Datong. Overnight in Datong.

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

Yungang Grottoes - Upon arrival at 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 art, 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. Visitors will be amazed by the magnificent scene.

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 notable feature is a statue of Bodhisattva with a smile, making it unique.

Shanhua Monastery - After lunch, the tour continues to Shanhua Temple, where visitors can admire not only Liao Dynasty buildings but also Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234) statues and Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) murals.

Nine Dragon Screen - The day’s itinerary concludes with the stunning Nine-Dragon Wall, constructed over 600 years ago.

Datong City Walls - At the end of the day, the tour of Datong concludes with a visit to the Ancient City Wall, followed by a return to the hotel.

Datong–Yingxian County–Mount Wutai. Overnight in Mount Wutai.

Datong - At 9 am, the guide will meet the group at the hotel lobby and transfer to the Hanging Monastery, a 90-minute drive covering 84km.

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si) - The famous Hanging Monastery appears as a grand relief embedded on a steep cliff. Walking along the hanging walkways to visit each hall of the temple is a thrilling experience. It is unique in that it worships the hierarchs of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism together.

Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda - The group will then travel by car to Yingxian County to see the renowned Wooden Pagoda, the oldest wooden tower in China, which has stood for nearly 1,000 years without a single nail used in its construction.

Mount Wutai–Pingyao. Overnight in Pingyao.

Wutai Shan (Five Terrace Mountain) - The day is dedicated to hiking on Mt. Wutai, believed to be where Bodhisattva Manjushri preached Buddhist doctrines. The guide will lead the group to famous sites, including Bodhisattva Summit, Xiantong Temple, Ten Thousand Buddha Pavilion, Tayuan Temple, Shuxiang Temple, and Luohou Temple, each with its unique features.

Ancient City of Pingyao - After lunch, the tour continues with a 4.5-hour car ride to the historic city of Pingyao.

Pingyao. Overnight in Pingyao.

Pingyao County - The guide will pick up the group at the hotel lobby at 9 am to visit the Ancient City of Pingyao.

City Wall of Pingyao - The tour begins with a visit to the well-preserved City Wall of Pingyao, which resembles a tortoise, a traditional symbol of longevity. From the wall, visitors can overlook the ancient city.

Ming and Qing Dynasties Street - After descending from the wall, the group will stroll along the traditional Ming-Qing Street, lined with ancient Chinese architecture. Some buildings have been converted into hotels, restaurants, or souvenir shops, while others remain as attractions and museums.

Pingyao Ancient Government Office - The tour continues with a visit to the Pingyao Ancient Government Office, located in the city’s center for over 600 years. Covering about 26,000 square meters, it includes many majestic courtyards and buildings. The Security Guard Company museum is also worth visiting.

Rishengchang Former Bank - After lunch, the tour proceeds to Ri Sheng Chang Exchange Shop and Tong Xing Gong. Ri Sheng Chang is the first money exchange shop in China and the founder of Chinese modern banks, playing a significant role in Chinese financial history. Tong Xing Gong provided private escort services for the exchange shops.

Pingyao County - Finally, the guide will escort the group back to the Pingyao hotel.

Pingyao. Tour ends.

Pingyao County - The guide will pick up the group at the Pingyao hotel lobby at around 9 am and escort them to the renowned Wang Family’s Compound, a 1.5-hour ride away.

Wang’s Family Compound (Wang Jia Dayuan) - This large and magnificent architectural complex, built around 250 years ago, is located in Lingshi County, Shanxi Province, 35 kilometers from Pingyao Ancient City. The compound, built between 1762-1811 by the Wang Family descendants, is impressive for its size and ornamental structures. It resembles a mini walled city with over 200 courtyards, each with distinctive features, including intricately carved wood doors, window casings, stairways, and stone carvings.

Shuanglin Temple - Next, the group will visit Shuanglin Temple, which maintains its ancient character. This peaceful and beautiful temple is one of Pingyao’s three treasures and was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1997. Known as the ‘ancient painted sculptures museum,’ it houses 2056 colorful sculptures of Chinese Buddhism, showcasing the artisans’ exquisite skills from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. The One-thousand Hand Kwan-yin sculpture is particularly captivating.

Pingyao Railway Station Wenxunchu - After lunch, the group will be driven back to the hotel or taken to Pingyao Railway Station, marking the end of the 5-day tour services.

• Private transportation with air conditioning
• Expert personal guide
• Included lunch
• Admission tickets covered

• The hotel and dinner

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.