Answer: Your travel plan through Shanxi sounds well thought out, and it’s great that you’re allowing time to explore the province’s cultural and natural highlights. Datong and Pingyao are both excellent destinations, offering very different experiences — Datong for its Buddhist grottoes and temples, and Pingyao for its preserved Ming and Qing architecture. Below is some detailed advice on how to structure your itinerary and travel route.

Answer: Arriving at Datong Yungang Airport around midnight on a Sunday presents limited transportation options to reach the old city area, as public buses and airport shuttles typically do not operate at that hour. Most sources indicate that the airport shuttle bus service ends in the evening, usually around 7:30–8:00 pm, depending on the day and season. Therefore, if your flight lands at midnight, you will likely need to rely on taxis or pre-arranged private transfers.

Answer: Certainly! Here's a detailed guide on using public transportation to travel from Datong South Railway Station to the old city and then to the Yungang Grottoes:

Answer: Your plan for visiting the Hanging Monastery (Xuankong Si, 悬空寺) and the Yungang Grottoes (云冈石窟) from Datong is practical and well-timed, especially if you arrive in Datong the night before and start early the next morning. The two sites are in opposite directions from the city, so doing the Hanging Monastery first by taxi and the Grottoes later by bus makes good sense.

Answer: Mianshan Mountain is a popular day trip destination from Pingyao, and traveling by public transport is possible but requires careful planning. The usual route is to take a train from Pingyao to Jiexu, which is a short and convenient journey.

Answer: Access to Wutai Mountain has changed in recent years to reduce traffic congestion and protect the environment. Most private vehicles are no longer allowed to drive directly into the main tourist town area (Wutai Town) or the scenic mountain areas. Visitors are required to use the official shuttle buses from the Wutai Mountain Tourist Center or designated parking areas.

Answer: Visiting Datong’s Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple is very feasible for foreign visitors, and understanding the ticketing procedures helps make the trip smooth.

Answer: Planning a 10-day tour in Shanxi, including Pingyao and Datong, is very doable and allows you to experience historical sites, ancient architecture, and cultural highlights. Here’s a detailed guide for your questions.

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.

Answer: Spending two days in Shanxi with Pingyao as your base is a great way to explore the province’s rich historical and architectural heritage without excessive travel. Since you already have one full day in Pingyao itself, the second day can be used for a nearby excursion.