Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: November 11, 2026
If you have a few extra days between Beijing and Xi’an, I’d spend them in Shanxi. Start with the Buddhist carvings at the Yungang Grottoes in Datong. Then spend a night inside Pingyao’s old city walls before continuing to Xi’an.
You can take a direct high-speed train on each leg, depending on the date and departure you choose. I’d check the Datong–Pingyao leg first. Its timetable can determine whether you get a full afternoon in Pingyao or arrive just in time for dinner.
1. Beijing–Datong–Pingyao–Xi’an Rail Route Map
Beijing–Datong–Pingyao–Xi’an Rail Route Map
| Rail leg | Stations to book | Approximate time on a direct train |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing to Datong | Beijing North 北京北站 or Qinghe 清河站 → Datong South 大同南站 | About 2 hours. Allow up to 2 hours 45 minutes for some services. |
| Datong to Pingyao | Datong South 大同南站 → Pingyaogucheng (Pingyao Ancient City Station) 平遥古城站 | About 2½–3¼ hours |
| Pingyao to Xi’an | Pingyaogucheng (Pingyao Ancient City Station) 平遥古城站 → Xi’an North 西安北站 | About 2½–3 hours |
These are planning estimates. Add time for the ride to the station, security and the transfer to your hotel. Check the actual departure station and journey time for your date on China Railway 12306. trip.com
2. Beijing to Datong by High-Speed Train
Start by comparing departures from Beijing North (北京北站) or Qinghe (清河站). Choose the train that works best from your hotel. A shorter train ride can save little time if you spend longer getting to the station.
Departing from Beijing North Railway Station
Book your arrival at Datong South (大同南站). From there, I’d take a taxi or DiDi to my hotel near Datong Ancient City (大同古城). Save the hotel’s Chinese name and address before you leave Beijing.
Arriving at Datongnan (Datong South) Railway Station
If you arrive by early afternoon, start with Huayan Temple (华严寺) and a walk in the old city. Save the Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟) for the next morning.
Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟)
The Hanging Temple (悬空寺) is farther out, so give it a separate block of time, especially if you’re relying on public transport.
3. Datong to Pingyao by High-Speed Train
Search for Datong South (大同南站) → Pingyaogucheng (Pingyao Ancient City Station 平遥古城站). I’d take a direct train that arrives around lunchtime or early afternoon. That gives you time to drop your bags and walk through the old town before dinner.
If the direct departures are sold out or poorly timed, look for a connection through Taiyuan South (太原南站). Check that both trains use Taiyuan South. If you book them separately, leave enough time to find the transfer signs and reach the next gate. I’d allow about an hour on a first visit, especially with luggage.
From Pingyaogucheng Station to the old town
Pingyaogucheng Railway Station (平遥古城站) serves high-speed trains. Pingyao Railway Station (平遥站) is a separate station. Check the Chinese characters on your ticket before booking your ride.
Pingyao Ancient City Arrival Map: Train Stations, Gates & Transfers
Pingyaogucheng Station sits outside Pingyao Ancient City (平遥古城). If you’re staying inside the walls, ask your guesthouse which gate to use and where the driver can drop you. This is especially helpful if you arrive after dark or have a rolling suitcase. Pingyao Travel Guide and Arrival Map.
I’d spend one night inside the walls. You can walk the quieter lanes after dinner, then see a few more sights before your train the next day.
4. Pingyao to Xi’an by High-Speed Train
Return to Pingyaogucheng (平遥古城站) for a direct train to Xi’an North (西安北站). An afternoon departure gives you another morning in Pingyao. Check the available trains before making plans for that morning.
Arriving at Xi’an North ( Xi’anbei Railway Station)
Xi’an North sits beyond the historic centre. If you’re staying near the Bell Tower (钟楼), Metro Line 2 takes you there without a change. With heavy luggage, I’d compare the walk from the metro exit with the convenience of a taxi.
Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑)
Give the Terracotta Warriors (兵马俑) their own half day or longer. If you also want to see the Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum at Lishan Garden (丽山园), set aside most of the day. Keep a separate block for the City Wall, the Bell Tower area or the Muslim Quarter. Terracotta Warriors Visiting Guide.
5. A Five-Night Plan After Beijing
| Day | Plan | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Take a morning train to Datong. Visit Huayan Temple and walk around the old city. | Datong |
| 2 | Visit the Yungang Grottoes. Add the Hanging Temple if you’ve arranged transport and have enough time. | Datong |
| 3 | Take a direct train to Pingyao. Explore the old town in the afternoon and after dinner. | Pingyao |
| 4 | Spend the morning in Pingyao, then take an afternoon train to Xi’an. | Xi’an |
| 5 | Visit the Terracotta Warriors. Add Lishan Garden if you want to see the bronze chariots. | Xi’an |
| 6 | Explore central Xi’an before an afternoon or evening departure. | Onward travel |
If you need to leave Xi’an early on Day 6, I’d add a third night there. That gives you a full day for the Terracotta Warriors and another for the city.
6. Booking Tips for International Travelers
- Check the station pair on every ticket. In Beijing, confirm whether you leave from Beijing North or Qinghe. In Pingyao, look for Pingyaogucheng Station 平遥古城站 on both your arrival and departure tickets.
- Use the passport you’ll carry on the trip. Enter your details as they appear on the passport and bring the same document to the station.
- Choose a train that gives you time at your destination. A lunchtime arrival in Pingyao may be worth more to you than saving 20 minutes on the train.
- Save your hotel’s Chinese address and the nearest gate. For a stay inside Pingyao’s walls, a gate name and a drop-off point can save a long walk with luggage.
Ruqin’s Practical Tip
I’d plan this trip around the afternoon and evening in Pingyao. Pick the Datong–Pingyao train first, then work out how much time you have in Datong. If you have a spare night, I’d use it in Datong for the Hanging Temple or in Xi’an for a full day inside the city walls.
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