This is a 7 to 10-day travel itinerary to Beijing, Shaanxi, Gansu, and Shanxi, allowing you to experience the unique charm of these four regions.

7-10 Day Itinerary

– Day 1: Beijing → Mutianyu Great Wall
– Morning: Arrive in Beijing, check into a hotel, and rest briefly. Take a scenic shuttle to Mutianyu Great Wall.
– Noon: Dine at a local restaurant near the wall, trying farm-style dishes.
– Afternoon: Explore Mutianyu Great Wall (cable car optional), enjoying panoramic views.
– Evening: Return to the city, visit Wangfujing Street, and try local specialties like Peking duck.

– Day 2: Beijing → The Forbidden City
– Morning: Tour the Forbidden City (book tickets in advance), exploring main halls along the central axis to appreciate imperial grandeur.
– Afternoon: Climb Jingshan Park for a bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City.
– Evening: Wander Qianmen Street to experience old Beijing charm.

– Day 3: Beijing → Xi’an
– Morning/Noon: Travel to Xi’an by plane or high-speed rail, check into a hotel.
– Afternoon: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to admire its unique architecture and learn about Buddhist culture.
– Evening: Explore Datang Never Sleeps City, enjoying Tang Dynasty-style night views and local snacks.

– Day 4: Xi’an
– Morning: Visit Shaanxi History Museum to discover rich cultural relics and regional history.
– Afternoon: Cycle or walk along Xi’an City Wall to soak in the ancient city’s atmosphere.
– Evening: Dine at Muslim Quarter, trying specialties like Yangrou Paomo (lamb soup with bread) and Roujiamo (meat sandwich).

– Day 5: Xi’an → Lanzhou
– Morning/Noon: Travel to Lanzhou by bullet train, check into a hotel.
– Afternoon: Explore Gansu Provincial Museum, focusing on artifacts like the “Flying Horse Treading on a Swallow” to learn about the ancient Silk Road.
– Evening: Stroll along the Yellow River Scenic Belt, enjoy the night view, and taste Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles.

– Day 6: Lanzhou → Zhangye
– Morning: Travel to Zhangye by bullet train or chartered car.
– Afternoon: Visit Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, admiring colorful Danxia landforms and watching the sunset from a viewing platform.
– Evening: Dine in downtown Zhangye, trying local cuisine.

– Day 7: Zhangye → Taiyuan
– Morning/Noon: Travel to Taiyuan by plane or high-speed rail, check into a hotel.
– Afternoon: Tour Shanxi Museum to understand the province’s historical context and cultural heritage.
– Evening: Explore Liuxiang Pedestrian Street, sampling Shanxi snacks like Pingyao beef and Taigu cakes.

10-Day Itinerary (Extended from 7-Day)

– Day 8: Taiyuan
– Morning: Visit Jinci Temple, appreciating ancient sacrificial architecture, gardens, and sculptures.
– Afternoon: Explore Taiyuan Ancient County, experiencing its historic charm and optional folk performances.
– Evening: Enjoy local cuisine and evening activities in Taiyuan.

– Day 9: Taiyuan → Pingyao Ancient City
– Morning: Arrive in Pingyao, climb the ancient city wall, and visit attractions like the City God Temple, Confucian Temple, and County Government Office.
– Afternoon: Tour Rishengchang Bank to learn about ancient financial systems, and browse unique shops in the city.
– Evening: Watch the live performance See Pingyao Again, then stay in a traditional inn within the ancient city.

– Day 10: Pingyao Ancient City → Hukou Waterfall
– Morning: Travel to Hukou Waterfall, witnessing the mighty Yellow River surging over the cliffs, a display of nature’s power.
– Afternoon: Depart for your home city or next destination, concluding the trip.