Dragon Bus China: Beijing Express

Day 1: Beijing - Great Wall Express Starts here!
Dragon Bus highly recommends you arrive early and explore Beijing and all its imperial magic, history and culture, not to mention it's amazing bars and nightlife. Today your fellow Pass members will arrive throughout the day. There are no planned activities until the group meeting at 5pm, which is generally followed by a group dinner. The Chinese capital, Beijing, is one of the world's most impressive and vibrant cities. Suggested sights are - Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City or the 798 Modern Art District. Arriving early gives you the chance to also visit the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, Yonghegong Tibetan Monastery and some of Beijing's many markets where you'll find all your clothing needs! 

Day 2: Beijing, Hutongs & lunch with some Locals
Your second day begins - whatever time you like! However, did you realise that there are in excess of 15 free museums in Beijing City? So if you're awaking to trying to remember how great or late last night was or if it was early and off to Tai Chi with the locals, just make sure you're ready at lunch time to join you Trip Leader for a walk around one of the the traditional Beijing Hutongs. So much is said about Beijing Hutongs, but little is understood when you fly by in a 3 wheel ricksaw or on a culturally devoid tour. Set out with your Trip Leader and soak up the real laneways, back alleys and families that make this area so appealing to many outsiders. After this tour it's a early dinner with the locals, where you can plan your evening with your new found friends!

Day 3: The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall awaits! Yes, board the Dragon Bus as we head north for the quintessential image of China, its Great Wall.  On arrival into the area we'll head to one of the more "as is" sections of the Wall, where you can hike, climb, sit or just stare at it! The 2011 schedule means you'll also be staying overnight in the shadows of the Wall, in a local hostel, which can be quite difficult to find if trying it alone! The overnight stay means you have the option of perhaps dinner, a beer or glass of wine on the Wall as the sun sets down on its magical outline. Tonight, you can explore the quaint local town, where there are a few good restaurants.

Day 4: A Great Wall, The Birds Nest & Beijing
After breakfast you'll return to Beijing, where with time permitting we'll stop at the National Sports Stadium, otherwise known as the "Birds Nest" & site of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. The area is also home to the Water Cube, and if you wish to you can enter both stadiums for a better view of these very impressive and modern icons of modern China. Those not wishing to stay longer will return with the Dragon Bus to the hostel, where all good things come to end! Staying longer? If so, make sure you PRE book any further accommodation, rail or airfares through Dragon Bus! 

Departs Beijing: On Sundays during 2011 on following dates: February 27, March 13 & 27, April 10 & 24, May 8 & 22, June 5 & 19, July 3, 17 & 31, August 14 & 28, September 11 & 25, October 9 & 23, November 6 & 20, December 4.
2012 Dates available from July