ChinaCities and culture · Slow travel
Beijing to Shanxi, grottoes and historic towns · 7 days
Continue from Beijing into Shanxi, giving Yungang and Pingyao separate stays for ancient architecture and sculpture.
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Places along the way
View the route on a map-
Beijing
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Datong
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Pingyao
Pace, season and who it suits
Pace Three stays · A progressive route
Season Spring and autumn suit walking; allow extra booking and queue time during holidays
Who it suits Italian groups interested in architecture, sacred art and historic quarters
Dedicated time for the grottoes
Stay in Pingyao for morning and evening
Fewer visits on transfer days
01 Day 1
Beijing
Settle in before continuing
Keep arrival to a light neighbourhood walk, leaving rest before the next day’s train.
02 Day 2
Beijing → Datong
Continue to Datong
Take a checked service to Datong, then explore the old centre without rushing straight to Yungang.
03 Day 3
Datong
Yungang, time for the details
Make Yungang the main visit, confirming open caves and interpretation beforehand, then rest in town.
04 Day 4
Datong → Pingyao
Keep the transfer day simple
Plan actual trains and changes to Pingyao, then keep arrival to dinner and a short walk.
05 Day 5
Pingyao
Historic banks, walls and lanes
Choose one or two historic bank or courtyard sites, adding a wall section according to access and energy.
06 Day 6
Pingyao
Temple sculpture or more town time
Consider Shuanglin Temple for sculpture, or stay in the old town for a slower day.
07 Day 7
Pingyao → onward travel
Leave from the station on your ticket
Confirm the transfer to the correct station before continuing to your booked onward destination.
DATES, COMPANIONS AND STOPS
Where would you like to spend more time?
Bring this itinerary and tell us your dates, travel companions and the places you most want to keep.
Enquire about this itinerary’s arrangementsBefore you travel2
- Getting around comfortably
- Stations and historic centres are separate; plan named tickets, travel documents and local transfers together.
- Confirm this before departure
- Historic interiors, murals and sculptures may have separate access and photography rules.
Itinerary and preparation
The itinerary can adapt to your dates, companions and interests. Bookings, transport and services are confirmed for the actual plan.
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