2-Week Northern China Tour Packages

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Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Northern China itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern China travel expert at TourRadar

12 Days in China, incl. Beijing and Xi'an
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- Days 1-2
  Beijing
  Plan about 90 minutes for airport transfers because of Beijing's heavy traffic. Once you're settled, your first full day takes you through Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with its 900 buildings. A recent visitor shared: "The walking was worth it for the magical scenery, and interacting with local people made the cultural experience even richer."
- Days 3-4
  Shanhaiguan
  The 4-5 hour drive brings you to the "Dragon's Head" where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea. Your first wall walk covers 4km at First Pass. On day two, you'll explore Jiaoshan Pass in the morning (note that it's closed until May 1st for fire safety). The terrain gets rough with metal ladders and large steps. Wear long pants to protect against gorse bushes.
- Days 5-6
  Panjiakou & Eastern Qing Tombs
  Take a boat trip to see a unique sight: the wall submerged in Panjiakou reservoir. The 8.5km Luowenyou section requires some scrambling over loose gravel and overgrown paths. Visit the imperial tombs early before the crowds arrive.
- Days 7-8
  Jinshanling
  This section offers incredible photo opportunities. Walk 10km from Gubeikou to Jinshanling, passing 16 beacon towers. The next day's 6km stretch toward Simatai includes steep climbs with lots of steps. Use the 18 watchtowers for rest stops in the shade.
- Day 9
  Return to Beijing
  After a 3-hour drive back to Beijing, you'll have free time before boarding the overnight train to Xi'an. You'll sleep in 4-person compartments, possibly with other travelers. One visitor noted: "This isn't just a walk - it's 60% steep climbing, 20% descent, and 20% level walking. The activity level should be rated challenging rather than moderate."
- Days 10-12
  Xi'an
  Explore the Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque before visiting the impressive Terracotta Warriors. A traveler remarked: "The Warriors were incredible - photos don't do justice to the scale." Allow an hour for airport transfers on your last day due to Xi'an traffic.
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11 Day Northern China Itinerary, incl. Datong and Pingyao
This 11-day tour takes you to the major cultural sites across Northern China. The daily schedule features 2-3 captivating attractions, perfectly paced with relaxed travel time between historic locations.
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- Days 1-2
  Datong
  Take the high-speed rail to Datong. Start your first full day at the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes around 8 AM to avoid crowds and midday heat. The site is 1km long so comfortable shoes are essential. You'll need 2-3 hours each for the Huayan Temple and Nine-Dragon Screen. Visit the Dragon Screen in late afternoon when sunlight reflects off the glazed tiles.
- Day 3
  Datong to Mount Wutai
  Head to the Hanging Temple early. The climb involves steep steps but the unique architecture blending three religions is worth the effort. Bring a jacket for the windy cliffs. The mountain drive to Mount Wutai takes 3 hours - consider motion sickness medication if needed.
- Day 4
  Mount Wutai to Taiyuan
  Start at Xiantong Temple before the crowds. The 3,000m altitude requires slow movement and plenty of water. Break up the 4-hour Taiyuan drive with temple stops. Stay in the Yingze district to be near the food markets.
- Days 5-6
  Taiyuan to Changzhi
  Plan 3 hours for the Jinci Temple complex. Visit Dayun Temple on your way to Changzhi. The next day, wear sturdy shoes for the Jindeng Temple grottoes as paths get slippery. Try Longmen Temple in late afternoon when it's quieter.
- Days 7-8
  Jincheng to Linfen
  Morning light is best for photos at Kaihua Temple. The Flying Rainbow Pagoda at Guangsheng Temple offers valley views but closes in strong winds. The Ming Dynasty Prison takes about 2 hours to explore.
- Days 9-10
  Pingyao
  This UNESCO site needs two full days. Walk the walls early morning when it's cool and quiet. Get to Rishengchang Bank before 10 AM to beat crowds. Ming-Qing Street is beautiful at dusk when lanterns glow.
- Day 11
  Leave by high-speed rail
  Book afternoon trains to avoid morning traffic.
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13 Day Northern China Itinerary, incl. Beijing and Mount Wutai
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- Days 1-3
  Beijing:
  Start your trip in Beijing to get used to the time difference. Get to the Forbidden City by 8:00 AM before the 8:30 AM opening to avoid crowds and heat. Visit the Temple of Heaven early to watch local seniors doing tai chi in the parks. Plan 4-5 hours for the Mutianyu Great Wall including travel time. Take the cable car up and walk down if you're feeling energetic for some great photos along the way.
- Days 4-6
  Datong:
  Take the high-speed train from Beijing West Station to Datong, which takes about 6.5 hours. Give yourself a full morning at the Yungang Grottoes and bring a flashlight to see the cave details better. Visit the Hanging Temple before 10 AM to beat the tour buses. The temple paths are narrow so wear shoes with good grip.
- Days 7-8
  Mount Wutai:
  Mount Wutai sits at over 3,000m, so you might feel the altitude. Take it easy on day one and stay hydrated. Use the shuttle bus between temples to save energy. Bring warm and cool clothing options since mountain weather can change quickly.
- Day 9
  Taiyuan to Pingyao:
  The mountain drive from Mount Wutai to Taiyuan takes about 4 hours. Bring motion sickness medicine if you need it. Visit Pingyao Ancient City in late afternoon when most tourists leave and the old lanterns light up the streets.
- Days 10-13
  Linfen, Yuncheng and Return to Beijing:
  Hukou Waterfall looks most impressive in spring when water levels peak. Leave early on your final day for your flight to Beijing. Book an evening flight to allow time for traffic delays.
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