Beijing Datong Pingyao Xian 6 Days Tour

Today your exploration will begin with a visit to Yungang Grottoes. Yungang Grottoes are one of China's Great Grottoes which were built 1,500 years ago. There are 45 caves open for visit with thousands of Buddha statues seated. These delicately carved Buddha statues are of different sizes, different expressions and postures. These lively statues with rich and impressive expressions are truthful reflections of the life in the ancient North Wei Dynasty. When you are enjoying these art works of stone carving, you would also be impressed by the profession and wisdom of the ancient people who made these statuses.

Then we will move on to see Hanging Temple. The Hanging Temple, as the name suggests, is a temple hanging somewhere not built on the ground. Constructed according to the natural layout of the cliff on the basis of mechanics, this temple is actually supported by crossbeams which are fitted into the cliff. With a complex of three religious halls and 40 rooms, this temple is linked by mid-walkways from the left to the right. There are clay sculptures, stone carvings, copper and iron statues characterized by Taoism, Buddhism and Confucius. The odd structure, crafty design, bold construction, artistic value, and the combination of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucius have made the Hanging Temple an architectural wonder and hot attraction.

Next we will proceed to visit Wooden Pagoda. The Wooden Pagoda is located in Yingxiang County, about 70 kilometers from Datong City. The Wooden Pagoda was built in the year of 1056 during Liao Dynasty and is the oldest and highest wooden pagoda in the world. It is an octagonal-shape pagoda in the height of 70 meters and 6 stories. The Wooden Pagoda built to be strong and elegant with artful design and subtle structure is a fine example of traditional Chinese wooden architecture. Also the collection of precious relics like color paintings and Buddhist scripts preserved in Wooden Pagoda make it a great place to get to know the history and culture of Liao Dynasty.

Afterwards, our guide will bring you back to the hotel.

After breakfast, our guide will bring you to the train station and you will take Train No.K7807 to Pingyao. The train leaves Datong at 7:45AM and arrives at Pingyao at 2:39PM. Upon your arrival, our local guide will pick you up at the railway station and transfer you to the hotel for check in. Free for leisure for the rest of the day.

You will have the Pingyao tour today and your sightseeing will begin with Pingyao Ancient City. Pingyao Ancient City is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China. It is situated in Pingyao County in the center of Shanxi Province. This ancient city has a history more than 2,700 years has remained the intact appearance Ming and Qing Dynasty and is quite an outstanding example that displays the economy, culture, society and religion of the ancient Ming and Dynasty. Inside the Pingyao Ancient City, you will visit the magnificent Ancient City Wall to get beautiful views of the whole ancient city.

Rishengchang Exchange House will be scheduled for the next attraction to see. Richangsheng Exchange House was firstly opened during the Ming and Qing Dynasty to provide banking business for Shanxi merchants. It is the first money exchange house in China and is considered as the founder of modern banks. As a production of the prosperous culture of Shanxi merchants, the architecture of Richangsheng is an outstanding representative of local Shanxi culture. It is a combination of architectural art and function that applies the traditional style of local folk houses and also the features of local business shops. You will trace the past prosperity and glorious history from the house.

Next you will have a free exploration at Mingqing Street. The Mingqing Street located in the Ancient Pingyao City was the commercial center of Pingyao during Ming and Qing dynasties. With a length of 750 meters, this well-preserved ancient street is lined with traditional folk houses and shops built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Along the street, you will experience the prosperous atmosphere of the history, and appreciate the ancient style and features of the residences. At the same time, you will find unique and special antiques and souvenirs in shops along the street. The local delicious food provided there is also something should not be missed out.

Afterwards, our guide will bring you to the railway station and you will take the train No. 2669 with soft sleeper to Xian. The train leaves Pingyao at 11:14PM and arrives in Xian at 7:46AM.

Your Xian exploration will begin with a visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda in Xian which was built in the Tang Dynasty. Built with traditional Chinese architectural characteristics and profound Buddhist culture connotation, you will o admire Buddhist Religion culture and its attractive architecture when visiting there.

Then we will head for the sightseeing at Great Mosque. Great Mosque is one of the oldest and most famous mosques in Xian. Its profound Muslim cultural background and atmosphere, together with its ancient history and traditional Muslim and Chinese style mixed architecture are what to see there.

Next we will move on to visit Shaanxi History Museum. It is one of the first huge state museums with modern facilities in China. Housing a large collection of historic and cultural relics, including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, as well as bronze, gold, and silver objects, Shaanxi History Museum will give you a better idea about ancient Chinese history and culture.

At last, our guide will bring you back to the hotel for a good rest.

Your Xian exploration will continue with visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. It is famed as “World’s Eighth Great Wonder” and the largest excavation of the 20th century. Those artifacts of numerous life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses with different features, facial expressions, clothing and hairstyles arranged in battle formations provide live examples to study the military, cultural and economic of the period they were made. You will get a fresh idea about Chinese ancient history and culture from this site.

After lunch our guide will take you to visit Xian's landmark, the Ancient City Wall. The Ancient City Wall is a famous landmark in Xian. The City Wall is the largest and best preserved Ming Dynasty city wall. Visiting the City Wall, you can not only learn city construction and architectural arts in ancient times. Also you can get some good views of Xian city.

Afterwards, our guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure. Wish you a pleasant trip!