Classic China to the Nomads’ Land

The journey continues north from Shanghai to Beijing, China’s historic imperial capital. leading from the energy of a modern metropolis to a city whose identity has been shaped by centuries of dynastic history.

Beijing’s contrasts emerge through its monumental architecture and traditional neighbourhoods. Exploring its historic hutongs offers a more intimate perspective on the capital, where winding grey-brick lanes, traditional courtyard homes, small shops and local eateries preserve a distinctive atmosphere amid the changing face of the modern city.

The day concludes with a taste of one of China’s most celebrated culinary traditions: Peking duck. Served with thin pancakes, fresh accompaniments and its characteristic crispy skin, this Beijing classic provides a memorable introduction to the capital’s food culture and a chance to share a traditional meal together.

Beijing’s imperial legacy is written into some of China’s most remarkable architectural landmarks. The Forbidden City, with its immense courtyards, ornate halls and intricate decorative details, evokes the power and ceremony of the dynasties that once ruled from within its walls.

Other landmarks reveal different dimensions of the imperial world. The Temple of Heaven stands as an extraordinary expression of ceremonial architecture and ancient cosmology, while the Summer Palace brings together landscaped gardens, lakeside paths and elegant pavilions in a setting once favoured by the imperial court.

Together, these places offer a glimpse into the traditions, beliefs and aesthetic ideals that shaped China’s imperial capital. Beyond their monumental scale, their architecture and carefully composed surroundings reveal a sophisticated relationship between power, nature and the symbolic order of the imperial world.

Beyond Beijing’s urban landscape, rugged mountain ridges conceal some of the Great Wall’s most striking unrestored stretches. We venture into this wilder setting for a hike along ancient stone ramparts and weathered watchtowers, where crumbling masonry and timeworn fortifications preserve a raw and archaeological atmosphere.

As the Wall winds across the mountain ridgelines, sweeping panoramas unfold across the surrounding landscape. The route will finally take us onto a beautifully restored section, revealing a different side of the Great Wall, where its imposing structure and architectural details can be appreciated in their full splendour.

Note on Hiking: A moderate level of fitness is recommended. The hike typically lasts around 4–6 hours and involves uneven stone steps, potentially steep sections and loose terrain.

Boarding a morning high-speed train, we travel into Shanxi province, arriving in Datong. Our journey centers on one of grandest treasures of Buddhist art: the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes. Carved into the sandstone cliffs of Mount Wuzhou during the 5th century, this immense complex represents a pivotal milestone in Silk Road artistic exchange.

We spend the afternoon immersing ourselves in the tranquil atmosphere of these cavernous sanctuaries, marveling at the colossal stone Buddhas, intricate bas-reliefs, and vivid traces of ancient pigments that have endured across fifteen centuries of history.

After exploring the expansive cliffside complex, we return toward the city center. The remainder of the day is kept open and relaxed, offering a comfortable pause to settle in, visit the city and enjoy local Shanxi cuisine.

In the morning, we board the high-speed train heading further west along the ancient northern corridors toward Bayannur, the gateway to Inner Mongolia’s vast wild frontiers.

Upon arriving in Bayannur and checking into our hotel, we take a quiet stroll through People’s Park to soak in the authentic local atmosphere. In a city where foreign travelers remain a rare sight, it is a fun, warm experience filled with curious smiles, friendly nods, and spontaneous requests for photos.

In the evening, guests can opt to join Matteo and Martina to enjoy a delicious northern barbecue at a lively local restaurant. Settling in for the night, we prepare our gear and mindsets for the real overland adventure beginning tomorrow as our 4×4 expedition launches deep into the uncharted wilderness.

We’d be willing to bet this will be one of the most memorable adventures you’ll ever experience, across some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll ever see. Following the ancient frontier of the Yin Mountains, we venture through dramatic canyons, vast volcanic plains, deserts and remote mountain passes.

Two days deep in this extraordinary wilderness reveal landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. The journey continues through Mongolian traditions and sacred Aobao monuments before reaching the Kubuqi Desert, where the Yellow River winds between golden dunes in a stunning contrast of blue and gold.

Note on Accommodation: Two nights of desert camping (Days 8–9), followed by two nights in hotel (Days 10–11).

In the morning, we travel south toward Xi’an, returning to the heartland of ancient Chinese civilization. Once the capital of several major dynasties and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an has long stood at the crossroads of trade, culture and imperial power.

One of Xi’an’s most striking landmarks is its monumental Ming-era City Wall, among the largest and best-preserved ancient urban fortifications in China. Built to defend the city, this imposing structure stretches around the historic centre, with massive gates, watchtowers and broad ramparts.

Walking along the ancient ramparts offers a unique perspective on the city, where historic fortifications overlook bustling avenues and the changing urban landscape beyond. As daylight fades, the illuminated walls and watchtowers create a particularly atmospheric introduction, setting the scene for our exploration of this historic capital.

Our final day begins with one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries: the Terracotta Army. Thousands of life-sized clay warriors, horses and chariots stand in formation, created more than two millennia ago to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor.

Back in Xi’an, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda stands as one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, reflecting its deep Buddhist heritage and historic role in the exchange of ideas along the Silk Road.

Our journey draws to a close amid the lively lanes of the Muslim Quarter, where traditional architecture, local markets and Shaanxi street food reveal another dimension of Xi’an’s rich cultural identity.

After our final explorations, we accompany everyone back to the hotel, where we say our goodbyes and bring our journey together to a close.