2016 CHINA ITINERARIES

TREASURES

OF AN ANCIENT LAND

What’s your idea of the quintessential souvenir? For many guests traveling on Uniworld’s cruise/tours in China, the ideal souvenir is unique in some way, inspires fond memories and isn’t readily available back home. We’ve also noticed that the mementos people cherish most tend to be handcrafted items, particularly ones they’ve chance to observe during the creative process. Below are eight of our favorites.

TEA

Drinking tea has a long history in China and it comes in a staggering number of varieties. Guests on our "Grand China & the Yangtze" itinerary have an opportunity to visit a 400-year-old tea plantation, where workers still harvest and sort leaves the old-fashioned way—entirely by hand. PORCELAIN

Porcelain was one of China’s earliest handicrafts introduced to the West via the fabled Silk Road. Today it can be found almost everywhere, from colorful local street markets to high-end art galleries and antique shops. CALLIGRAPHY

Calligraphy is a highly respected Chinese art form that makes great souvenirs— you can even get your own name printed in Chinese characters. At the Shanghai Museum—visited on all four of our China itineraries, including the 12-day "Treasures of China & the Yangtze"—you can see a fine collection of calligraphy (the museum’s gift shop is excellent, too). JADE

Jade has symbolized beauty, power and immortality in Chinese culture for 4,000 years, and you’ll find ample opportunities to purchase jewelry and other mementos made of jade on all four Uniworld journeys in the Middle Kingdom, including the 11-day "Highlights of China & the Yangtze".

SILK

China is the birthplace of silk and silk products from Suzhou are especially renowned. Guests on Uniworld’s 18-day "Grand China & the Yangtze" can learn more about silk and its fascinating history at the Embroidery Research Institute in Suzhou, and guests on our 11-day "Highlights of China & the Yangtze" may visit a silk carpet workshop. PAINTINGS

Every Uniworld itinerary in China features a cruise through the mystical Three Gorges section of the Yangtze River, a place of mistshrouded mountain peaks and otherworldly rock formations. A watercolor painting not only captures ethereal Yangtze landscapes in a beautiful and time-honored manner, it’s also lightweight and easy to pack. Modern art more your style? Don’t miss the bustling 798 Art District in Beijing. CLOISONNÉ

Cloisonné refers to intricate designs made with colored enamel placed inside delicate wire enclosures. Developed during the 15th century, the technique is now used to decorate vases, bowls, jewelry, ornaments and much more. Look for it in places such as Liulichang Street in Beijing, a narrow lane lined with antique and artisan shops. TIPS FOR BUYING CHINESE SOUVENIRS

• Always ask for a receipt when making a major purchase, as Chinese customs agents sometimes ask to see documentation. • Big ticket items—such as antiques and jewelry—should be purchased with caution. Make sure that any antique you buy has a wax seal proving its authenticity and year of manufacture.

Antiques dating from before 1795 cannot be legally exported. • Certain cultural items, such as jade carvings and rare relics, are not allowed to be exported from

China. Before purchasing, confirm that it will pass Chinese customs.

SPIRITUAL GOODS

Guests on Uniworld’s 14-day "China, Tibet & the Yangtze" cruise/tour have a rare opportunity to purchase some truly one-of-a-kind souvenirs in the remote region of Tibet, including spiritual goods such as prayer flags and wheels, incense and beads of every color, size and price.