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!

In the morning you'll travel to Xuzhou, which is not one on the main tourist map.  The City is also renowned transport hub with Trains crossing north to south and east to west.  Xuzhou is a bustling city, full of life, but with some charms as well, including its claim to be the birthplace of the Chinese Han Majority.  This claim can be explored if you attend the very impressive Chu mausoleum (60 RMB entry).  The mausoleum houses over 2000 ancient relics and is a great place to explore. Later that day catch up on your trip blog as the HOTEL include internet in your room.  After dark head out and explore one of the many local style restaurants perhaps followed by a local bar?

Qufu was the hometown of the famous Confucius and this town should give a "Real China" experience.  No gleaming skyscrapers, however some great local restaurants.  Exploring the City and the Confucius family mansion, Confucius Temple and Forest on foot will take you the best part of a full day.  Easily explored on foot and is perhaps the best way to do so the town also has a good supermarket, where you can stock up on thing you need.  The groups have even purchased supplies for a BBQ dinner back at the Hostel.  Perhaps a night to kick back, play Wii in the Hostel or read a book (Poker anyone?) as you won't find any bars or cafes in Qufu.

After breakfast we make the trip to Qingdao by dierct intercity coach. This means heading through the mountains untill we hit the coastline and north to the seaside city of Qingdao.  The trip takes around 5 hrs, so charge your laptop, pack your book or plug your Ipod in!  On arrival you'll transfer to our Hostel, where you should consider the first stop as the amazing roof top Bar with its sweeping views across the old and new section of this Cultural vibrant City!  The City of Qingdao is renewed for two things, Beer and Beaches, but this former German concession CIty also has some amazing seafood restaurants and very, very good nightlife.

Today you can choose to explore the famous Laoshan Mountain, whose water from Laoshan is exclusively used to make China's most famous beer & along with it being a scared Buddhist site as well.  If not then consider heading to the originally German built Qingdao Brewery 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. A "must do" is to explore "Old Qingdao", which was part of the former German concession and is rich in history and German architecture. Your welcome to continue with Dragon Bus, but make sure you pre book your extra nights or inform your guide!