Beijing Datong Pingyao Xian 6 Day Tour

Pick up from your hotel in Beijing and transferred to Beijing North Train Station. Take the high-speed train train ( duration: about 2 hours ) to Datong. Our tour representative in Datong picks you up at Datong South Railway Station.

In the afternoon, visit Yungang Grottoes. These grottoes are the main attractions most people make a trip to Datong. The grottoes hold over 50,000 Buddihist statues and stretch for about 1 km east to west.

Drop off at your hotel in Datong after tour.

After breakfast at the hotel, first drive to Hanging Temple 65 km away south-east of Datong. The temple hangs on the west cliff of a hill with over 50 meters above the ground, hence Hanging Monastery. Hanging Monastery was first built in 491. The present monastery was mainly rebuilt and maintained in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The biggest attraction of Hanging Temple is the fact that the temple includes Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Then ove on to Yingxian County to visit the Wooden Pagoda, the oldest wooden Buddhist pagoda in existence in China. The pagoda is a 9 story octagonal building 67 meters high. It was was built without using any nails. After visit, transferred back to your hotel in Datong.

After breakfast, take 3-hour high-speed train to Pingyao. Arriving at Pingyao in the afternoon, The rest of the day is free for your to relax.

Your tour begins withthe Mingqing Street. Ming and Qing Street, also called Nanda Jie (South Avenue). It is one of the busy and interesting streets in which to experience ancient Chinese culture. It is 440 long, Ming and Qing Street used to be the commercial center of Pingyao ancient city.

Then visit theAncient City Wall of Pingyao City. The city of Pingyao is one of the four remaining well-preserved ancient cities in China. The city wall has a perimeter of 6.4 kilometers and is over 12 meters high and 3.5 meters wide.

Continue to visit theRishengchang Exchange Shop. It is the earliest bank in China, first opened in the 18th century. Rishengchang was the first money exchange shop in the history of China. Move on toArmed Escort Company Museum. It offers an eye-opening armed escort in protecting commerce. Cash moving from one area needed the armed escort firm to thwart thieving hands. Finally visitCounty Government Office, an ancient city hall and law court.

Stay overnight in Pingyao

Take the 3-hour morning highspeed train from Pingyao to Xian. Arriving at Xian at noon, met by our tour guide and transferred to your hotel in Xian.

After lunch, first visitShaanxi Provincial History Museum, a large modern museum of the national level. It is a giant architectural complex in the Tang-dynasty style.

Then visitBig Goose Pagodafor its outside visit (stop for photos and no ascending). Big Goose Pagoda is one of the oldest structures in China. Move on and ascend theBell Tower. In Chinese history from Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), each city had a bell tower and a drum tower. The bell was sounded at dawn and the drum at dusk each day in ancient time, a means of telling time.

Finally come to theMuslim Quarters(excluding the visit to the Great Mosque). Xian Muslim Quarters is just located behind ( north of ) the Drum Tower. The Xian muslim quarters is a delightful place you mustn't miss! The bazaar in the Muslim area is most attractive with a wide area of stalls selling everything. Stay overnight in Xian.

Pick up from your hotel in Xian. First visit theTerra-cotta Army. The original site was found by a local farmer drilling a well in 1974. Now it has turned into the most important attraction in Xian - Terracotta Warriors and Horse Museum. The museum and the mausoleum are listed the world's cultural legacies as the UNESCO.

After lunch, transferred to your hotel in Xian, or Xian Train Station, or Xian Airport.