celebrate Beijing’s and China’s arts and history, from the National Art Museum of China to the Beijing Museum of Natural History. The city is also the gateway to several sections of the ancient Great Wall, including the stunning ramparts that snake their way over the steep hills of Huangyaguan and the well-preserved bulwarks at Badaling.

Beijing is a dynamic and captivating metropolis, rich in diversity and history. Its position as an imperial capital and its role as a political, economic and educational center have attracted people from across China and Asia for centuries. Predominantly Han Chinese, the city is also home to a substantial population of Hui Muslims, Manchu, Mongol, Korean and other ethnic minorities. These groups have with them their traditions, languages and cuisines, creating a vibrant fusion of cultures that permeates the city, from its historic hutongs to modern skyscrapers.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Beijing and transfer to the airport for your flight. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Viking Representative. Xian’s history stretches back more than 3,100 years. The capital of China for 12 imperial dynasties, the city reached its peak during the glorious Tang Dynasty. Once one of the world’s biggest and richest cities, and rivaling Egypt and Greece as the birthplace of civilization, Xian sat at the terminus of the fabled Silk Road. The city is encircled by the most complete ancient city wall in China. With deep moats all around, the wall has four gates and is more than 90 miles long. Most famously, thousands of ancient Terra Cotta Warriors were unearthed nearby in 1974. This evening, enjoy time at your leisure at your hotel.

Xian’s historical, cultural and architectural importance extends beyond its connection to the fabled Silk Road and the famous Terra Cotta Warriors. This rich heritage is on display at the Shaanxi History Museum, home to a treasure trove of more than 370,000 valuable Chinese relics and artifacts. The city’s religious diversity can be seen at the monumental Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist shrine and pilgrimage destination, and the 14th-century Great Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that combines Chinese and Islamic design elements.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Xian and transfer to the airport for your flight. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Viking Representative. China’s largest city and one of the world’s most important ports, Shanghai began as a fishing village 5,000 years ago. Long a draw for people from around the world, it has a history of being an open-minded city with a freewheeling character. Today, it is a modern metropolis and center of finance that orbits around its famous Bund, the elegant riverfront promenade overlooked by colonial-era banks and trading houses. Shanghai’s old quarter retains the narrow lanes and street markets of yore. The renowned Shanghai Museum contains a wonderful collection of ancient Chinese art. Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom.

Straddling the west bank of Huangpu River, Shanghai’s historic Bund provides sweeping views of the city’s past and future. Elegant colonial architecture overlooks the famous walkway, from the neo-Renaissance Union Building to the grand Customs House. On the river’s opposite bank, the skyline of Lujiazui in the Pudong District points Shanghai toward tomorrow. The Oriental Pearl Tower boasts a space-age design with its pair of orbs. Other skyscrapers, including the pagoda-like Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, are among the world’s tallest buildings.

The East China Sea is a vital maritime route for international trade and fishing, connecting China, Japan and South Korea. Its history is entwined with regional cultural exchange, shaping the area's heritage and identity. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.

Zhoushan is located on the largest island in its namesake archipelago, which encompasses nearly 1,400 islands and more than 3,000 reefs. The isles are steeped in spiritual traditions, influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and folk beliefs. One of its most famous attractions is Mount Putuo, one of Buddhism’s four sacred mountains. Dedicated to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, it has many temples, statues and caves related to her worship. The island is also known for its natural beauty, such as the Chaoyin Cave, where the sound of the waves resembles Buddhist chants.

Dongtou is a district in the southern Zhejiang province, the largest of a 168-island archipelago in the East China Sea. It has a strong fishing tradition, and many of its coastal villages are home to colorful fishing boats anchored offshore. The picturesque district is also renowned for its peculiar rock formations; the result of years of erosion by the elements, they provide an otherworldly and captivating backdrop. The district’s most iconic landmark is Wanghai Temple, perched atop a steep promontory overlooking the bay and brimming with more than 1,500 years of history.

Pingtan is located off the southern tip of Fuzhou, across the strait from Taiwan. The largest island in the Fujian province and the fifth-largest China, it straddles the boundary between the East and South China Seas. Known as the “Maldives of China,” Pingtan is renowned for its beautiful coastal scenery, including pristine beaches, clear waters and numerous undersea reefs. Offshore, various weathered granite sea stacks dot the coast, the product of eons of erosion by the sea. Long a center for fishing, Pingtan is now a popular destination during the summer months.

Xiamen straddles the islands at the mouth of the Jiulong River and boasts picturesque colonial architecture. One of China’s most fascinating cities, it is graced by salty sea breezes, rocky promontories and gleaming glass towers. Xiamen has been largely influenced by the Hoklo people. Han Chinese whose ancestors hail from this Fujian province, they continue to hand down their own unique dialect and cultural traditions. The city’s Nanputuo Temple complex, a sacred Buddhist temple, is one of China’s most revered and attracts pilgrims from all corners of the nation.

The South China Sea has been one of the world’s major trade routes for centuries. Today, one-third of the world’s maritime shipping passes through its waters, which are also rich fishing grounds and potential energy resources. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.

Nicknamed China’s “Silicon Valley,” the modern metropolis of Shenzhen is a symbol of the country’s rapid economic growth and reform. Since the late 1970s, Shenzhen has transformed from a small fishing village into a global technological and financial hub. Today, it is home to numerous tech giants, startups and research institutions, making it a center for innovation, electronics manufacturing and the global technology industry. A diverse cityscape features futuristic skyscrapers, while its proximity to bustling Hong Kong imparts an international flavor to the city.

Nicknamed China’s “Silicon Valley,” the modern metropolis of Shenzhen is a symbol of the country’s rapid economic growth and reform. Since the late 1970s, Shenzhen has transformed from a small fishing village into a global technological and financial hub. Today, it is home to numerous tech giants, startups and research institutions, making it a center for innovation, electronics manufacturing and the global technology industry. A diverse cityscape features futuristic skyscrapers, while its proximity to bustling Hong Kong imparts an international flavor to the city.