Destinations: Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xi’an
Our flagship 10-day northern China cultural tour links Beijing, Shanxi and Xi'an into one continuous historical journey. It moves from the imperial splendour of the Ming and Qing dynasties in Beijing, through the Buddhist grottoes and merchant towns of Shanxi, and finally to the Qin-era wonders of Xi'an. This is ideal for international groups with limited time in China who hope to grasp a broad sweep of Chinese civilisation, combining bucket-list landmarks with the unique, underrated heritage of Shanxi.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing. Meet guide and driver, transfer to hotel. Evening visit Tiananmen Square. Welcome dinner. Overnight Beijing.
Day 2: Morning Forbidden City guided tour along the imperial central axis. Lunch nearby. Afternoon Temple of Heaven. Explore the imperial prayer buildings and park grounds. Overnight Beijing.
Day 3: Full day Mutianyu Great Wall. Cable car up for comfortable sightseeing, plenty of time to walk along the wall and take photos. Lunch at a local mountain restaurant. Return to Beijing in late afternoon. Overnight Beijing.
Day 4: Morning visit the Summer Palace, the grand imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty. Cruise on Kunming Lake (seasonal option). Afternoon wander a local Beijing market to see daily life. Overnight Beijing.
Day 5: Check out, transfer to Beijing high-speed station. Take high-speed train to Datong. Local team meets you at Datong station. Check into hotel. Evening walk around Datong Ancient City Wall. Overnight Datong.
Day 6: Full day Yungang Grottoes, in-depth guided tour of the UNESCO Buddhist caves. Lunch nearby. Afternoon Hanging Temple. Return to Datong. Overnight Datong.
Day 7: Morning drive to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Study the ancient timber architecture. After lunch, drive south to Pingyao. Stop en route to explore Wang Family Courtyard. Check into hotel inside Pingyao Ancient City. Evening city wall walk for sunset. Overnight Pingyao.
Day 8: Morning tour Pingyao Ancient City: Rishengchang, county yamen, old streets. After lunch, visit Shuanglin Temple for its famous coloured sculptures. Later, transfer to Pingyao high-speed station and take train to Xi'an. Xi'an guide meets you, transfer to hotel. Evening free at Muslim Quarter. Overnight Xi'an.
Day 9: Full day Terracotta Army and Huaqing Palace. Detailed commentary on Qin dynasty history and the warriors. Lunch at a local restaurant near the museum. Return to Xi’an city centre. Overnight Xi'an.
Day 10: Morning Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang culture square. After lunch, cycle on Xi'an City Wall. Then check out and transfer to Xi’an airport for departure.
