To truly understand China, you’ve got to get out and meet it on its own terms, which is exactly what this eight-day trip through the country’s northern reaches delivers. Up here, you’ll get to the big stuff (the Great Wall, Xi’an, Beijing) and lesser-known treasures that only the hardiest of travellers ever get to experience: Datong’s Hanging Monastery, the amazing Yungang Buddha Caves, the nearly 3,000-year-old city of Pingyao, even a calligraphy class, to name just a few.

Day 1 Xi'an
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Xi'an/Pingyao
Board a morning fast train to the ancient city of Pingyao. On arrival, get hands-on with a paper cutting class.

Day 3 Pingyao/Datong
Hop on a train to Datong after a free morning in Pingyao.

Day 4 Datong/Datong
Set eyes on the gorgeous Hanging Monastery and visit the Yungang Grottoes to see the thousands of Buddha statues.

Day 5 Datong/Beijing
Take a final morning to explore Datong. Later, board a local train to Beijing and arrive in the evening.

Day 6 Beijing
Enjoy a visit to the famed Forbidden City then take the rest of the day to explore on your own.

Day 7 Beijing
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall.

Day 8 Beijing
Depart at any time.