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Next: 21 JunThe adventure
To truly understand China, you’ve got to get out and meet it on its own terms, which is exactly what this 12-day trip through the country’s northern reaches delivers. Up here, you’ll get to the big stuff (the Great Wall, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, Beijing) and lesser-known treasures that only the hardiest of travellers ever get to see: village life in Inner Mongolia, the amazing Yungang Buddha Caves, and the nearly 3,000-year-old city of Pingyao, to name just a few.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
China
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Visit the Great Wall of China and return…BeijingTravel out of Beijing to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu. An incredible piece of engineering stretching almost 3,000km (1,864 mi) westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing, it was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north. Return to Beijing in the afternoon. Prepare for the overnight sleeper train to Baotou.
BeijingTravel out of Beijing to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu. An incredible piece of engineering stretching almost 3,000km (1,864 mi) westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing, it was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north. Return to Beijing in the afternoon. Prepare for the overnight sleeper train to Baotou.
Day 3Arrive in Baotou and continue into the grasslands…Enjoy the scenery around you and optional activities like horseback riding or a grasslands tour to see some wildlife. With a little luck, catch a beautiful sunset or sunrise with clear blue skies. Enjoy traditional living on the grasslands with a a night spent in a ger (yurt) and a delicious Mongolian dinner.
Enjoy the scenery around you and optional activities like horseback riding or a grasslands tour to see some wildlife. With a little luck, catch a beautiful sunset or sunrise with clear blue skies. Enjoy traditional living on the grasslands with a a night spent in a ger (yurt) and a delicious Mongolian dinner.
Day 4Travel back through the grasslands to the capital…Datong is famous for its temples, pagodas, and other Buddhist structures in the area. The Huayan Monastery and Nine-Dragon Screen are excellent examples of the treasures found in the middle of the city.
Datong is famous for its temples, pagodas, and other Buddhist structures in the area. The Huayan Monastery and Nine-Dragon Screen are excellent examples of the treasures found in the middle of the city.
Day 5Set eyes on the gorgeous Hanging Monastery…The Hanging Monastery (or Hanging Temple) is a wooden structure built into a cliff at the foot of a mountain more than 1,500 years ago. It includes Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. Further afield are the Yungang Grottoes; there are currently 53 grottoes with 51,000 statues of the Buddha remaining. Enjoy a guided visit to the grottoes to marvel at them in person. Beyond that is Mt Hengshan, one of the five sacred mountains of China. Opt to check out Datong's six remaining pagodas, which gave the city the nickname "City of Pagodas".
The Hanging Monastery (or Hanging Temple) is a wooden structure built into a cliff at the foot of a mountain more than 1,500 years ago. It includes Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. Further afield are the Yungang Grottoes; there are currently 53 grottoes with 51,000 statues of the Buddha remaining. Enjoy a guided visit to the grottoes to marvel at them in person. Beyond that is Mt Hengshan, one of the five sacred mountains of China. Opt to check out Datong's six remaining pagodas, which gave the city the nickname "City of Pagodas".
Day 6Travel by train and arrive at Pingyao…
Travel by train and arrive at Pingyao in the evening. Enjoy some down time staring at the beautiful scenery, playing cards, or chatting with your fellow passengers.
Day 7Explore this traditional town and enjoy an included…Sights around the city include the Market Tower, built in the 14th century, and the Confucius Temple. Opt to wander the ancient streets, marvelling at the city walls. For lunch, visit a local family and enjoy a traditional Northern Chinese lunch. Later, take a painting lesson from a former teacher.
Sights around the city include the Market Tower, built in the 14th century, and the Confucius Temple. Opt to wander the ancient streets, marvelling at the city walls. For lunch, visit a local family and enjoy a traditional Northern Chinese lunch. Later, take a painting lesson from a former teacher.
Day 8Take a fast train to Xi'an and spend some time exploring the city
Take a fast train to Xi'an and spend some time exploring the city.
Day 9Visit the Terracotta Warriors and enjoy an included…Take an orientation walk around Xi'an. Later, take a guided trip out to the Terracotta Warriors, situated a short drive away (approx. 1 hr). Enjoy a local lunch at a farmhouse nearby. Spend time in Xi'an exploring this vibrant city.
Take an orientation walk around Xi'an. Later, take a guided trip out to the Terracotta Warriors, situated a short drive away (approx. 1 hr). Enjoy a local lunch at a farmhouse nearby. Spend time in Xi'an exploring this vibrant city.
Day 10Enjoy a free day in Xi'anBeijingHead to one of Xi’an’s most fascinating areas – the Muslim Quarter. Opt to tour the unusual yet lovely Great Mosque (a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city), great souvenir stalls, and enjoy some of the best street food in China. The remaining city walls are a great place to watch the sunset or join the locals for ballroom dancing or Tai Chi in the early morning.
BeijingHead to one of Xi’an’s most fascinating areas – the Muslim Quarter. Opt to tour the unusual yet lovely Great Mosque (a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city), great souvenir stalls, and enjoy some of the best street food in China. The remaining city walls are a great place to watch the sunset or join the locals for ballroom dancing or Tai Chi in the early morning.
Day 11Arrive in Beijing in the early morning
BeijingArrive in Beijing in the early morning. Enjoy a guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. In the evening, choose to take in a Chinese acrobats show, a Kung Fu show, or the Chinese Opera.
Day 12Departure dayDepartureWith so much to see in Beijing, it is strongly recommended that you book pre- or post-tour accommodations and take in all the sights.
With so much to see in Beijing, it is strongly recommended that you book pre- or post-tour accommodations and take in all the sights.
Discover China
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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