Advice needed with Shanxi self tours

Question

We arrive in Beijing for 3 nights iand will train to Datong and stay for another three nights there to allow time to explore the nearby popular temples etc. From the search , Pingyao has more attraction than TaiYuan. Due to time constraint , we may just stop by Taiyuan en roue to PingYao or should we just train directly to PingYao?

We intend to spend 3 nights in Pingyao with the possibility of taking a side tour to Hukuo Waterfalls and back to PingYao and train direct from PingYao to Xi'an. I am also considering staying 2 nights in Pingyao and go to Hukuo Waterfall and head directly from there to Xi'an. It is quite a long way ( 350 Km) to Xi'an by car after an early start from Pingyao to the waterfall on the same day. Which option is better? The other option is to spend a night somewhere to break the journey between waterfall and Xi'an. If so, where would that be? Appreciate some input please. Thank you.

Answer

Your plan to travel from Beijing to Datong, then onward to Pingyao and Xi’an, covers some of the most culturally rich parts of Shanxi Province. The route is entirely feasible and offers a nice mix of ancient architecture, temples, and natural scenery. The main decisions revolve around whether to stop in Taiyuan and how to organize the side trip to Hukou Waterfall.

1. Taiyuan vs. Direct Train to Pingyao

While Taiyuan is the capital of Shanxi Province, it is mostly an industrial and administrative city with limited tourist appeal compared to Datong or Pingyao. Since Pingyao’s ancient town is the highlight for most travelers, it’s generally better to travel directly there unless you have a specific interest in Taiyuan’s attractions (such as the Jinci Temple or the Shanxi Museum).

Option 1: Direct Train from Datong to Pingyao – The best option for saving time. There are high-speed trains connecting Datong and Pingyao Gucheng (the new high-speed station near Pingyao). The journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Option 2: Stop in Taiyuan – If you wish to break up the journey, you can spend a few hours or one night in Taiyuan to visit Jinci Temple (a 1,000-year-old temple complex) and the Shanxi Museum, then continue to Pingyao by train (about 35 minutes).

2. Visiting Hukou Waterfall

The Hukou Waterfall (壶口瀑布) on the Yellow River is roughly midway between Pingyao and Xi’an, and is a spectacular natural site. The logistics, however, require careful planning because travel times are long and roads can be winding in the loess plateau area.

Option A: Day Trip from Pingyao – This is possible but involves a long day. The round trip is about 500–550 km (7–8 hours of driving total). You would need to leave Pingyao early (around 6:30–7:00 AM) and return by evening. Private drivers can be arranged through local hotels or agencies. This option saves you from changing hotels but is tiring.
Option B: Visit Hukou Waterfall, then continue directly to Xi’an – This is more efficient if you don’t mind packing up early. You can depart Pingyao in the morning, visit Hukou around midday, then continue driving to Xi’an in the afternoon (total travel time around 8–9 hours). You’ll gain time overall but lose a more relaxed pace.
Option C: Stay overnight near Hukou – The best balance if you prefer not to rush. You can spend the night in the small town of Jixian (吉县) or Yichuan (宜川), both close to the waterfall, and continue to Xi’an the following morning (around 4–5 hours by car). Accommodation in these towns is basic but adequate for one night.

3. Recommended Itinerary Flow

Based on comfort, travel efficiency, and sightseeing opportunities, the following structure is recommended:

Beijing → Datong: 3 nights to visit Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and Nine Dragon Screen.
Datong → Pingyao: Take a high-speed train directly (around 4 hours). Skip Taiyuan unless you have extra time or interest.
Pingyao: Spend 2 nights exploring the ancient walled town, the Rishengchang Draft Bank, City Wall, and nearby Zhangbi Ancient Fortress.
Pingyao → Hukou Waterfall: Early morning departure, visit Hukou, stay overnight in Jixian or Yichuan.
Hukou → Xi’an: Drive or transfer to Xi’an the next morning.

4. Travel Tips

High-speed trains between major Shanxi cities (Datong, Taiyuan, Pingyao) are modern and reliable. Book in advance through 12306.cn or a travel agent.
Private cars with local drivers are the most practical way to reach Hukou Waterfall, as public transport is limited and connections are slow.
Pingyao Ancient Town accommodations are best inside or near the city walls for convenience and atmosphere.
Weather in Shanxi can be dry and windy—bring comfortable shoes and sun protection, especially at Hukou where the terrain can be dusty.

Conclusion:

The most balanced and enjoyable plan would be to skip Taiyuan, spend 2 nights in Pingyao, then travel to Hukou Waterfall and stay overnight nearby before heading to Xi’an. This gives you time to enjoy the attractions without rushing, while avoiding long same-day drives. With this route, you’ll experience both Shanxi’s cultural heritage and one of China’s most dramatic natural sights comfortably.

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