6 days Beijing Datong Tour

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your private guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Beijing on your own. Overnight in Beijing.

Begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the symbolic heart of modern China. Walk across the square with your guide and learn about its historical and political significance.

Continue north into the Forbidden City, China’s best-preserved imperial palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its grand halls, courtyards and former living quarters where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once lived and ruled. Your guide will help you navigate the key areas and provide insight into palace life and imperial traditions.

Next, cross to Jingshan Park for a short climb to the hilltop pavilion, where panoramic views stretch across the Forbidden City and central Beijing.

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, the Qing dynasty’s royal garden famous for Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and its elegant pavilions and corridors. It’s considered one of China’s finest classical landscape gardens.

In the evening, you may choose to watch a Kung Fu show or Peking Opera (optional; extra cost), both offering memorable cultural experiences.

Today you’ll travel to the Shixiaguan section of the Great Wall, a well-preserved and less-crowded area ideal for hiking.

Enjoy a rewarding 7–8 km walk along original watchtowers and rugged stone pathways, with panoramic mountain views throughout the route. Most travelers complete this hike in 4–5 hours, but pacing can be adjusted.

Return to Beijing in the afternoon and stop at the Olympic Green to view the iconic Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (Aquatics Center) from the outside. If you’d like to go inside either stadium, your guide can help you purchase the tickets on-site. 

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy Beijing’s signature dish, Peking roast duck, at a popular restaurant such as Quanjude or Da Dong.

Begin your morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most important imperial sites. This vast ceremonial complex was where Ming and Qing emperors held annual rituals to pray for good harvests. Your guide will explain its symbolic design and long-standing traditions. Today it is also a lively park where locals practice tai chi, dance and traditional morning exercises.

Next, head to the Shichahai area for an authentic Hutong experience. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the centuries-old alleyways, visit a traditional courtyard home and walk along Yandai Xiejie, an 800-year-old historic street near the Drum Tower. You’ll also have time to freely explore the nearby Nanluoguoxiang, known for its shops, cafés and popular Beijing street snacks.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the railway station for the high-speed train to Datong (about 2-2.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the evening on your own.

Begin your Datong exploration with a visit to the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most important Buddhist cave complexes. Carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, the site features 252 caves and more than 51,000 Buddha statues, ranging from tiny carvings to giant seated figures over 17 meters tall. As you move through the grottoes, you’ll gain a vivid sense of the artistry and cultural exchange that shaped this remarkable masterpiece.

Continue to the Hanging Temple, about 65 km from Datong. Built more than 1,500 years ago and suspended on the cliff face of Mount Heng, the monastery stands over 50 meters above the ground. Its striking structure combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, making it the only temple in China dedicated to all three traditions. The wooden walkways and halls anchored into the cliffside offer an unforgettable architectural experience.

Return to Datong, stop to visit the Nine Dragon Screen, the oldest and largest glazed-screen wall in China. Dating back more than 600 years, it is decorated with nine vividly colored dragons and intricate relief patterns.

Overnight in Datong.

In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the Datong train station or airport for your onward journey. This concludes your Beijing and Datong tour. If you wish to continue exploring China, WindhorseTour is happy to help customize an extension to any destination based on your interests.