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.
Uhhhhh, I might reconsider how many days you want to spend in BJ. Jiejie's advice for the smaller cities will cater to your interests much more than SH/BJ will.
Trains generally are fine, although plane can often be cheaper (but less reliable).