Leaving Shanghai in the morning we'll explore the ancient canal towns and stay overnight in Suzhou. The Venice like canals of this watertown will transport you back to years gone by. After this its back to Suzhou via a working Silk factory, where this old age craft will be demonstrated. Once in Suzhou you have the choice to continue exploring one or all of the several UNESCO listed World Heritage sites (30 RMB). Perhaps of equal importance is it's "Bar & Restaurant Street", one of the best in China, called Shi Qian Jie Lu where many a great dinner has been had.

Setting off after breakfast to another ancient & beautiful town in Yangzhou, one that is also off the "tourist" trail. Yangzhou boasts sites such as Slender Western Lake & Da Ming temple, a Ming Dynasty tomb surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens you will ever experience. A bonus is that it's a simple walk from the hostel. Yangzhou also boasts a worldwide famous rice dish, and has long been considered the best place in China to indulge in a foot massage, which the group normally heads to after dinner.

Rise at you own pace, but there is plenty to do in what was the hometown of the famous Confucius. Qufu gives you a great opportunity to experience "real China". Leaving the hostel explore the Confucius family mansion & Temple and then jump in a local rickshaw for the 3km ride to the Confucius Forest. Here you'll find the tomb of the great man himself and this tour will take the best part of your day. Head back to town by foot, ricksaw or horsedrawn cart and continue exploring its gardens and parks. Qufu also has a good supermarket, which can be the place to buy supplies for a BBQ dinner back at the hostel. The dawn of night allows you to return to the Confucius Temple and experience a show of dancing and singing set in the times of when Confucius was walking the streets.

After breakfast we make the trip to Qingdao by direct intercity coach. The trip will cross the mountains to the coastline, and make our way along the coastline for the resort city of Qingdao, over around 5 hours. On arrival in Qingdao we transfer to our hostel, where most head straight for its amazing bar which sits atop of the the Hostel, affording great views across the City!  Qingdao is renowned for two things, Beer and Beaches. This former German concession town has some amazing seafood restaurants and an even better nightlife.

The first day is yours to do with as you please. However, one choice is to set off with the group to famous Laoshan Mountain. The water from Laoshan is exclusively used to make China's most famous beer - Tsingtao (or Qingdao) and is a sacred Buddhist site as well. On returning we will 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. 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 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.

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 as we hit speeds in excess of 200km/h on our way to the capital Beijing! In the afternoon the day is yours, wander around the alleys near the hostel and explore the ancient hutongs or hit the bar for a drink and enjoy some quiet time. Tonight the group normally hits one of the local restaurants and then continues on to the nearby Hou Hai bar area.

Rise 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 worlds leading Art areas. Also the National Sports Stadium, otherwise known as the "Birds Nest", where you have the chance to take part in a "simulated" medal presentation at the site of the Beijing 2008 Olympics could also be on your agenda. However, "It's Your Choice" but for those wishing to enjoy a night at the Beijing Opera or the amazing Acrobatics your western guides will simply organise this. Perhaps just kick back and relax with a DVD in the hostel or on your laptop.

Sunday in Beijing is a good day to continue your Beijing experience, so you should get out and explore the City.  Many have previously slept in after experience the nightlife of Beijing.....   However, this City can be easily explored from the Hostel, with Tiananmen Square, traditional Hutongs and Forbidden City a short walk away.   The afternoon means that further travellers will arrive for tommorrows departing Passes, and this often means that everyone joins together to hit one of the nearby traditional restaurants for drinks and an amazing array of local dishes!   

Today is the last day of your Pass, but any sadness of finishing should be tempered by your visit to one of the icons of China, the Great Wall.  Today you'll head off to one of the more modern and intact sections of the Wall before heading back to Beijing. On return we'll head to a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacy that was established to serve the Royal Court of the Qing Dynasty, some 400 years ago!  During this TCM overview you can also enjoy a 20 min foot massage (a tip of 20 RMB should be considered!)  After this you'll return to the hostel, where you can stay a further night or collect your stored bags and head to your next location. If planning to stay another night, make sure that you have pre booked this with us and advised your Tour Leader.