Masaki - It's a close call. FJORDS is more expensive (looked at "g" category, air included, for both trips) on a "cruise + air" basis. If we add in port tours and shopping tallies, PANDA could win by an easy margin (LOL!) depending on the quality of the fakes people choose.

For those of you who haven't been to see the Terra Cotta warriors, are short on vacation time and can swing the cost of the two-night program, it was the highlight of our cruise two years ago. My avatar picture is from the optional bike ride on the top of the Xi'an city wall. When we went, we gave up time in Shanghai to do it. It looks like they may be running it over the sea day to Hong Kong, so there would be more time in Shanghai. That sounds like a better plan. As always, stay tuned to see the final plan. This one needs to be booked ahead of time. If you've got time post-cruise, it's relatively easy to book this out of Hong Kong. Remember to get the multiple-entry visa, though, if this is preferable.

Lauri - this cruise includes a 1 night Beijing tour for all guests (complimentary). From the website:

Depart Tianjin for the three-hour ride to Beijing. A restroom stop will be made en route. Arrive in time for a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you'll visit the Great Wall, then transfer to your hotel for check in. Dinner will be offered at your own choice of restaurants in the hotel. October 11th, 2006 After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart early for a tour of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City, then embark on the journey back to your ship.

Cheers, Anne