Beijing Trip Overview
On this four-day private guided tour from Beijing, see wondrous ancient Chinese architecture in and around the towns of Pingyao and Datong. Learn about the historical and cultural elements of Pingyao’s important sites, including the Rishengchang Exchange House and the old city wall. Explore the Wang Family Courtyard, a mansion with lavish classic architecture, and discover the secrets of the Hanging Temple. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yungang Grottoes. Throughout your tour, hear interesting facts and tidbits about China’s ancient heritage and the significance of these sites from your expert guide.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 days
Starts: Beijing, China
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Beijing Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Beijing, China, China
On this four-day private guided tour from Beijing, see wondrous ancient Chinese architecture in and around the towns of Pingyao and Datong. Learn about the historical and cultural elements of Pingyao’s important sites, including the Rishengchang Exchange House and the old city wall. Explore the Wang Family Courtyard, a mansion with lavish classic architecture, and discover the secrets of the Hanging Temple. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yungang Grottoes. Throughout your tour, hear interesting facts and tidbits about China’s ancient heritage and the significance of these sites from your expert guide.
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing – Pingyao
Stop At: Wang’s Family Compound (Wang Jia Dayuan), Jingsheng Town, Lingshi County 031308 China
Be picked up from your Beijing hotel at 06:30 am and driven to the railway station for morning fast train to Pingyao. When you arrive in Pingyao, check in to your four-star hotel.
This afternoon, we will visit the Wang Family Courtyard, the largest folk residence cluster in China, and admire a display of distinctive Chinese architecture.
Then spend the evening however you wish – rest up for the days ahead or explore the old town on your own.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tian Yuan Kui Inn inside Pingyao ancient town
Day 2: Pingyao
Stop At: Ancient City of Pingyao, In Pingyao County, Pingyao County 031100 China
After breakfast, your guide will show you around Pingyao on a walking tour. Visit the Rishengchang Exchange House, a museum
that was once the first draft bank of China, and then see the old city wall, the largest city wall in China that remains intact, displaying 72 terraces with battlements. Next, stop at a large compound of government offices built in the Ming and Qing styles. All of these sites have their own interesting stories and legends, which your expert guide will share with you.
In the afternoon and evening, explore more of the town’s shops, museums and streets at your leisure.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Tian Yuan Kui Inn inside Pingyao Ancient Town
Day 3: Pingyao-Datong
Stop At: Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si), Hengshan, Datong China
After breakfast, a private vehicle will take you to Datong, stopping at the Hanging Temple en route. It’s an ancient temple which was carved into the cliffs 164 feet (50 meters) from the ground, the Hanging Temple boasts Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian structural elements. It’s an elegant and marvelous sight, complete with temple gates, a bell and drum tower, and large halls. Your expert guide will show you around the temple, sharing anecdotes with you and answering any questions you may have.
When you arrive in Datong at around 5pm, your guide will lead you to a popular restaurant for a delicious dinner of local Chinese delicacies.
Afterward, spend the evening enjoying the city’s sights on your own.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in the Holiday Inn of Datong
Day 4: Datong-Beijing
Stop At: Yungang Grottoes, Wuzhou Mountain, Urban Area, Datong 37000 China
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a visit to one of the most famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites in China – the Yungang Grottoes. The caves are a World Heritage Site known for their fusion of Buddhist symbolic art from south and central Asia with Chinese cultural traditions. Walk inside the caves and around the site to see the astounding display of different statues, Buddhist paintings and stone carvings.
After your morning tour of the caves, board your fast train back to Beijing, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
