Departs From:   Shanghai Returns To:   Nanjing

Tour Itinerary

Sector Travel is the fun, safe and hassle free way to independently travel in China

China has a huge train and bus network, however travelling using these is described as demanding at best or at worst a nightmare. Going it alone also won’t allow you to enjoy many of the sites & cities that you pass through on the way as well. Delays & hassles with lines & tickets, language problems, transfers to and from train and bus stations. What about then walking around in circles trying to find that "most do" Lonely Planet restaurant, which you can’t find as you have the last edition!

Day 1: Shanghai

Shanghai is the economic and commercial hub of China, but also a great place to start! Shanghai has wonderful nightlife and its blend of Eastern & Western cultures will actually amaze you. The many sights of this fantastic city include the world highest observation deck at the Shanghai Financial Tower at 474m above street level, perhaps you could wander down the pedestrian road on Nanjing Liu for some incredible shopping, take a walk along the Bund, or a boat ride on the Huangpu River. Check out our downloadable 24 hrs in Shanghai, which actually could be done over several days!

Day 2: Shanghai to Suzhou

Leaving Shanghai on our own bus we head to one of the more ancient canal towns, prior to arrival in Suzhou. On arrival in this working canal Town you can take boat around its Venice like canals or just enjoy this step back in time. After more then enough time we’ll head to Suzhou via a working Silk factory, where this old age craft will be demonstrated. The Dragon Bus will head to your hostel and if your up to more then re board the bus and explore one or all of the several UNESCO listed World Heritage sites in Suzhou. Equal importance is the locla “Bar Street”, one of the best in China. So tonight we’ll make tracks for the Shi Qian Jie Lu to explore the bars and restaurants

Day 3: Yangzhou

Setting off after breakfast another ancient & beautiful town in Yangzhou, one that is also off the “tourist” trial. Yangzhou boats sites such as Slender Western Lake & Da Ming temple which is a Ming Dynasty tomb surrounded by some of the most beautiful Gardens and canals you will witness. Yangzhou also boats a worldwide famous rice dish, and has long been considered the best place in China to indulge in a foot massage, which of course we’ve found one where the groups normally head to after dinner.

Day 04: Nanjing

The former capital of the Republic of China, 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 in Nanjing if you wish to stay longer. We recommend around three (3) days. Nanjing 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. In Nanjing we also offer you 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, which you get to taste at the end of the course. 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!

Day 5: Nanjing

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. The sites that are mentioned above means that you should give yourself at least 3 full days in Nanjing to really experience and see the City. 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!

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