Another quick update: my fourth enjoyable Beijing stay, again under blue skies which no longer strike me as exceptional, ended here today. 
6.5 hours in a slow train took us through barren craggy mountains and plains to Datong, whose old city skyline impresses in its newly old way!
Tomorrow we explore Datong, then head into the surrounds in a rented car, returning by overnight train to BJ and SH a week from today. MORE
6.5 hours in a slow train took us through barren craggy mountains and plains to Datong, whose old city skyline impresses in its newly old way!
