Luoyang vs Pinyao vs Datong

Question

Travelling from Beijing to Xi’an and will have/ wanted to squeeze in 2 full days for either of those places mentioned above.. Which one would you advise, logistically and sights wise?

Thanks in advance

Answer

When deciding between Luoyang, Pingyao, and Datong for a 2-day stop between Beijing and Xi’an, several factors come into play, including travel time, sights, and logistical convenience.

Here’s a breakdown of each option:

Luoyang: Located in Henan Province, it is famous for the Longmen Grottoes (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the White Horse Temple. Travel time from Beijing is about 4–5 hours by high-speed train, and onward to Xi’an is around 2 hours. It’s a good choice if you want impressive Buddhist cave art and a historical city experience.
Pingyao: This is a well-preserved ancient walled city in Shanxi Province, offering a very authentic old-town atmosphere. It’s perfect if you enjoy walking through traditional streets, ancient architecture, and city walls. However, the high-speed train from Beijing to Pingyao takes around 3–4 hours, and onward to Xi’an is approximately 3–4 hours as well, making it slightly longer in total travel time compared to Luoyang.
Datong: Famous for the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery, also in Shanxi Province. It has spectacular historical and religious sites but is less convenient logistically because train options to Xi’an are limited and slower compared to the other two cities. Travel from Beijing to Datong is about 3–4 hours by train, and onward to Xi’an takes around 7–8 hours unless you return to Beijing for a high-speed connection.

Recommendations:

If you prioritize ease of travel and minimal time on trains, Luoyang is the best option. You can comfortably see the Longmen Grottoes and still have time to explore the city itself.
If you prioritize historical ambiance and unique old-town experience, Pingyao is ideal, but be prepared for slightly longer travel times.
Datong is worth visiting only if you are particularly interested in the Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery, but it’s less efficient for a 2-day itinerary due to train schedules.

In summary, for a 2-day stop between Beijing and Xi’an: