Qingdao to Beijing - Independent Travel by Dragon Bus China

Tour Itinerary

A fun, safe and hassle free independent travel network in China. Western owned & managed Dragon Bus has finally put together an Independent Travel Network across all of China.

China has a huge train and bus network, however travelling on these is often described as demanding or at worst a nightmare. Train or bus travel also doesn't allow you to enjoy the sites & cities that you pass through. Trying to do and see what you would experience with us could take you at least 4 times longer! Delays, lining up to get tickets, language problems, transfers to and from train and bus stations only then finding yourself walking around in circles trying to find that "most do" Lonely Planet restaurant. (that isn't now there 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: Qingdao

Qingdao is an amazing place, even in winter! You should plan to arrive with at least two (2) full days to explore this seaside resort City before heading to Beijing with Dragon Bus. Arrive a few days earlier and set off with the group to famous Laoshan Mountain, which the water if drawn and used exclusively used to make China's most famous beer - Tsingtao (or Qingdao). The mountain is famous and scared Buddhist site as well. This additional day tour also includes 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. The best place to do this starts by exploring "Old Qingdao", which was part of the former German concession and is rich in history and German architecture. Hit the beach (in summer) with a book or go for a swim (there are indoor pools for winter!), but make sure you're at the hostel for our grand BBQ, Beer and tunes party! Time will fly by as you kick back and enjoy this cosmopolitan seaside city

Day 02: Qingdao to Beijing

Rising in the morning we transfer by bus to the Railway station where we'll take the "bullet" train to Beijing. This train is the one that "backpackers" often complain about when their attempt to secure a ticket is met with a "ticket, no!" However, you don't have that problem while travelling with Dragon Bus. Wave goodbye to Qingdao we'll hit speeds in excess of 200 Km/h on our ways to the Capital Beijing! In the afternoon the day is yours, wonder around the alleys near the hostel and explore the ancient hutongs or hit the bar for a drink and some quiet time. Tonight the group normally hits one of the local restaurants and then continues on to the nearby Ho Hai bar area.

Day 03: Beijing

Raise for breakfast anytime you want today, as it's a free day in Beijing. Your options are so many and we've included a downloadable outline for you. The 798 Modern Art area needs to be explored to fully appreciate its emerging status as one of the world's leading Art areas. Also the National Sports Stadium, otherwise known as the "Birds Nest", where at both you have the chance to take part in "Simulated" medal presentations at the site of the Beijing 2008 Olympics could be on your agenda? However, "It's Your Choice" but for those wishing to enjoy a night at the Beijing Opera or the amazing Acrobats your western guides will simply organise this. Perhaps just kick back and relax with a DVD in the hostel or on your laptop

Day 04: Beijing & Great Wall

An early start awaits, but so does the Great Wall the quintessential image of China. Today we'll explore one of the more modern and intact sections before heading back to Beijing. On return we'll head to a Pharmacy that was established to serve the Royal Court of the Qing Dynasty, in the 16th Century, and get an overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ohh this includes a 45 Min foot massage! Returning to the Hostel many plan their night ahead! Perhaps you wish to dine like an Emperor with your new friends, and as there are many great places to explore deciding which one is the hardest choice. After dinner hit one of the many bars of this modern metropolis.

Day 05: Beijing

Awaking to the sadness of knowing you Dragon Bus experience is over can be tempered by getting out and further exploring this majestic former Imperial, but now very modern City. Perhaps head to where the Qing Emperor of China played tennis, the Forbidden City. Fly a kite in Tiananmen Square and experience the tastes, sounds and nightlife of Beijing. 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!