Starting from Beijing: route 2

Pingyao is a manifestation of Chinese wisdom in architecture. Yungang Grottoes (below) is a great spot to appreciate Buddhist stone carving. Liu Zhaoming/For China Daily

On the way to Pingyao ancient town, spare some time to visit a yard called The Qiao's. It is a wonderful model of a typical Jin (which stands for Shanxi) businessman's family compound, and northern China's residential architecture.

The final stop, Pingyao, is a collective manifestation of Confucian ideas and ancient wisdom. The town has 72 towers representing the 72 followers of Confucius, as well as retains the ancient layout and architectures of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Don't forget to sample some Pingyao beef, which is tender and rich in flavor.

If you go: Take Beijing-Tibet (G6) highway to Xuanhua, then head to Xuanhua-Datong highway to get to Datong. From Datong, choose Erenhot-Guangzhou (G55) highway to Taiyuan, Xinzhou is on the way. Then take Beijing-Kunming (G5) highway for Pingyao. Qixian is on the way.