Viking has added six new itineraries in Asia that will expand the cruise company’s exclusive access for guests to Japan and China, with Tibet (Xizang) in 2025.

Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests’ discoveries ashore. The Viking Yi Dun —formerly the Viking Sun—is a sister ship featuring the same award-winning design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet.

China Eastern Airlines inaugurated a new non-stop flights between Shanghai and Venice last week. The carrier will operate the new route three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

It’s early days, but Viking’s venture into China ocean cruising appears to be paying off and that’s in part because the People’s Republic of China needs foreign tourists and Viking is helping to bring them in by the boatload.

The Viking Yi Dun ocean cruise ship was officially launched in Shanghai today ahead of its inaugural nine night coastal cruise to Hong Kong.

The official launch of Viking’s new China coastal cruises is such a major event for the company, the Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen made a last minute trip to Shanghai especially to welcome passengers and the world’s press in Shanghai last night just hours before the ship, Viking Yi Dun sets sails for its first 9-night voyage to Hong Kong.

Mandarin Oriental has doubled its presence in China’s capital with an exquisite new property opening its doors yesterday, nestled in the heart of a traditional hutong neighbourhood. With just 42 courtyard houses, Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing offers a blend of luxury and local culture.

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts is now accepting reservations for its second property in Hangzhou, China. Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at Hangzhou Centre is slated to welcome guests from 15 October 2024. The property complements Four Seasons at West Lake which opened in Hangzhou in 2006.

Australians will be able to enter China for up to two weeks without requiring a visa to enter the country, as part of an easing of travel requirements revealed today in Canberra.

Viking will for the first time begin offering guests destination-focused experiences in Mongolia with the new Spirit of Mongolia extension program.

Viking has raised the curtain on three new, first-of-their-kind itineraries that will provide guests with exclusive access to China in 2024.

JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an Southwest has opened in the city, near a host of UNESCO World Heritage sites, historical attractions and iconic landmarks. The property blends the charm of Xi’an’s ancient city with its modern elegance, and is the second JW Marriott in the heart of Xi’a.