My itinerary is a bit rough atm - I'm still undecided about whether Xi'an is worth the time/cost (Terracotta Army being my main attraction). I want to plan excursions, using Beijing as my base to avoid moving around too much. Not sure how feasible this is.

Fri 30th August LHR to Shanghai arrive 31st
1 - Shanghai
2 - Shanghai
3 - Shanghai
4 - Internal flight to Xi'an
5 - Xi'an
6 - Internal flight to Beijing
7 - Beijing
8 - Beijing
9 - Beijing
10 - Beijing
11 - Beijing
12 - Beijing
13 - September Leaves Beijing

interests are: history, natural scenery and villages/old towns. Am open to travelling by train but preferably day as what I have read/viewed with regards night trains they seem quite uncomfortable. Please correct me if I am wrong. Any advice is gratefully appreciated.

Was slightly concerned after reading that you need to list all your accommodation whist in the country. Means you have to concrete your plans quite early on.