Best of Beijing, Shijiazhuang & Taiyuan — 5-City Small Group

Trip Overview

A 6-day small-group loop through North China's heartland — imperial Beijing, the ancient walled city of Pingyao, Shanxi temple treasures and the dramatic gorges of Yuntai Mountain.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 · Beijing

• Arrive Beijing; city orientation and hutong walk.
• Scenic spots: Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven.
• Local food: Peking duck, zhajiangmian noodles.
• Transport: private car airport transfer + metro.

Day 2 · Beijing

• Great Wall day.
• Scenic spots: Mutianyu Great Wall (cable car up, toboggan down), Summer Palace.
• Transport: private car round trip (~1.5h each way).

Day 3 · Beijing → Shijiazhuang

• High-speed rail to Shijiazhuang; visit Zhengding Old Town.
• Scenic spots: Zhengding Ancient City, Longxing Temple, Zhaozhou Bridge.
• Transport: high-speed rail Beijing → Shijiazhuang (~1.5h).

Day 4 · Shijiazhuang → Taiyuan

• Rail to Taiyuan, Shanxi's capital.
• Scenic spots: Jinci Temple & Garden, Shanxi Museum.
• Transport: high-speed rail Shijiazhuang → Taiyuan (~1.5h).

Day 5 · Taiyuan → Pingyao

• Drive to UNESCO-listed Pingyao Ancient City.
• Scenic spots: Pingyao City Wall, Rishengchang Draft Bank, Ming-Qing Street.
• Local food: Pingyao beef, bowl-sha noodles.
• Transport: private car (~1.5h).

Day 6 · Pingyao → Yuntai Shan → depart

• Morning at Yuntai Mountain's red-sandstone gorges, then transfer out.
• Scenic spots: Yuntai Mountain (Red Stone Gorge, Cloud Platform, Three Grand Waterfalls).
• Transport: private car to Zhengzhou airport (~2.5h).

Highlights

• Sunrise on the Mutianyu Great Wall without the crowds.
• Walking the full ramparts of Pingyao's Ming-dynasty wall.
• Yuntai Mountain's dramatic gorges and waterfalls.

Practical Tips

• Best season: April–June and September–October.
• Forbidden City and the Wall need advance passport-linked tickets.
• Carry cash for small vendors; mobile pay is widespread.
• Domestic ID/passport required for rail and attractions.

Estimated Cost (per person)

• Lodging (5 nights, comfort): ~$360
• Transport (rail + private car): ~$220
• Tickets: ~$150
• Meals: ~$120
• Guide share: ~$90
• Total (Comfort): ~$940 per person
• Budget variant: ~$680 · Comfort variant: ~$940 · Premium variant: ~$1,420