Day 1

Arrival at Datong, you are met by our English speaking tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Datong. You are free at your leisure to explore the city on your on for the remainder of the time.

Day 2

Picked up from your hotel. First have an excursion to Yungang Grottoes. Yungang GrottoesThese grottoes are the main reason that people make a trip to Datong. The grottoes hold over 50,000 Buddihist statues and stretch for about 1 km east to west.

Then move back to the city center and visit Huayan Temple on the western side of Datong city, the largest and most well preserved temple of the Liao (916-1125) and Jin (1115-1234) dynasties in China. The Huayan Temple is divided into two parts parts: the Upper Huayan Temple and Lower Huayan Temple which have their own gate and architecture respectively.

After lunch, move on to Shanhua Monastery, located in central Datong within the old city walls. It was first constructed during the Tang dynasty (618-907AD). Then have a close look at Nine Dragon Screen, one of the three noted Nine Dragons Screens in China. The glazed tile screen was built in 1771 during the administration of Emperor Qianlong. It is 3.5 meters high and about 30 meters long.

Departure: Daily
Pick-up point and time: Your Hotel around 9am (or choose your own pick-up time)
Finishing point and time: Your Hotel around 5:30pm

Day 3

After breakfst, drive to Hanging Temple, 65 km away south-east of Hanging TempleDatong. The temple hangs on the west cliff of a hill with over 50 meters above the ground, hence Hanging Monastery. Hanging Monastery was first in 491. The present monastery was mainly rebuilt and maintained in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The biggest attraction of Hanging Temple is the fact that the temple includes Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Then move on to Yingxian County to visit the Wooden Pagoda, the oldest wooden Buddhist pagoda in existence in China. The pagoda is 67 meters high the pagoda wih a 9 story octagonal building. It was was buit without using any nails. Transferred back to the city of Datong.

After dinner, take the overnight train for Pingyao ( 4-bed cabin )

Day 4

Arrival at Pingyao in the early morning, met by our English speaking tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Pingyao. After Ancient City Wallbreakfast, first visit the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao City. The city of Pingyao is one of the four remaining well-preserved ancient cities in China. The city wall has a perimeter of 6.4 kilometers and is over 12 meters high and 3.5 meters wide. Then visit the Rishengchang Exchange Shop. It is the earliest bank in China, first opened in the 18th century.Rishengchang was the first money exchange shop in the history of China.

Afterwards, move on to the Mingqing Street. Ming and Qing Street, also called Nanda Jie. It is one of the busy and interesting streets in which to experience ancient Chinese culture. It is 440 long, Ming and Qing Street used to be the commercial center of Pingyao ancient city. Then move on to Armed Escort Company Museum. It offers an eye-opening armed escorts in protecting commerce. Cash moving from one area needed the armed escort firm to thwart of thieving hands. Finally visit County Government Office, an ancient city hall and law court. Chinese Lunch included.

Day 5

Today you are free at your leisure to explore the ancient city on your own. Then you are transferred to Pingyao Railway Station or Taiyuan Railway Station to continue your trip to Beijing or Xian (tickets excluded).