
Culture · Slow travel
A measured journey from Beijing's imperial heart to Datong's cave art and the monastery landscapes around Mount Wutai.
Journey overview
A measured journey from Beijing's imperial heart to Datong's cave art and the monastery landscapes around Mount Wutai.
Day by day
This is the structure, not a fixed script. Timing, experiences and open time can all change.
Settle near the historic center and take an optional evening walk through the hutongs.
Read Beijing's ceremonial plan through the Forbidden City, Jingshan and surrounding lanes.
Travel west by rail, then explore Datong's old city and restored temple precincts.
Spend the day with Buddhist cave art and a dramatic monastery built into the cliffs.
Continue into the highland basin for temple courtyards, mountain air and a slower walking route.
Transfer to the rail station for Beijing or connect with a longer northern China journey.