Leaving Shanghai in the morning we'll explore an ancient canal town and then 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 continue exploring one or all of the several UNESCO listed World Heritage sites on the bus (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.

Rise in the morning and continue to explore amazing Suzhou. After lunch we'll head to another ancient & beautiful town called Yangzhou. Perhaps off the "tourist" trail but one that boasts sites such as Slender Western Lake & Da Ming temple, a Ming Dynasty tomb surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens and canals in China. Yangzhou also boats a worldwide famous rice dish and has long been considered one of the best places in China to indulge in a classic foot massage, which of course many head to after dinner.

The former capital of the Republic of China, Nanjing is still today both a modern & historic city. The city has numerous modern and historic sites including a 600 year old city wall and many excellent museums. You'll have plenty of options here for your three (3) days in Nanjing and it is a city easily explored on your own. Perhaps hiring a boat on the lovely and centrally located Xuanwu Lake is one option to paddle your cares away. The Purple Mountain is a gem and with the Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum set at its foot the two are easily combined in the same day. The options are too many to list! 

Arriving early in the afternoon we transfer to our hotel accommodation. Once you've settled in join the rest of the crew and explore some of the numerous restaurants or the great "Food Street" that Zhengzhou has. Don't forget to leave room for a few drinks as this city has several good bars as well. Perhaps a quite night takes your fancy and Zhengzhou has hosted a Poker Night or two, so a quieter night in or get out and explore the sites. 

Today you can visit the free Henan Museum, which houses prehistoric artifacts including dinosaur bones. There are several temples and sites in Zhengzhou that can easily be explored by yourself on this free day. Zhengzhou is also a good city to relax and catch up on emails or your trip blog. Tomorrow is a big day, whether you choose to spend it exploring the inner working of the Shaolin Temples, Shaoshan Mountain or even the afternoon with a Kung Fu Master.

You board the Dragon Bus for the nearby Shaolin, well known as magical Village known the world over for its Monks & Monasteries, and recently the remake of Karate Kid!  This day gives you a few choices, with first of which should be prebooked (requires min. 4) so you can spend a half day in a Kungfu Academy with a Master of Kungfu.  During this  activity you will learn the basics of this martial Art (300 RMB).  if not you should explore the working Temples of Shaolin (entry 100 RMB), which should see you viewing a real Kungfu exhibition given by students of this ancient martial art. Another amazing option is to climb the nearby Shaoshan Mountain (entry 40 RMB) for a birds eye view of the village below.  All this before we head off for Luoyang in the late afternoon, where you stay overnight

The UNESCO World Heritage Luoyang Grottos is a site where you should spend at least half within, if not more. Today the Tour Leader will assist your transfer to the site, or if you're with several friends it's easy to take a taxi with pre written directions directly to the entry gate. Previously this day meant departing for Xián, however general feeback was that the day was a little rushed. Clients pointed out that trying to get to the Luoyang Grottos using public transport would add several extra hours of hassle and around $100 USD to their travels, so now its a full day, which we hope you will enjoy.  Those not wishing to explore the Grottos have plenty to do in Luoyang itself, including its riverside parks.  The night will mean resisting the temptation return to the great little restaurant we've found over trying to find another hidden gem 

In the morning you'll leave the Luoyang Hostel and transfer to the railway station. On arrival the Tour Leader will take you to the shops where you can stock up for the trip to Xian. The section is undertaken by Train as Bus would mean an additional few hours travelling. Arriving in Xian, the start of the old Old Silk Road and one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, we're sure you'll enjoy it just as much as all the others have. What we're sure of is that you'll experience a City packed full of culture and history, along with great food, beer and many friendly locals. On arrival in Xián you transfer to the Hostel, where after check in many head to its well stocked Bar, before moving onto food street for dinner!

Today the group will leave from the hostel along with the Tour Leader for the home of the Terracotta Warriors. We have chosen to do this trip using local transport as this way YOU get to choose how long you stay at the site. The Tour Leader will be on hand throughout the day, as often some stay longer & others wish to leave.  Of course NO trip to Xian is complete without exploring the Warriors, like going to Beijing without climbing the Great Wall!  What we do recommend while in the site is that you take up the offer to enjoy the local foods on offer for lunch, where for 35 RMB you can eat as much as you want.  On return to the Hostel, you should continue to explore a City full of twists and turns, and one which should surely prove to be a major highlight. The hostel also has a good vibe as well as laid back cafe/bar area, but the Tang Dynasty period show is a performance you should not miss as well (speak to your Tour Leader about tickets).  

• 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)