Hong Kong/China
East meets West here with shopping malls and traditional markets, skyscrapers and temple complexes – the city on the Pearl River sets new standards. Discover Hong Kong off the usual tourist track* in the metro, on a double-decker tram or on the world’s longest outdoor escalator. On a junk trip*, you will have a unique view over the world-famous skyline from Joss House Bay and visit the ancient Tin Hau temple*, which was dedicated to the goddess of the sea in 1266. Enjoy an even more exceptional experience on a helicopter flight* over the approximately 260 densely populated islands. Experience the lively megacity that really never sleeps on an evening tram journey* and visit to the night market* – including spectacular views from Victoria Peak. Or leave Hong Kong behind to explore Macao* – a Portuguese colony until 15 years ago with an enchanting historic centre.

Kaohsiung/Taiwan
The bustling port city welcomes you with its impressive skyscrapers and modern cityscape. Colourful Chinese temples can also be found throughout Taiwan, and you can marvel at the Spring and Autumn Pavilions on Lotus Lake and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas on a city tour*. Countless Buddhas in all different sizes are a magical sight at the Fo Guang Shan monastery*, not least the enormous and impressive Amitabha Buddha, which keeps watch over the pilgrims.

Keelung (Taipei)/Taiwan
Where 300 years ago there were only swamps and paddy fields, the landmark Taipei 101 towering above the city is impossible to miss. Despite the rapid economic development, there is still plenty of room for tradition in Taiwan’s capital*. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, for example, is built entirely in the classical style and the National Palace Museum* houses the world’s largest collection of Chinese art. Travel through enchanting scenery featuring volcanoes, rainforests and cherry blossoms in Yangmingshan National Park*. Your destination is the Yehliu Geopark on the coast, where the sun, wind and water have created some amazing rock formations.

Ishigaki/Sakishima Islands/Japan
Beautiful beaches, tropical jungle and the emerald-green Kabira Bay with its tiny islands – an island tour* will provide some idyllic views. On the neighbouring island of Taketomi*, you can go on a discovery tour by water buffalo cart and walk through the “star sand”: what appear to be tiny grains of sand are fragments of minuscule sea creatures.

Naha/Okinawa/Japan
The former centre of the legendary Ryukyu Kingdom has remained in a world of its own – with its own language and culture, including karate which originated here. The red Shuri Castle* and majestic Shikina-en gardens are also part of the royal legacy. You can expect some stirring encounters with whale sharks and manta rays at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium*: marvel at the marine life of Japan’s coastline before you take a boat trip through a scene like something out of an East Asian picture book in the park Bios on the Hill*.

Kagoshima/Japan
Immerse yourself completely in the traditional customs and practices of the country. In Chiran, you will encounter both ancient and modern heroes: discover the historic samurai houses* from the Edo period and pay homage to the pilots of the Second World War at the Kamikaze memorial in the Chiran Tokko Museum*. A traditional tea ceremony* in the enchanting Sengan-en gardens, a wonderful example of Japan’s highly regarded garden art, is not to be missed.

Nagasaki/Japan
The port city of Nagasaki lies on the west coast of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands. Thanks to its excellent natural harbour, Nagasaki was the “gateway to the west” for many hundreds of years and is therefore of great historic interest. For example, you can see the Buddhist Sofuku-ji Temple from the Ming dynasty and some wonderful examples of traditional Japanese architecture in the Dejima open-air museum*.

Shanghai/China
China’s gateway to the world opens up some incredible views of Pudong’s skyline from the mooring place. Our special tip: experience360-degree panoramic views from the revolving restaurant in the Oriental Pearl Tower. The most important religious site is probably the Jade Buddha Temple*, behind the walls of which can be found art treasures from the Tang dynasty. The Yu Garden* is an oasis of calm, with tea houses, pavilions and little zig-zag bridges – a peaceful little place amongst the hustle and bustle. Higher, faster, further – this also applies to the transport system in this megacity: on the Transrapid* you will reach top speeds of up to 420 km/h. After one last night on board, it will be time to return home or stay on for the post-cruise programme*, highlights of China: Xian and Beijing.