Datong-Yungang Grottoes-Hanging Temple-Pingyao

Yungang Grottoes - Your local tour guide will hold your name sign waiting for you in the lobby of your Datong hotel or Datong Railway Station. Then hop on your private vehicle and heading directly to Yungang Grottoes which takes about 30 minutes. Your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories along the way, feel free to ask questions if you have.

Located at the southern foot of the Wuzhou Mountain, the Yungang Grottoes were built against the mountain and extend about one km (0.62 miles) from east to west. Comprising 252 caves and 51,000 statues within a carved area of 18,000 square meters.

Yungang Grottoes represent the outstanding achievement of Buddhist cave art in China during the 5th and 6th centuries. The Five Caves created by Tan Yao, with their strict unity of layout and design, constitute a classical masterpiece of the first peak of Chinese Buddhist art.

While influenced by Buddhist cave art from South and Central Asia, Yungang Grottoes have also interpreted the Buddhist cave art with distinctive Chinese character and local spirit. As a result, Yungang Grottoes have played a vitally important role among early Oriental Buddhist grottoes and had a far-reaching impact on Buddhist cave art in China and East Asia.

Yungang Grottoes were added to the World Cultural Heritage List in December 2001.

Walk with your tour guide to explore the grottoes and niches, get to know its history and culture. Since this is a private tour, feel free to ask questions during the tour.

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si) - Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant ,then heading to Hengshan Hanging Temple which takes 1.5 hours, enjoy the countryside view along the way.

The hanging temple is the only existed temple hosting worship for the Taoists, Confucians and Buddhists. Built in 491 A.D, Hanging Temple is an architectural wonder because it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground. An unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, it appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, it provides the same scene as other temples. Hanging Monastery is an architectural wonder. A unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, it appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, it provides the same scene as other temples. The architecture embodies a great cultural achievement of Chinese people.

Follow your tour guide to experience the 1400 years architectural wonder, get to learn the history of three major religions in China and how these believes been used into the architecture.

Ancient City of Pingyao - Finally, enjoy the countryside view along the way, heading to Pingyao Ancient City (1.5 hours), you will be transferred to your hotel in Pingyao( Please book your own hotel in advance)

Explore the Ancient City of Pingyao

Ancient City of Pingyao - Your tour guide will pick you up in your hotels lobby at 9:00am and start a walking tour of Pinayao Old City.

Founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 – 771 BC) and rebuilt in 1370, the Pingyao old city is listed as the UNESCO site. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old times lifestyle and appreciate the charms of old China. Feel free to discuss with your tour guide on where you want to go in the old city. Your tour also including lunch, just tell your tour guide when you want to stop for lunch.

City Wall of Pingyao - Typically you will start from the Pingyao Old City Wall.

The City Wall of Pingyao is one of the well-preserved walls in China. In 1997, the City Wall along with the Ancient Town was listed as one of the World Cultural Heritage. Follow your tour guide to stroll around the area.

Ming and Qing Dynasties Street - Next, discover the shops and restaurants along the Ancient Ming-Qing Street, feel the atmosphere of the flourishing businesses and admire the Ming and Qing style architecture. Here is the best place to shop for your souvenirs.

Ping Yao Temple of the City God - Continue to explore one of the best preserved temples in China- Tempe of the City God. Admire its wonderful woodcarvings, stone sculptures, painted sculptures and mural paintings which reflect excellent craftsmanship at that time.

Pingyao Confucian Temple - Afterwards, heading to Pingyao Confucian Temple. Founded as early as in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 908 AD), Pingyao Confucian Temple is one of the oldest and currently the best-preserved of its kind in China. Stroll around the courtyards and halls with your guide, get to know Confucius (551 - 478 BC), who is a famous philosopher, educator and the founder of the Confucian school.

Pingyao Ancient Government Office - There are many places to visit in Pingyao Ancient Town, feel free to discuss with your tour guide.

After the tour finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Pingyao.

• Bottle of Water
• Lunch
• English speaking tour guide
• Private vehicle during the tour
• Entrance Fee

• Accommodation
• Gratuites

Embark on a 2-day private journey into the historical depth of Datong and Pingyao. Wander the World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO, such as the Hanging Temple, the Yungang Grottoes, and the ancient city of Pingyao. Enjoy the company of a local guide who will take you through the attractions and allow you to explore the landmarks at your leisurely pace. The package includes an English-speaking guide, private transportation, all fees for entries, and lunch. You would need to make your own arrangements for accommodation in Datong and Pingyao.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.