- Travel Guide
-
-
-
Beijing 
Xi'an 
Zhangjiajie 
China Silk Road 
Shanghai
-
-
-
The Classical Datong tour to Pingyao tour allows you to explore significant cultural sites. This tour includes the breathtaking Yungang Grottoes and the architectural marvel of the Hanging Temple. What’s more, in Pingyao, you’ll wander through its ancient streets, visit the historic Rishengchang Former Bank, and marvel at the Wang’s Family Compound, known as the “Forbidden City in Folk”.
Datong connects to Beijing by high-speed bullet trains and flights, making Datong Tour a convenient tour for travelers. The bullet train journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, while flights offer a quick alternative.
For those looking to extend their adventure, consider adding a visit to Xi’an to see the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. This extension enriches your experience with more of China’s rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you’re exploring ancient cities or iconic landmarks, this tour offers a captivating journey through China’s past.
- Round way private transfer in each destination
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide
- Entrance tickets for all historical & cultural attractions as listed in the itinerary
- High-Speed Rail based on 2nd class soft seats from Datong to Pingyao
- Hotel accommodations in each destionation based on twin-sharing basis
- Meals as specified in the itinerary ( B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Bottled drinking water and wet tissue
Included
- China visas and international flights entry & exit of China
- Hotel single room supplement in Datong and Pingyao
- Tipping for guide and driver
- Other expenses if not listed in the itinerary
Excluded
Highlights of the Tour
- Yungang Grottoes: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 254 caves and over 51,000 statues, showcasing exquisite Buddhist art from the 5th century.
- Hanging Temple: An architectural marvel built into a cliff over 1,500 years ago, this temple uniquely combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
- Wang's Family Compound: A vast traditional Chinese architectural complex known as the "Forbidden City in Folk."
- Shuanglin Temple: Famous for its extensive collection of clay figures and wooden sculptures representing various gods and saints.
Itinerary
Collapse All
- Upon your arrival in Datong, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide at the airport, railway station, or your hotel.
- Your journey begins with a drive of approximately 50 minutes (23 km) to the breathtaking Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 5th century. This remarkable site features 254 Buddhist caves stretching about 1 km and houses over 51,000 exquisite sculptures. Among these, the largest Buddha statue towers at an impressive 17 meters, while the smallest measures just 2 centimeters. Be sure to explore Cave No. 5 and Cave No. 6, which are particularly noteworthy for their intricately carved and vibrantly painted interiors. As you gaze upon these celestial figures with their lifelike features and serene expressions, you can truly appreciate the painstaking artistry that went into their creation.
- In the afternoon, you will return to Datong city to visit the iconic Nine Dragon Screen Wall. This structure is not only the largest but also the oldest glazed dragon wall in China, adorned with colorful tiles that depict nine majestic dragons. Originally serving as a spirit wall for a temple, its purpose was to ward off evil spirits.
- Next, you will head to Huayan Temple, the largest and best-preserved monastery built by the Khitan during the Liao Dynasty. Unlike most traditional Chinese temples that face south, this one interestingly faces east due to the Khitan's worship of the sun. As you explore this magnificent temple complex, take in the palatial architecture, exquisite frescoes, and valuable inscriptions that reflect its rich history.
- Explore Yungang Grottoes
- Visit Nine Dragon Screen Wall
- Discover Huayan Temple
- Stay in Datong, D
- We check out of the hotel in the morning, take a private transfer for about 1.5-hour drive (80 km) to the remarkable Hanging Temple. Built in 491 during the Northern Wei Dynasty, this architectural marvel has stood for over 1,500 years. Perched precariously on the cliff face of Hengshan Mountain, the Hanging Temple is a breathtaking sight with its 40 halls and pavilions seemingly defying gravity.
- What makes this temple truly unique is its dedication to three religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. As you explore, you'll encounter sculptures and artwork representing all three faiths, offering insight into China's rich religious tapestry.
- After marveling at the Hanging Temple, you'll drive for an hour to reach the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, also known as Sakyamuni Pagoda. Constructed in 1056 during the Liao Dynasty, this remarkable structure stands 67.31 meters tall, making it the oldest and tallest wooden multi-story building in the world.
- The pagoda's most impressive feature is its construction - the entire structure was built without using a single nail, screw, or bolt. Inside, you'll find an 11-meter-high statue of Sakyamuni Buddha on the first floor, sitting beneath an intricately designed caisson ceiling. For Buddhists, this pagoda holds special significance as it houses two of Sakyamuni's tooth relics.
- Following your visit to the Wooden Pagoda, you'll head to the train station to board a high-speed train to Pingyao, a journey of about 3 hours. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the ancient city of Pingyao at your leisure, immersing yourself in its well-preserved historical atmosphere.
- Visit the Hanging Temple
- Explore the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
- Stay in Pingyao, B, L, D
- Your guide will pick you up after breakfast to begin your tour of Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site with over 2,700 years of history. This remarkably well-preserved city showcases urban planning and architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911).
- Start your exploration at the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao. Standing 12 meters high and stretching over 6 kilometers, this impressive structure offers panoramic views of the entire town. The wall features 72 watchtowers and 3,000 battlements, symbolizing Confucius' disciples and students.
- Next, visit the Rishengchang Former Bank, known as the "Father of Chinese Banking." This restored 19th-century draft bank provides insight into China's early financial systems.
- Stroll along the traditional Ming and Qing Street, a cobblestone road lined with historic buildings. This bustling thoroughfare offers a glimpse into the city's past as a thriving commercial center.
- Visit the Temple of City God to admire its exquisite wood carvings, paintings, and sculptures. This active temple showcases the spiritual side of ancient Pingyao.
- Throughout your tour, you'll encounter well-preserved courtyard houses, shops, and other historic buildings that make up the city's 4,000 17th-19th century structures. The entire experience offers a vivid illustration of traditional Chinese urban life during the Ming and Qing periods.
- Climb Ancient City Wall
- Explore Rishengchang Former Bank
- Stroll cobblestone Ming-Qing Street
- Visit Temple of City God
- Stay in Pingyao, B, L, D
- Check out of the hotel in the morning, we will drive for about an hour to the fascinating Zhangbi Ancient Castle. This remarkable site, dating back over 1,380 years, features an intricate network of tunnels that were ingeniously constructed as wartime hideouts. You'll be astounded by the architectural and engineering prowess of the ancient builders as you explore these subterranean passages.
- Next, you'll visit the renowned Wang's Family Compound, often referred to as the "Forbidden City in Folk" due to its grandeur and historical significance. This vast complex, built over 300 years spanning the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcases the epitome of traditional Chinese architecture. The compound encompasses five lanes, six forts, 231 courtyards, and 2,078 rooms, sprawling across 250,000 square meters.
- As you wander through the compound, you'll encounter a variety of structures including living quarters, kitchens, schools, and prayer pavilions. The layout adheres to the courtyard style originating from the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), with halls in front and bedrooms at the back. This design not only provided ample space for social activities but also ensured family privacy.
- The compound's organization reflects the social hierarchy and etiquette of ancient China. Different areas are designated for young and old, men and women, hosts and workers, showcasing the formality of official family life and the strict patriarchal system of the time.
- After your exploration of these historical marvels, your local guide will accompany you to the airport or railway station for your onward journey to your next destination.
- Visit the Zhangbi Castle
- Explore the Wang's Family Residential Complex
Frequently Asked & Question
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather. However, I can tailor your tour for any time of year based on your preferences.
Booking is easy! You can reserve your spot by contacting me directly. I'll need some basic information like your preferred travel dates, number of travelers, and any special requests.
We'll do our best to adjust the itinerary if severe weather affects our plans. I'll work with you to ensure you still have a great experience.
Enquire About This Tour
Our travel consultant will respond you in one working day.
