北京

The imperial city’s landmarks, still-smoking alleys and sumptuous northern cuisine make it a perfect place to take your time to explore between classic attractions.

平遥

Pingyao is a rare and well-preserved traditional county town. The city walls, streets, courtyard houses, temples and banknotes all retain the ancient Chinese urban structure. The World Heritage Site also includes Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple outside the city. If conditions permit, you should stay for one night. You can see the still living community outside the popular streets in the early morning and evening.

大同

Datong brings together layers of Northern Wei capital history, Liao and Jin Buddhist architecture, Ming-era defenses and a modern coal city in a cold, dry basin. The Yungang Grottoes lie west of the city, while the Hanging Temple is a separate trip to Hunyuan County. Although notable old temples survive within the reconstructed old town, not every street is an original historic structure. Plan visits by period and location.

临汾

Linfen straddles the Fenhe Basin and the edge of the Yellow River, linking early national archeology, important Buddhist architecture, immigrant memories and Hukou Falls. The attractions are spread over a vast urban area, not a city center loop. The itinerary should be based on geographical location and conservation status, rather than cramming all the attractions into one day.