Arrive early and explore this majestic former Imperial, but now very modern City. Experience where the Qing Emperor of China once played tennis in the Forbidden City or fly a kite in Tiananmen Square. Experience the tastes, sounds and nightlife of Beijing before setting off with the rest of our worldwide travellers the next day for the Great Wall.   Make sure you''re at the nominated hostel to possibly head out for dinner with the group.

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 originally established to serve the Royal Court of the Qing Dynasty, in the 16th Century, and get an overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine. You can also enjoy a 30 min foot massage here for 20 RMB!   Returning to the Hostel many plan their night ahead, which could include dining like an Emperor at a restaurant of your choice.  Near to our Hostel are many great places to explore so actually deciding which one can be a hard choice.  After dinner hit one of the many bars of this modern metropolis.

In the morning, we board the Dragon Bus and head for the more secluded "as is" section of the wall.  Individually this day trip would cost around 50 USD from the Hostels!   First stop is Simatai section of the Great Wall, which will enable you to gauge its enormous presence. The option to hike from Simatai to Jingshanling, past 14 Wall watch towers, is available and although means you pay another entrance fee it could may make you feel like Genghis Khan himself.  Those not so intrepid join the Bus for Jingshanling before driving through the mountains to the Royal Summer Palace city of Chengde.  Famous for its "Summer Palace" more than three times the size of its Beijing sister, Chengde is a great place to relax, enjoy the fresh air and take in this City at your leisure.

The Royal Summer Palace of Chengde is more than 5.2 sq Km in size and it houses so much culture, sites and history that we've given you an entire day here. However, the choice is yours but exploring the Palace where the Qing Dynasty Emperor ceded control of Hong Kong to the British is a highlight. The Palace also includes a full size replica of the Potala Palace of Tibet. The summer air also makes this a pleasant City, so does friendly locals and the fresh locally picked fruits. A group dinner at a local restaurant is a must and as there is only one (western) bar in the town the night is often continued there, and results in a very enjoyable time for all.

After breakfast we return to Beijing, which takes around 3 hours. On arrival back in the Capital we'll stop at the National Sports Stadium, otherwise known as the "Birds Nest." The site of the Beijing 2008 Olympics also includes the "Water Cube" where at both you have the chance to take part in "Simulated" medal presentations (120 RMB)! After this we'll return to our Hostel, and for those up to it head out to explore the City by night. "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.

On waking today, it's the last. However finish Beijing off in style and continue to explore its timeless streets. Explore the Hutongs, or wander down the pedestrian road on Wangfujing for its great Food street, Perhaps the Silk Road markets for a bargain? However, those staying should PRE book their extra nights if you want to stay in the Hotel

• Intercity Transport on private buses, intercity coach and/or train for duration of Pass
• All accommodation (basic is dorm share). Upgrades available
• Service of Western Trip Leader throughout
• Local Chinese guides in selected cities/sites 
• Full information on all local sights and attractions
• Dragon Bus T-shirt

• Fully guided City/Site trips 
• Group dinners at great restaurants
• Upgrade to private room
• Entrance fees to sites (unless stated)