Viking is to enter China’s cruise market taking international travellers to explore iconic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong onboard Viking Yi Dun – the former Viking Sun.

The Chinese-flagged Viking Yi Dun will be the first ocean ship for foreign visitors to operate domestic sailing in China. The new voyages will start from September to November this year. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the history and culture of China through insightful lectures with Chinese experts, Chinese cuisine and excursions to iconic destinations such as the Great Wall of China.

What cruising in China will mean

“Viking will be the first to operate domestic sailings for international travellers,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. “For more than 15 years, our Yangtze River voyages were among our highest-rated itineraries. We brought guests to China’s Yangtze River, to Beijing, to the Great Wall to the Terra Cotta Warriors and to many other iconic places in this captivating nation.”

He said that Viking will take international guests to visit local schools and some of the most inspiring experiences to broaden their minds and learn from one of the richest cultures in the world.

Highlights of the China voyages:

Wonders of China – a 20-day cruise-and-tour itinerary where guests can meet a Tibetan family at home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. They will also experience the scenic coats of Dongtou, explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Shenzhen, a UNESCO city of design. Prices start from $16,295 pp. Click here for more information

Classic China & the Coast – a 15-day itinerary of Beijing, Xian and Hong Kong combining a 10-day discovery voyage giving guests a chance to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. Prices start from $10,995 pp. Click here for more information.

China Discovery – a 10-day Shanghai to Hong Kong itinerary where guests can experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan, the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th century European diplomats on the Gulangyu Island in Xiamen or taste Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen. Prices for the 10-day itinerary start from $6995pp. Click here for more information.

What Viking Yi Dun looks like

Viking Yi Dun can accommodate 930 guests in 465 all-veranda staterooms. Like all Viking ocean ships, she features clean Scandinavian design with light-filled public areas and several al fresco dining venues.

For more information, click here