Most first-time visitors to northern China see Beijing and Xi’an and miss what lies between them. This nine-day route fills that gap by rail, stopping in Datong and Pingyao, two cities in Shanxi Province that hold some of the oldest Buddhist art and best-preserved urban architecture in the country. Each leg is a short, comfortable train ride, and each stop is a different chapter of Chinese history.
The sequence runs from the cave carvings of the Northern Wei, through the merchant courtyards and walled streets of Ming and Qing Shanxi, to Xi’an, the capital of thirteen dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road. By the time the route reaches the Terracotta Warriors, you have followed the story of imperial China a long way back.
Touch down in Beijing and transfer into the city where your adventure begins. After checking into your hotel, stretch your legs with a visit to Jingshan Park, a former imperial garden with panoramic views over the Forbidden City—perfect for a first glimpse of Beijing’s historic scale. In the evening, sit down to a classic Peking Duck dinner, where the crispy skin and delicate wraps offer an unforgettable welcome to China’s capital.
Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for good harvests. Continue to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, before entering the Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors across five centuries. Wander through its expansive courtyards and golden-roofed halls, each echoing with stories of dynastic rule. After a stroll through Qianmen Street, settle in for a themed dinner-performance that reimagines the grandeur of imperial banquets through cuisine and stagecraft.
Venture out to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, a quieter, less restored stretch ideal for photography and immersive exploration. This part of the Wall showcases dramatic ridgelines, crumbling watchtowers, and long panoramic views—offering a more contemplative experience away from the crowds. Hike at your own pace and take in the engineering brilliance of this world-famous fortification.
After a relaxed breakfast, take the bullet train to Datong. Begin your visit with two of the city’s architectural gems: the Shanhua Temple and Huayan Monastery. These Liao and Jin dynasty temples feature grand wooden halls, intricate carvings, and peaceful courtyards that transport you back to China’s medieval zenith. If time allows, take a walk along the restored Datong City Wall, which offers views of the old town’s historic layout.
In the morning, drive out to the legendary Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Si), an architectural marvel built into the cliff face of Mount Heng. Suspended over a gorge and supported by wooden stilts, this monastery uniquely combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. After lunch, head to the Yungang Grottoes, where over 50,000 statues—some towering over 15 metres—are carved into sandstone cliffs, representing one of China’s most impressive Buddhist cave complexes.
Take the train to Pingyao and begin with the Wang Family Courtyard, a sprawling complex once home to a wealthy Shanxi merchant clan. Its layered courtyards, carved beams, and formal halls show how far merchant wealth could reach in imperial China. Then check in to your accommodation in Pingyao’s Old City.
Spend the day in Pingyao Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where cobbled lanes and Ming and Qing architecture preserve the feel of old China. Walk the ancient City Wall for panoramic views, then visit the Rishengchang Exchange House, China’s first draft bank. Tour the County Government Office and the City God Temple, and learn about the traditional security guilds at the Escort Agency Museum. Spend the evening wandering the lantern-lit old town.
Take the train to Xi’an, once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of thirteen Chinese dynasties. Start your exploration at the Drum and Bell Towers, twin landmarks that have marked time in Xi’an for over six centuries. Walk through Shuyuanmen, the city’s traditional calligraphy and antiques street, before climbing the Ancient City Wall to walk or cycle its ramparts for views across the old city. In the evening, stroll through Datang Everbright City, an open-air precinct of Tang-style architecture that comes alive after dark.
This is the day Xi’an is known for. The Terracotta Warriors are a life-sized buried army built to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife, and a visit to a nearby workshop shows the craftsmanship behind each figure. Back in the city, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang dynasty monument and an enduring symbol of Xi’an’s Buddhist heritage. In the evening, attend the 大秦赳赳 immersive performance.
Your last day is spent at the Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, where centuries-old mosques stand alongside street food stalls and market lanes. Visit the Great Mosque, the largest in the city, whose courtyards blend Chinese architecture with Islamic tradition. Board the train to Beijing, arriving in the evening, to catch your next connection.
The route from Beijing to Xi’an by way of Datong and Pingyao rewards travellers who prefer depth to speed. Cave art, temple halls, a walled merchant town, and a buried army sit in a single, well-paced sequence, linked by rail rather than long road transfers. For those who have seen the capital’s highlights and want to understand what came before them, this is a natural next step.
