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A
5-star archaized imperial style cruise ship constructed
in 1996, Qian Long is the only dragon shaped deluxe
ship sailing on Yangtze River. For a long time, dragon
symbolizes China and it is said to represent the spirits
of Chinese people. Dragon actually is the theme of
the ship: not only can they be found on beams and
painted rafters, also they were sculptured in beds
and chairs. Throughout the ship, from reception hall
to bedrooms, dragons in various postures are to be
found everywhere. Even musical instruments and dances
played aboard, paintings and calligraphic works on
walls, are all related to dragon in a certain way.
Carved
beams, painted rafters, winding corridors, marble
railings, golden sculptures and colored antique palace
lanterns, all were built and decorated in an imperial
style dating back to Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty
(1644-1911). All the guests aboard will be treated
as members from the royal families during that time
with delicious foods, luxury accommodations and extraordinary
services. All the waiters and waitresses on Qianlong
were well trained. They are familiar with Qing's royal
life, as well as contemporary tourists' needs and
know how to make them a perfect combination. They
dress in Qing style costumes and serve guests with
utmost care. Veteran chefs offer a wide variety of
exquisite dishes, including "carmine" rice,
green, pink or white polished glutinous rice, sturgeon,
soft-shelled turtle, venison, deer tongue and prawn.
The
Ship has eighty cabins, two of which are of special
imperial style suites built to resemble the emperor's
temporary dwellings and decorated with red felt carpets.
Chairs are with red embroidered backs and black fox
skin pillow seats, Mattresses were made of white fox
skin, Covers were made of marten and tiger skins.
Waiters and waitresses will report the time and wish
good health to the passengers in the morning and the
evening - like what an emperor received from their
servants. There are also 78 standard rooms with an
average size of 13.2 square meters.
The
ship is 93 meters long and 16.4 wide, with a draft
of 3.5 meters. Total tonnage is 5180 and maximum speed
in still water is 32 km per hour. Total capacity is
160 passengers. The ship is equipped with central
air-conditioning, closed circuit TV, international
satellite communication, bar and coffee shop, library,
gym, beauty salon, sauna and massage. In 2003, it
will be sailing between Yichang and Chongqing.
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