Destinations: Beijing, Datong, Pingyao
This 7-day Beijing-Shanxi combination solves a common traveller wish: seeing iconic imperial China alongside a quieter, less commercial ancient heritage region. You begin with Beijing's legendary royal landmarks before travelling to Shanxi to explore grotto art, cliff temples and the walled town of Pingyao. The journey is carefully sequenced with high-speed rail to minimise road fatigue, making it a balanced choice for international groups who want to expand their China trip beyond the standard Beijing itinerary.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing. Guide and driver meet you at Beijing Capital / Daxing Airport. Transfer to hotel in central Beijing. After check-in, evening visit to Tiananmen Square for city views. Dinner with northern Chinese flavours. Overnight Beijing.
Day 2: Morning tour of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). Follow the central axis, learn about Ming and Qing imperial court life. Lunch near the museum. Afternoon visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once held worship ceremonies. Explore the circular mound altar and the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Overnight Beijing.
Day 3: Full-day trip to Mutianyu Great Wall. This section is less crowded than Badaling. Take the cable car up (optional toboggan down). Walk along the wall, enjoy mountain views. Lunch at a local restaurant near the Great Wall. Return to Beijing in the late afternoon. Overnight Beijing.
Day 4: Morning free time for shopping or rest. Check out, transfer to Beijing high-speed railway station. Take high-speed train to Datong. Our local team meets you at Datong station, transfer to hotel. Evening stroll around Datong Ancient City Wall. Overnight Datong.
Day 5: Full day Yungang Grottoes, with detailed explanations of the giant Buddha carvings. Lunch nearby. Afternoon visit the Hanging Temple. Return to Datong city centre. Free evening. Overnight Datong.
Day 6: Early drive to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Explore the pagoda and Fogong Temple. After lunch, drive south to Pingyao. Check into hotel inside Pingyao Ancient City. As dusk falls, walk the city wall and enjoy the lantern-lit old streets. Overnight Pingyao Ancient City.
Day 7: Morning sightseeing inside Pingyao: Rishengchang, ancient county government, Ming-Qing street. Taste Pingyao local specialties. After lunch, transfer to Taiyuan airport or high-speed station for departure.
