Datong. O/N Datong.

Datong - In the morning, the guide will meet the group at the Datong hotel at 9am or at the Datong train station, and then drive for an hour to the Hanging Monastery.

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si) - The famous Hanging Monastery appears like a magnificent relief embedded in the steep cliff. Walking along the hanging walkways to explore each hall of the temple offers an exhilarating experience. It is unique in that it honors the hierarchs of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism together.

Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda - Next, a car ride will take the group to Yingxian County to visit the renowned Wooden Pagoda. This is the oldest wooden tower in China, standing for nearly 1,000 years, and was constructed without a single nail.

Baicaokoucun - Due to the often-hostile nomadic tribes to the north, some areas of Shanxi Province were once crucial battlefields. After lunch, the journey continues to the military fortresses in rural areas. The first stop is the Guangwu Fort, with its tall walls surrounding the current Guangwu Village. Following this, the guide will lead a one-hour hike on the wild Baicaokou Great Wall, which has witnessed significant historical changes and retains its original form.

Datong - The day tour in Datong concludes perfectly with a 2-hour car ride back to the hotel in Datong.

Datong. O/N Datong.

Datong - In the morning, the guide will meet the group at 9am at the Datong hotel and then transfer to Yungang Grottoes, a 30-minute drive, covering 16km.

Yungang Grottoes - Upon reaching the Yungang Grottoes, the guide will accompany the group to explore over 59,000 solemn Buddha statues created during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 - 534). Recognized as a treasure trove of Buddhist arts, the Yungang Grottoes took more than 70 years to achieve their current scale. The sculptures blend the exquisite artistry of the Northern Wei and exhibit an atmospheric and imperial style. The magnificent scene is sure to leave everyone amazed.

Huayan Temple of Datong - After appreciating the sculptural arts of the Northern Wei Dynasty, the group will be guided to Huayan Monastery to admire the architectural style from the Liao Dynasty (907 - 1125). A statue of Bodhisattva with a smile stands out among the rest.

Nine Dragon Screen - After lunch, the group will visit the Nine-Dragon Wall, which served as a giant screen in front of a prince’s mansion 600 years ago.

Datong City Walls - The day in Datong will conclude with a visit to the Ancient City Wall, followed by a return to the Datong hotel.

Datong - Pingyao by train. O/N Pingyao.

Datong - In the morning, the driver will meet the group at 7:40am and transfer them to Datong train station to catch the D5363 (08:36am–10:30am) from Datong to Taiyuan. Note: The Datong train station drop-off service includes only the driver, no guide.

Taiyuan East Railway Station - Upon arrival at Taiyuan train station, the group will be promptly picked up by a local guide and transferred to the Qiao Family’s Compound.

Qiao’s Family Compound (Qiao Jia Dayuan) - The first visit is to the renowned Qiao Family’s Compound, about an hour’s drive away. As a typical residence with the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) in northern China, it is elegant and beautifully decorated.

Shuanglin Temple - After lunch, the group will proceed to Shuanglin Temple. This scenic area mainly comprises Buddhist halls of various sizes, such as the Mahavira Hall (Da Xiong Bao Dian) and the Sakyamuni Hall. Inside the halls, there are numerous vividly painted sculptures of Heavenly Kings, Bodhisattvas, and arhats. Additionally, the exquisite frescos from the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) are sure to impress.

Ancient City of Pingyao - Next, the group will be escorted to the ancient city of Pingyao, where they can check in and take a short break. A one-hour Paper Cutting class is arranged to learn about the traditional skill of Chinese folk arts.

Pingyao. The tour ends.

Ancient City of Pingyao - The guide will pick up the group at the hotel lobby at 09:00 in the morning to visit the Ancient City of Pingyao.

City Wall of Pingyao - The Pingyao ancient town tour begins with a visit to the well-preserved City Wall of Pingyao. The rectangular wall resembles a tortoise, traditionally considered a symbol of longevity. From the wall, there is a panoramic view of the ancient city of Pingyao.

Ming and Qing Dynasties Street - After descending from the wall, the group will stroll along the traditional Ming-Qing Street. On both sides of this narrow street, there are many buildings in ancient Chinese architectural style, which were once firms, exchange shops, and various shops like teashops, cloth shops, and salt shops. Today, some have been converted into hotels, restaurants, or souvenir shops, while others have been preserved as attractions and museums.

Pingyao Ancient Government Office - The next stop is the Pingyao Ancient Government Office, located in the center of the ancient city for over 600 years. Covering about 26,000 square meters (31,095 square yards), it includes many grand courtyards and buildings. The Security Guard Company is also worth visiting as it is a museum that introduces the development of ancient Chinese security guards.

Rishengchang Former Bank - After lunch, the group will visit Ri Sheng Chang Exchange Shop and Tong Xing Gong. Ri Sheng Chang Exchange Shop is the first money exchange shop in China and the founder of Chinese modern banks, playing a significant role in Chinese financial business for about a century. Tong Xing Gong provided private escort services for the exchange shops to ensure their safety during transportation.

Pingyao County - Finally, the guide will escort the group to their Pingyao hotel or Pingyao train station, marking the end of the 4-day tour.

• Private car & guide
• Train ticket from Datong to Taiyuan (second class)
• Entrance tickets
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• The hotel and dinner

• Can add more days if you want

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.