Page 15 - AAA Central Penn - AAA Now! Winter 2014

15

january/february 2014

I

t comes as no surprise that China is at the top

of travel bucket lists the world over. Historic

monuments and glimpses of ancient civilizations

conjure visions of life centuries ago. However, the

fortunate ones who do visit China find there is so

much more.

Perhaps the most intriguing of China’s many

experiences is a cruise on the

Yangtze River. Romantic and

mysterious, the Yangtze was forever

changed by construction of the

incredible Three Gorges Dam.

Take excursions through smaller

tributaries and sail past dramatic

scenery, enjoying the luxuries of

the five-star river cruise vessels

while onboard. Tour the largest

hydroelectric dam, considered an

Engineering Wonder of the World.

Considered one of the most futuristic cities in the

world, Shanghai boasts an exciting mix of old and

new. Across the river from the elaborate art deco

buildings along the Bund is the modern Pudong

skyline. What used to be rice paddy fields as

recently as 25 years ago, the modern buildings and

bright lights showcase the cutting-edge lifestyle of

China’s most forward-thinking city.

China is home also to the beloved Giant Panda

and it is in Chengdu where one can observe these

adorable animals in surroundings that mimic their

natural habitat. The Chengdu Research Base of

Giant Panda Breeding is home to several of these

charismatic animals and offers many educational

experiences, such as working with onsite

researchers with daily care of the animals and baby

panda snuggling experiences.

In terms of history, the cities of X'ian and Beijing

cannot be beat. One of the most important

discoveries of the 20th century is undoubtedly

the TerracottaWarriors and Horses. Created over

2,000 years ago, the life-sized figures are incredibly

detailed. Marvel at these masterpieces, which must

be seen to be believed. The most known of China’s

many monuments, the Great Wall stretches over

4,000 miles, and walking along it is an

experience of a lifetime. Contemplate

the effort of this construction, built

brick by brick by thousands of men, and

admire the surrounding landscapes.

Some of the most tantalizing flavors

can be found in Chinese cuisine and

your tour of China would not be

complete without a sample of the

regional dishes. Taste the local delicacy

in Beijing, the famous Peking Duck.

Appreciate the effort in creating Shui

Jiao Dumplings, served in various shapes and colors

corresponding to its filling. Compare and contrast

the different tastes as you

travel throughout China,

from the sweet Shanghai

cuisine to the spicy Sichuan

of Chengdu.

Apart from China’s many

attractions, any visitors'

highlights will be the culture

and lifestyle they experience.

All around these many

amazing sites are locals

living their day-to-day lives.

Observe the bustle in major

cities such as Shanghai and

Beijing and the slower pace

of the riverside villages.

China’s Ancient Treasures

&ModernWonders

The best places to observe daily life are in

China’s many markets and parks. The large Muslim

community in Xi'an gives us a colorful and lively

Islamic food market to explore. You can find health-

conscious and social groups of Chinese locals

practicing tai chi or playing mahjong in any local

park, most notably the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

All are welcome, so be sure to join in on one of the

impromptu dance parties!

China is unlike anywhere else in the world. Full of

life and magnetism, its people, landscapes, history

and culture capture the hearts of visitors and often

bring them back to see more.

travel

agency

AAA

Now

!

TM

AAA/Dreamworks Package offer is valid for new, individual bookings made via any form of automation by a AAA Agency created between January 1 –February 28, 2014 on any sailing on Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the

Seas, Libertyof the Seas, Freedomof the Seas,Marinerof the SeasorVoyagerof the SeasdepartingbetweenApril 1–December 31, 2014. Limitone sodapackageperbooking.Guest can choose fromone adultor child soda

packageper stateroom.DreamworksPhotowillbe limited toonepictureper stateroom.Aphoto voucher is required to receive the complimentaryDreamWorkspicture.Voucherhasnomonetary value and it is theguest’s

responsibility topresent thevoucher to thephoto staff.Photovoucher isonlyvalid forapicture takenwithoneormoreDreamWorks charactersandwillnotbeaccepted forotherphotos takenby the shipboardphoto staff.

It is the responsibilityof theguest tohaveaphoto takenbya ship’sphotographerduring thevoyage. *A reservation for theDreamworksCharacterBreakfastwillbemade for families travelingwith children 17andunderand

forbookings that areproperly crossed referencedwith the 17 andunderbooking.DreamWorks CharacterBreakfast is subject to availability andwe cannotguarantee an advanced reservation as seating capacity is limited.

AAA Vacations®amenities are applicable to specific departure dates only. See your AAA Travel Consultant for complete AAA Vacations®details. Booking eligibility is based on when the booking is created not deposited or

dateoffinalpayment. Thisoffer isnot transferable.Not validongroupbookings.Offer canbewithdrawn at any time.Additional restrictionsmay apply. Shrek,Madagascar,Kung FuPanda,How to TrainYourDragon and all

R

Hurry! This offer ends February 28, 2014.

Book with AAA Travel between January 1–February 28, 2014 on any ship featuring

the DreamWorks Experience departing April 1, 2014 -

December 31, 2014 and receive the Exclusive AAA DreamWorks Package:

• A complimentary soda package per stateroom

• A complimentary photograph with a DreamWorks character

• Advanced reservations for a DreamWorks Character Breakfast*

PLUS, book a AAA Vacations sailing and also receive:

• Up to $50 Onboard Credit per stateroom

• Priority check in • Complimentary bottle of champagne

• Dinner for two

(

Allure

of the

Seas

®

and

Oasis

of the

Seas

®

)

CONTACT YOUR AAA TRAVEL CONSULTANT OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL AAA BRANCH FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE DREAMWORKS EXPERIENCE:

ENTERTAINMENT THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY.