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.
Highlights
- 4-day, 3-night guided tour from Beijing to Pingyao and Datong
- Discover ancient architectural wonders and learn about the history and heritage of these two towns from your expert guide
- Admire the traditional Chinese design of the Wang Family Courtyard, Pingyao's old city wall, its government offices and the Rishengchang Exchange House
- See the elegant, intriguing construction of the Hanging Temples
- Visit the Yungang Grottoes, an ancient Buddhist sculptural site
- One-way flight from Beijing and bullet train ride back to Beijing are included!
- 3 nights of accommodation and most meals included
Recent Photos of this Tour
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4-Day Private Tour of Pingyao and Datong from Beijing
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xi'an02.jpgXi'an City WallPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
lingshi31.jpgAncient windowPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
datong16.jpgDatong grottoPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
datong12.jpgDatong grotto, not many colorful ones still remainPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
datong04.jpgDatong grottoPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
datong02.jpgDatong grottoPhoto by: Anonymous05 2012 -
Special Offer
Book now and travel before December 31, 2013 to save 30% on the recommended retail rate
Useful Information
View from Pingyao Bell Tower
Venture away from bustling Beijing for four days of classical Chinese history on this private tour to the old towns of Pingyao and Datong with your own private guide. Pingyao is the only city in China that has completely preserved its ancient backdrop and displays no modern influences. Datong is a historical town that dates all the way back to the Han Dynasty. Step back in time as you explore these old cities and see neighboring cultural sites like the Wang Family Courtyard, the Hanging Temple and the Yungang Grottoes.
One-way flight from Beijing to Tai Yuan (near Pingyao) and the bullet train ride back to Beijing are both included.
Please see the Itinerary below for a more detailed schedule.
Itinerary
As this is a private tour, the time of day you eat your meals is flexible, depending on when you finish your sightseeing and guided tours. Breakfast is usually served in your hotels and other meals will be enjoyed at local restaurants where you can enjoy local delicacies.
Day 1: Beijing - Pingyao (L,D)
Be picked up from your Beijing hotel at 7am and driven to the airport for your flight to Tai Yuan. When you arrive, you’ll be driven to Pingyao by private airport transfer.
On the way, stop at the Wang Family Courtyard, the largest folk residence cluster in China, and admire a display of distinctive Chinese architecture.
When you arrive in Pingyao, check in to your four-star hotel, and then spend the evening however you wish – rest up for the days ahead or explore the old town on your own.
Overnight: Tuan Yuan Kui Inn in Pingyao
Day 2: Pingyao (B,L,D)
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.
Overnight: Tuan Yuan Kui Inn in Pingyao
Day 3: Datong (B,L,D)
After breakfast, a private vehicle will take you to Datong, stopping by the Hanging Temple on the way. An ancient temple that seems to be 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.
Overnight: the Holiday Inn in Datong
Day 4: Datong - Beijing (B,L)
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 of touring the caves, board your train back to Beijing, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel.
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