Located in central Shanxi province, Pingyao is one of the four China’s best-preserved ancient towns. Originally built in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1045-256 BC), it boasts a history of over 2,700 years.
According to the World Relics Committee of UNESCO, the Ancient City of Pingyao is an outstanding example of a Han Chinese city of the Ming and Qing Dynasties that has retained all its features to an exceptional degree, and in doing so provides a remarkably complete picture of cultural, social, economic, and religious development during one of the most seminal periods of Chinese history.
Private tour with daily departure.
Pickup from Taiyuan airport or train station.
Upon arrival in Taiyuan, guide pickup and transfer to hotel.
If time allows, tour visit Jinci Temple in Taiyuan – the oldest and the most representative of its kind and the only example to combine ancient Chinese ancestral temple and garden arts in China. After tour, transfer to Pingyao. Overnight in Pingyao.
Day excursion to lingshi County to visit Shuanglin Temple, Zhangbi Ancient Castle and the Wang Family Grand Courtyard, which was built in the mid-17th century and the compound contains 123 courtyards and 1118 houses in an antique flavor richly endowed with the most exquisite carvings of brick, stone and wood.
Day tour in Pingyao, visit the Ancient City Wall, where you can have a panorama view of the layout of this town. Then, visit the Rishengchang, the first draft bank in China, stroll on the traditional Ming and Qing Street, a cobbled road with old buildings on either side, and the Temple of City God. Return Taiyuan in afternoon and visit Twin Pagoda on route. Overnight in Taiyuan.
Transfer to Datong by car (3.5 hrs). Tour visit the Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda on route. The Hanging Temple was built into a cliff (246 ft above the ground) more than 1500 years ago. It is notable not only for its location on a sheer precipice but also because it is the only existing temple with the combination of three Chinese traditional religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Overnight in Datong.
Morning tour to Yungang Grottoes, one of the three most famous ancient Buddhist sculptural rock carving sites in China, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple and Nine-dragon Screen. After tour, transfer to airport/train station for your next destination.
Centrally located 3, 4 or 5 star hotels available
