Nanjing to Qingdao - Hop On & off Travel Sector by Dragon Bus China

Tour Itinerary

Sector Travel with Dragon Bus is the fun, safe & hassle free way to independently travel in China

China has a huge train and bus network, however travelling using these is described as demanding at best or at worst a nightmare. Going it alone also won't allow you to enjoy many of the sites & cities that you pass through on the way as well. Delays & hassles with lines & tickets, language problems, transfers to and from train and bus stations. What about then walking around in circles trying to find that "most do" Lonely Planet restaurant, which you can't find as you have the last edition! Ohh and we didn't include being ripped off at markets, hotels and taxis followed day trips packed full of shopping stops, but we can't estimate that loss in terms of time!

Day 1: Nanjing

You should arrive at least 3 days prior to the departure of the Sector from the former capital of the Republic of China as Nanjing is still today now both a very powerful & modern day City. Second only to Shanghai in terms of economic output, it has numerous modern and historic sites, including a 600 year old city wall. Nanjing is full of excellent museums. Dragon Bus provide plenty of options here for you three (3) days and as the City is a great walking city we offer downloadable PDF walking guides. Some consider hiring a boat on the lovely and centrally located Xuanwu Lake and paddling their cares away (perhaps not in winter!) Purple Mountain is also a must do as is the Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum which is set at the bottom of Purple Mountain. While in Nanjing we also the chance learn how to Cook "Real Chinese Food" at a professional teaching school. The cooking course will show you how to make various Chinese dishes including handmade noodles and Ma Po Tufu. Best of all you get to try your (perhaps) handy work at the end of the course. In Nanjing you should also put aside an afternoon and join our "Amazing Dragon Race", but more on that can be found in the booking notes or by emailing us! Lastly you're spoiled for choice at night in Nanjing, including the Bar area called 1912, which is a great place to drink and dance the night away, any night of the week!

Day 02: Xuzhou

The next stop is the City of Xuzhou, which is not one on the main tourist map (trap). This makes it perfect for us! The City is also renowned transport hub with Trains crossing north to south and east to west. Due to this Xuzhou is a bustling city, full of life. It also claims to be the birthplace of the Modern Chinese Han Majority and this claims I shown through the very impressive (and free) Chu mausoleum. The mausoleum houses over 2000 ancient relics and is a great place to explore. Later that day catch up on your Facebook with the free HOTEL internet, perhaps head out and explore the many local style restaurants and a few good bars

Day 03: Qufu

Qufu was the hometown of the famous Confucius. This stopover gives you a great city to experience "real China." No gleaming skyscrapers, but plenty of great local restaurants. Exploring the City and the Confucius family mansion, Confucius Temple and then the Forest where you'll find the tomb of Confucius himself can easily take you a good part of the day. This city is easily explored on foot and is perhaps the best way to do so. The town has a good supermarket, which if agreed by the group, often result in us heading down there and purchasing the supplies of a BBQ dinner, back at the Hostel A night to kick back, play Wii or read a book (Poker anyway?) as you won't find any bars or cafes in Qufu

Day 04: Qufu to Qingdao

After breakfast we make the trip to Qingdao. Firstly, we'll cross the mountains till be hit the coastline and arrive at the seaside "little Qingdao" City of Rizhao. After a bit to eat we set our sights for the resort City of Qingdao. On arrival we transfer to our Hostel, where most head straight for its amazing Bar! Qingdao is renewed for two things, Beer and Beaches. This former German concession town has some amazing seafood restaurants and better nightlife.

Day 05: Qingdao

Awaking to the sadness of knowing you Dragon Bus experience is over can be tempered by joining the group to the famous Laoshan Mountain. This additional Day Tour is a must as water from Laoshan is exclusively used to make China's most famous beer - Tsingtao (or Qingdao) and is a scared Buddhist site as well. On return we head to the originally German built Qingdao Beer Factory where the tour ends with a fresh beer! Qingdao is a great place to kick back, but you should also get out and explore it's long history. Another "must do" is to explore "Old Qingdao", which was part of the former German concession and is rich in history and German architecture. Perhaps hit the beach (in summer) with a book or go for a swim (there are indoor pools for winter!), but make sure you're back at the hostel for our grand BBQ, Beer and tunes party! We're sure that your time will fly by as you kick back and enjoy this cosmopolitan seaside city. Your welcome to continue the party with the rest of your worldwide travellers at the hostel, but make sure you pre book your extra nights!

Experience, real china with backpackers the world over with Dragon Bus China, no one comes close!