Tour Itinerary
Great Wall to the Neon lights of Shanghai - A Pass with it all - Our most popular!!!
During this Pass you will experience the diversity of China's history, people, food & attractions. This Pass starts in Beijing before it's off to the Great Wall where you will sleep in its shadow after exploring the historic Beijing Hutongs. The seaside resort city of Qingdao, famous for its beers & beaches follows. Qufu, was the home town of Confucius & is a great place to explore the streets by foot or rickshaw. The beautiful & classical Nanjing is next with all its history & charm before we hit the Venice of China, Suzhou. Here stand in amazement at its canal laced streets, which you can explore on foot or bike, or perhaps in a boat ride through its network of canals. Finishing in the 'Paris of the East', Shanghai, you can celebrate in style with your new found friends as this city has become one of the world's MUST do places. The best of East meets West and a great way to end an amazing adventure!
Day 1: Beijing, Meet & Greet - Let the fun begin!!!
Arrive early and explore Beijing, a city full of history and culture, not to mention amazing bars and nightlife. There are no planned activities until the group meeting at 5pm, generally followed by a group feast. The Chinese capital is one of the world's most impressive and vibrant cities. Suggested sights are - Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City or the 798 Modern Art District.
Day 2: Beijing & it's 1000 year old Hutongs!!!
Free morning but join your Trip Leader for lunch at a local restaurant not too far from the hostel. After lunch soak up the real laneways, back alleys and families that make Beijing Hutongs so appealing. Afterwards, head to dinner with the rest of the group and plan your evening with your new found friends!
Day 3: The Great Wall of China!!!
The Great Wall awaits! On arrival you'll be taken to one of the more 'as is' sections of the Wall, where you can hike, climb, sit or just stare! The 2011 schedule means you'll be staying in the shadows of the Wall, in a very well laid out hostel, which can otherwise be quite difficult to find!
Day 4: Great Wall to Seaside Qingdao!!!
This morning is at your leisure. Wave goodbye Beijing as we speed through the countryside. On arrival in Qingdao we'll head straight to our hostel where you can take a break in the bar/cafe, before beginning your evening in this seaside city.
Day 5: Qingdao, Beer, Brewery & Beaches!!!
No package tour schedule to worry about with Dragon Bus so it's your chance to explore Qingdao the way you want to. You can wander down to the beach, for a lazy day with a book or hit the German Concession section of Old Qingdao for a glimpse of Qingdao when it was ruled by the Germans.
Day 6: Qingdao choices, ohh so many!!!
Today gives you a full day to explore Qingdao, which should include the originally 1901 German built brewery, and still a major attraction! Heading to the brewery you can take a tour for around 50 RMB, which includes a fresh beer at the end. You should consider a cozy dinner with Lao Zhao, one of Qingdao's brightest personalities.
Day 7: Qingdao to Qufu - Beaches to Confucius!!!
Today we take a coach to the hometown of Confucius. On arrival, kick back in the hostel or waste no time and head out to explore this classical Chinese city. Qufu has various parks and you'll be sure to find a great little restaurant for your meals, perhaps even a jug of cheap, ice cold local beer. Consider jumping onto on a 3 wheel rickshaw for the journey around town, which will also only set you back around 15-30 rmb. The hostel is a good place to kick back and unwind as Qufu is by far the smallest city that you will visit on your Dragon Bus tour.
Day 8: Qufu & The Tomb of Confucius!!!
Being the home town of Confucious, Qufu is a great place to experience the China of most people's imagination. No gleaming towers, just plenty of history, friendly locals and buildings that haven't changed for centuries. Although you can hire a horse drawn carriage to see this city, when the weather is nice, it is also great to traverse on foot.
Day 9: Qufu to Historical Nanjing!!!
Today we head to nearby Yanzhou station where we take the train to Nanjing. As the one time capital of China, Nanjing is a very diverse city. Its proximity to Shanghai means that western influence is never far away. Tonight, you have an opportunity to enjoy food from all over China with different cuisines from all parts of China being served in the local restaurants. Nanjing is also home to numerous bars located at the 1912 Bar district.
Day 10: Imperial Nanjing & all its history!!!
As the former capital of the Republic of China, Nanjing is a city rich in history, but also rapidly modernising as well. The city has an intact 600 year old city wall and excellent museums including the Massacre Museum and former Imperial Palace, which was the central palace before being moved to Beijing around 600 years ago.
Day 11: Nanjing. Anyone a Chinese Masterchef???
Today you may like to get out of the city and visit Purple Mountain, home to the mausoleum of Sun Yat Sen. Another option while in Nanjing is the chance take a 'real' Chinese cooking course at a cooking school that is home to some of China's up and coming chefs. However, with your last night in Nanjing don't resist the temptation of another night in the 1912 Bar and Restaurant area. Get together with your team for a few drinks and some great moves before you wave goodbye to Nanjing the following day (or the same day should you stay a little late!).
Day 12: Magical Suzhou & Venice like canals!!!
Renowned for its beauty and Venice like canals, Suzhou is a famous garden city that houses a vast array of wonderful gardens and timeless pagodas. Differing from the gardens you may have seen in Beijing, the gardens of Suzhou were built by private merchants and not the Imperial Family. Suzhou has several sites that are listed and protected by UNESCO, these are the ones that by re-joining the bus on arrival we'll head out and explore.
Day 13: Canal Towns & onto Shanghai!!!
After breakfast you'll board the Dragon Bus for a small, ancient canal town. Entry is included into this canal village, where life goes on as in years gone by....ok the sounds of mobile phones ringing gives this up! Once inside the village, take your time to explore it on foot. Late in the afternoon, and of course after a great lunch of local delights, we'll re-board the bus for Shanghai. Shanghai, Paris of the East and an amazing city!! Don't waste any time, check in and then hit the streets as you'll be in the hands of your Trip Leader and also in a great part of the city.
Day 14: The Paris of the East - Shanghai!!!
Today is your final day with Dragon Bus. Though you should still get out and further explore Shanghai. Do not miss Taikang Lu (see News on Website) for a great taste of old and new. Rise early and join the Chinese elders dancing, exercising or doing Tai Chi in a park or on the Bund, and then enjoy a local breakfast of Xiao Long Bao! (hmm beautiful). Please make sure to let your Trip Leader know if you need help with any onward transport.
BOOK NOW SEATS ARE LIMITED
