Beijing Shanxi Inner Mongolia 9-Day Tour

Arrival in Beijing
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After arriving in Beijing, you will be transferred to your hotel to settle in and rest. Later, take some time to explore the nearby surroundings at your own pace. You might want to visit the famous Lao She Teahouse, where you can enjoy traditional Chinese tea culture alongside folk performances. Alternatively, stroll through Wangfujing Street to experience the bustling night market and sample local delicacies.
Recommended Activities:
Laoshe Teahouse, Golden Mask Dynasty Show, Chaoyang Acrobatics Show, Calligraphy Experience, Hanfu Dress-up, and other intangible cultural heritage activities. You can also consult Intoexplore’s travel advisors for more recommendations.

Tiananmen--Forbidden City--Hutong--Summer Palace
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Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, we will visit Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing. It is one of the largest city squares in the world and a major political, historical, and cultural landmark of China. Every morning, there is a flag-raising ceremony performed by the PLA honor guard marching from the Tiananmen Gate Tower, across the Golden Water Bridge, along the central axis.
Tips:
If you wish to watch the flag-raising ceremony, please wake up early. Approximate times: Summer: around 4:45–5:15 AM; Winter: around 7:30–7:50 AM.
Note: During the ceremony, hats must be removed, and everyone should stand respectfully. Loud noises, horseplay, or camera flashes are prohibited.
Next, visit the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Located along Beijing’s central axis and adjacent to Tiananmen Square, it is the world’s largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Suggested Routes:
Classic Central Axis Route: Meridian Gate (entrance) → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess (exit)
In-depth Tour: Same as above, but with more time spent at each site.
If you prefer not to walk, you can take the shuttle service inside the Forbidden City (extra fee). This option is ideal for seniors or children. Feel free to consult Intoexplore for details.
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant of your choice, then head to the Hutongs, the traditional alleys of old Beijing. Ride a rickshaw through the grey brick lanes for a taste of authentic local life.
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Known as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens,” it combines the elegance of southern Chinese gardens with

Mutianyu Great Wall--Bird's Nest (Exterior)--Water Cube (Exterior)
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Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, head to the world-famous Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most picturesque sections of the Ming Dynasty wall. Less crowded and surrounded by stunning views, it has been praised by CNN as “China’s most beautiful Great Wall” and is a favorite among international travelers. You can ascend the wall by cable car or chairlift and take in the engineering marvel. For more excitement, ride a toboggan down or even take a helicopter ride to enjoy a bird’s-eye view.
In the afternoon, visit two iconic structures from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Bird’s Nest (National Stadium): Known for its unique steel structure, it is now a city landmark and major tourist attraction.
Water Cube (National Aquatics Center): Famous for its blue bubble design, it hosted swimming and diving events in 2008. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, it transformed into the “Ice Cube” for curling events, becoming the world’s first dual-use Olympic venue for both summer and winter games.

High-Speed Train to Taiyuan
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Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, take the high-speed train to Taiyuan (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the city. Recommended visits include Liuxiang Pedestrian Street, Zhonglou Street, and the Food Street, known for local snacks and traditional Shanxi architecture with grey bricks and tiles.

Recommended Spots:
Liuxiang, Bell Tower Street, and Food Street. You can also consult Intoexplore’s travel advisors for more suggestions. The grey-brick architecture makes for perfect vintage-style photo backdrops.

Ancient Taiyuan County Town--Pingyao Ancient City
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Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, visit the Ancient Taiyuan County Town, with over 2,500 years of history. Built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, it’s nicknamed the “Phoenix City” for its shape. The town features grey-brick architecture ideal for traditional-style photos, a temple for Confucian worship reflecting Confucian ideals, and a temple honoring Guan Yu symbolizing the Jin Merchant culture. You’ll also see traditional Shanxi crafts like paper-cutting, dough figurines, and shadow puppets.
In the afternoon, head to Pingyao Ancient City, founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty (827 BC) and boasting over 2,800 years of history. It is one of China’s best-preserved Ming and Qing ancient cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The city is famed for its intact city walls, historic streets, and rich merchant culture, known as a “treasury of Chinese ancient architecture.”
Main Attractions:
Rishengchang Draft Bank: The first bank in China.
Pingyao City Wall: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wenmiao (Confucian Temple): One of the oldest Confucian temples.
Ancient County Government Office: Best-preserved ancient county hall.
Local Food to Try: Pingyao beef, oat noodles, kaolaolao (steamed buckwheat noodles), wantuo (soft glutinous cakes), knife-cut noodles, and more.

Transfer to Hohhot-Dazhao Temple

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Breakfast&Lunch

Take the high-speed train to Hohhot (approximately 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, visit Dazhao Temple, the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in Hohhot. Built in the seventh year of the Ming Dynasty's Wanli era (1579) under the patronage of Altan Khan, leader of the Tümed Mongols, this 440-year-old temple holds the distinction of being the earliest and most prestigious Gelug (Yellow Sect) monastery in Inner Mongolia. Blending Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian architectural styles, Dazhao Temple is famed for its "Three Treasures": the Silver Buddha, dragon carvings, and murals. It is a must-visit destination to experience the fusion of Mongol-Yuan culture and Tibetan Buddhism.

Recommended Itinerary: Stroll through Saishang Old Street, lined with antique shops and snack stalls. In the evening, enjoy a light show and savor Inner Mongolian specialties such as hand-grabbed mutton, roasted lamb leg, and Mongolian milk tea

Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon-Qiankunwan 

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Breakfast&Lunch

Visit Laoniuwan, the first major bend of the Yellow River as it enters Shanxi and the only place where the Great Wall meets the Yellow River. Renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and rich historical significance, it is celebrated as one of "China’s Top Ten Most Beautiful Canyons."  

Next, explore nearby Qiankunwan, the largest and most complete "S"-shaped bend of the Yellow River within the Jin-Shaan Grand Canyon. Its unique formation resembles the yin-yang fish in the Taiji diagram, earning it titles like "The First Bend of the Yellow River" and "The Greatest Bend of the Yellow River Under Heaven." A cliffside observation walkway allows visitors to witness the river’s majestic power up close. 

Travel Tips:  
- Wear comfortable walking shoes—the area involves extensive hiking.  
- Bring a jacket—temperatures vary significantly between day and night.  
- Drone use requires prior registration with park authorities.  

Hongshiya (Red Rock Cliff) - Chilechuan Grassland

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Breakfast&Lunch  

Morning: 
Begin your day at Hongshiya Scenic Area, famed for its striking red sandstone formations. Sculpted by centuries of wind and erosion, these dramatic cliffs offer a breathtaking backdrop for photography, showcasing nature’s artistry. Explore Hongshiya Temple, a historic sanctuary dating back to the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, where Taoist, Buddhist, and Tibetan traditions harmoniously blend. Stroll through its serene halls to absorb the spiritual ambiance.  

Next, visit Swan Lake, a tranquil oasis surrounded by rolling hills. Wander along the lakeside trail to spot migratory birds and soak in the picturesque views (approx. 40 minutes). Cap off the morning at the scenic overlook, where panoramic vistas reveal the red cliffs juxtaposed against vast alpine grasslands.  

Afternoon:  
Journey to Chilechuan Grassland, a lush expanse teeming with wildflowers and native grasses. In summer, the prairie bursts into color, dotted with grazing sheep and cattle—a living embodiment of the ancient verse “The wind blows, grass bends, and herds appear.” Unwind by lying on the soft grass, breathing in the crisp air, and immersing yourself in the timeless beauty of the Mongolian steppe.  

Departure from Hohhot – End of Journey

Breakfast  

We will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station according to your schedule, concluding this memorable journey through Inner Mongolia.  

Safe travels, and may the vast grasslands and rich culture of this region stay with you long after your departure!