Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Datong
Your private guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall at Datong high-speed train station. They'll help with your luggage and drive you to your hotel by private car, taking care of check-in so you can settle in without hassle.
- Day 2
Datong
Today you have a full day exploring Datong's cultural sites with your private guide. Start at the Yungang Grottoes UNESCO World Heritage Site to see the Buddhist sculptures carved into the cliffs. From there, head to Huayan Temple where you can walk through its peaceful halls, and finish at the Nine-Dragon Screen, which is China's largest glazed screen wall and really something to see in person.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Private guided tour of Yungang Grottoes UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit to Huayan Temple
- Visit to Nine-Dragon Screen
Landmarks Yungang Grottoes Huayan Temple Nine-Dragon Screen - Day 3
Datong to Mount Wutai
After breakfast, you'll travel toward Mount Wutai with several stops along the way. First, visit the Hanging Temple built into the cliffs over 1,500 years ago. Next, you'll see the Wooden Pagoda in Ying County, the oldest and tallest wooden pagoda in China. The drive to Mount Wutai takes about 3 hours, and you'll check into your hotel once you arrive in this sacred Buddhist mountain area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Hanging Temple
- Visit to Wooden Pagoda in Ying County
Landmarks Hanging Temple Wooden Pagoda in Ying County Mount Wutai - Day 4
Mount Wutai to Taiyuan
After breakfast, your journey continues from Mount Wutai to Taiyuan with temple visits along the route. You'll start at Xiantong Temple, the largest temple on Mount Wutai, where there's an impressive copper bell. Then visit Pusading Temple with its grand halls and Tayuan Temple, which has the iconic Great White Pagoda. The 4-hour drive to Taiyuan gives you time to rest before checking into your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Xiantong Temple
- Visit to Pusading Temple
- Visit to Tayuan Temple
Landmarks Xiantong Temple Pusading Temple Tayuan Temple - Day 5
Taiyuan to Pingyao
After breakfast, explore Jinci, a temple complex celebrated for its historical significance and known from the poet Li Bai's work. You'll see the Hall of the Holy Mother, walk across the Flying Bridge, and view the ancient Zhou Cypress and Song Dynasty statues. Following a traditional lunch, drive about an hour to the Qiao Family Courtyard from the film 'Raise the Red Lantern', which shows beautiful Qing Dynasty Shanxi merchant architecture. Next is Shuanglin Monastery with over 2,000 colored sculptures. The final 2-hour drive takes you to Pingyao for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional lunch)
Included Activities
- Visit to Jinci (Tang Shuyu Temple)
- Traditional lunch
- Visit to Qiao Family Courtyard
- Visit to Shuanglin Monastery
Landmarks Jinci Qiao Family Courtyard Shuanglin Monastery - Day 6
Pingyao
You have a full day to explore Pingyao Ancient City with your private guide. Walk along the well-preserved city wall for views across the ancient city. Stop at Rishengchang Former Bank, established in 1823 and considered China's first bank. Spend time strolling Ming and Qing Street where traditional architecture, local shops, and crafts line the street. Wander through the ancient streets and hidden alleys to get a feel for Pingyao's history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Pingyao City Wall
- Visit to Rishengchang Former Bank
- Stroll down Ming and Qing Street
- Exploration of ancient streets and alleys
Landmarks Pingyao City Wall Rishengchang Former Bank Ming and Qing Street - Day 7
Departure from Pingyao
You have free time in Pingyao until your guide arrives to escort you to the high-speed train station for your departure.
