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    • Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours

      Unique Experiences

      Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.

      Well-Selected Local Guides 

      Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

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    11 Days Beijing Datong Hohhot Baotou Ordos Tour – Explore 3 Ancient Capitals of China

    11 days

    Best Beijing Side Trip: North China Odyssey – Grasslands, Dynasties & Deserts

    Looking for a memorable Beijing side trip? Our 11-day Beijing-Datong-Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos tour blends ancient capitals, grassland magic, and desert thrills. Traverse three historic capitals (Beijing, Datong, Hohhot) to uncover dynastic legacies, stunning architecture, and Genghis Khan’s grassland tales—while comparing urban planning across eras.

    Beijing: 6-Dynasty Ancient Capital

    Explore the 750-year-old Beijing Central Axis (a UNESCO site), home to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square. Hike the Mutianyu Great Wall for panoramic views of life inside the ancient frontier.

    Hohhot: Northern Wei’s First Capital

    Founded by the Xianbei ethnic group’s Emperor Tuoba Gui (Northern Wei Dynasty, 386-534) before the capital moved to Datong, Luoyang, and Xi’an. Visit the Inner Mongolia Museum and Dazhao Temple to dive into grassland empire culture.

    Datong: Northern Wei’s Second Capital

    A treasure trove of Shanxi’s ancient architecture! Wander Datong’s Central Axis (Ancient City, Drum Tower) and follow in the footsteps of Black Myth: Wukong to explore Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO), the gravity-defying Hanging Temple, and the nail-free Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.

    Inner Mongolia’s Spirit: Hohhot → Baotou → Ordos

    Ride camels in the Kubuqi Desert, gallop across Xilamuren Grassland, and sleep in a Mongolian yurt under starry skies. Experience “Three Games of Mongolian Men,” dance at a bonfire party, and explore Genghis Khan’s Mausoleum to connect with nomadic life beyond the Great Wall.
    Book now for your North China odyssey! Unearth a world where emperors ruled, ancient buildings stood the test of time, pagodas defied physics, grasslands stretched endlessly, and deserts whispered stories—this is the soul of North China!

    Itinerary Quick Look

    11-Day Beijing-Datong-Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos Tour: Dynasties, Grasslands & Deserts

    Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

    Welcome to Beijing! Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport/train station and transfer you to a downtown hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest from jet lag or explore nearby—ask your guide for local tips.

    How to Get to Beijing:

    • By Air: Fly to Beijing Daxing or Capital International Airport (direct flights from major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an).
    • By High-Speed Train: Direct routes from Xi’an (4-5hrs), Shanghai (4.5-6hrs), Zhengzhou (2.5-3hrs), etc.
    Meals: None | Accommodation: Beijing

    Day 2: Beijing Imperial Highlights

    Morning: Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City

    Visit Tian’anmen Square (the world’s largest public square) before exploring the Forbidden City—a UNESCO-listed palace complex that housed 24 Ming/Qing emperors. Wander its 8,700+ rooms and ancient gardens, learning about imperial history from your guide.

    Afternoon: Jingshan Park & Summer Palace

    Climb Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s Central Axis (UNESCO). Later, relax at the Summer Palace, a royal garden with lakes, bridges, and pavilions—often called a “living Chinese painting.”

    Optional: Try Peking duck at Quanjude for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Beijing

    Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall & Modern Beijing

    Morning: Mutianyu Great Wall

    Drive 1.5-2hrs northwest to the Mutianyu Great Wall—one of the best-preserved sections with 23 Ming watchtowers. Take a cable car up and hike the scenic western route, surrounded by pine forests.

    Afternoon: Bird’s Nest & Water Cube

    Stop for photos outside the 2008/2022 Olympic venues (Bird’s Nest Stadium & Water Cube Aquatics Center) before returning to downtown Beijing.
    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Beijing

    Day 4: Beijing → Datong (High-Speed Train)

    Take a 2-2.5hr high-speed train to Datong (Shanxi Province). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and explore freely.

    Datong Highlights:

    A former Northern Wei capital, Datong blends ancient architecture with modern energy. Don’t miss:
    • Datong Ancient City: Wander Nine Dragon Wall, Daiwang Palace, and Drum Tower.
    • Museums: Datong Museum (national first-class) or China Sculpture Museum (closed Mondays).
    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Datong

    Day 5: Datong Architecture Tour (Black Myth: Wukong Filming Sites)

    Morning: Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO)

    Explore this 1,500-year-old Buddhist grotto complex—one of China’s Four Great Grottoes. Admire 59,000+ stone sculptures (including the iconic Open-air Buddha) and learn about its blend of Indian, Central Asian, and Chinese art.

    Afternoon: Datong Ancient City

    Visit Huayan Temple (Liao Dynasty royal temple with a bronze underground palace) and Shanhua Temple (well-preserved Liao/Jin architecture). Optional: Bike the Ming-era city wall for sunset views.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Datong

    Day 6: Datong → Hanging Temple → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

    Morning: Hanging Temple

    Drive 2hrs to the Hanging Temple—an iconic cliffside temple blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Marvel at its 1,500-year-old wooden structure, supported by pillars and rock beams.

    Afternoon: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

    Visit the world’s tallest wooden pagoda (67m tall, no nails!)—a UNESCO-listed Liao Dynasty masterpiece. Admire its intricate brackets and ancient calligraphy plaques.
    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Datong

    Day 7: Datong → Hohhot (High-Speed Train)

    Travel to Hohhot (Inner Mongolia’s capital) by high-speed train. Spend the afternoon exploring:

    Inner Mongolia Natural Museum (Closed Mondays)

    Discover 150,000+ relics, including dinosaur fossils, Xiongnu gold crowns, and Liao Dynasty artifacts—an overview of grassland culture.

    Dazhao Temple (“Silver Buddha Temple”)

    Visit this 16th-century Tibetan Buddhist temple, home to a 30,000-tael silver Buddha statue. Explore its blend of Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian architecture.

    Optional: Wander Saishang Old Street for local snacks.

    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Hohhot

    Day 8: Hohhot → Xilamuren Grassland

    Drive 2hrs to Xilamuren Grassland, where you’ll experience Mongolian nomadic life:
    • Welcome ceremony with traditional “hada” scarves.
    • Visit Hongge’er Aobao (sacred shrine) and watch a live equestrian show featuring horse racing, wrestling, and archery (“Three Games of Mongolian Men”).
    • Optional: Horse riding or a Mongolian family visit.
    • Evening: Bonfire party and overnight in a traditional yurt.

    Optional Dinner: Zhama Banquet with roasted whole sheep (self-pay).

    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Mongolian Yurt

    Day 9: Xilamuren Grassland → Kubuqi Desert

    Morning: Grassland Sunrise (Optional)

    Wake early for a stunning sunrise over the grassland.

    Afternoon: Wudangzhao Monastery

    Visit “Little Potala Palace”—Inner Mongolia’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, with intricate murals and stupas.

    Evening: Kubuqi Desert

    Drive to Yemingsha (Kubuqi Desert’s heart). Watch the sunset and overnight at a desert camp/hotel.
    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Yemingsha

    Day 10: Kubuqi Desert → Ordos

    Morning: Desert Activities

    Enjoy thrilling desert adventures: camel rides, sand sliding, or ATV tours (self-pay). Optional: Early morning sunrise.

    Afternoon: Mausoleum of Genghis Khan

    Visit the sacred shrine honoring Genghis Khan—explore halls with his relics, the eternal flame, and learn about Mongolian rituals.

    Evening: Ordos

    Overnight in Ordos, a modern city rich in coal and cashmere. Optional: Visit Kangbashi District for Asia’s tallest musical fountain (230m high).
    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: Ordos

    Day 11: Departure

    Depart from Ordos (by train/flight) or transfer back to Hohhot/Beijing for your onward journey.
    Thank you for choosing our tour! We hope to welcome you again for more Chinese adventures. Safe travels!

    Extension Ideas:

    • Extend to Inner Mongolia’s Hulunbuir Grassland or Badain Jaran Desert.
    • Continue to Shanxi (Pingyao), Gansu (Dunhuang), Xi’an, or Chengdu.
    Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: None

    Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!

    • Included
      Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
      Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
      Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
      Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary
      Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary
      Accident insurance
      Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip
    • Not Included
      International airfares
      Entry visa fees
      Personal expenses
      Single room supplement
      Recommended optional activities
      Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
      Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers


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    11 Days Beijing Datong Hohhot Baotou Ordos Tour – Explore 3 Ancient Capitals of China

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