Datong, Mt. Wutai Mountain, Taiyuan, Qikou, Pingyao
Yungang Grottoes stretches 1 kilometer from the east to the west. If you take pictures of the grottoes in the mountains you’ll find that they’re veiled in white smoke in the morning. When the beaming sunshine flows over them, the temples built with red tiles and white walls form an amazing picture against the sun. To capture this, a wide-angle lens is necessary and it is suggested to take it in panorama. Taking a picture of the flying goddesses requires having a good lens to ensure the quality of pictures. Though the accommodation in Qikou is far from desirable, it holds a fascination to a number of shutterbugs. Here, there is the Yangtze River, which is majestic and magnificent. At night fall, the twilight and the Yangtze River are combined, forming an extraordinary picture that never fails to attract visitors.
Trip Highlights
- Admire the many world cultural heritage sites in Shanxi
- Capture the unqiue architectural style with your camera
- Explore ancient town of Pingyao
- Visit famous Buddhist temples on and around Wutai Shan
Customizable Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Datong arrival
Arrive in Datong to a private transfer from the airport/train station to the hotel Explore China's World Heritage Site Yungang Grottoes, which is followed by lunch at a local fine restaurant. Later, we’ll continue to visit Huayan Temple and Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Wall.
- Hotels: Howard Johnson Jindi Plaza Datong, Yungang Meigao Hotel, Yunzhong Inn
Day 2 Hanging Monastery, Wutai Mountain
Ride approximately1.5 hours to visit Hanging Monastery, which is listed as a World Heritage Site. It was built into a near vertical rock face and hangs about 50 meters above the ground. After, you’ll ride about 40 minutes to visit Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest wooden pagoda in China. Lastly, you’ll ride about 1.5 hours to Wutai Mountain (there will be about 1 hour twisting mountain road).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
- Hotels: Wutai Mountain Marriott Hotel
Day 3 Wutai Mountain
If it is sunny, get up early and take a 20 minute hike up the Dailuoding. Make sure you take photos of the temples and continue toward Wutai Mountain Scenic Area for a visit (including Taiyuan Temple, Xiantong Temple and Pushading).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Day 4 Jingci Temple
You’ll ride about 3.5 hours from Wutai Mountain to Taiyuan, check in your hotel and briefly rest. Shortly after, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant then continue to visit Jingci Temple. This temple is famous for its building complex and statue art.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner,
- Hotels: Jinci Hotel Taiyuan, Chateau Star River Taiyuan
Day 5 Qikou Ancient Town
You’ll be driven for 3 hours to Qikou Ancient Town where you’re able to visit Black Dragon Temple, Village Lijiashan and the First Bank of Yellow River. Stay overnight at the local Loess Cave Guesthouse.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Day 6 Qiao's Family Compound , Pingyao Ancient Town
Later in the morning you’ll be driven about 4.5 hours from Qikou to Pingyao, and visit Qiao's Family Compound en route. The compound is regarded as a representative of North China folk houses in the Qing Dynasty. Stay overnight in Pingyao Ancient Town.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
- Hotels: Pingyao Hongshanyi Hotel, Pingyao Yide Hotel, Pingyao Yunjincheng Hotel
Day 7 Pingyao Ancient Town, Ancient City Wall, Mingqing Street, Rishengchang Draft Bank, Pingyao Ancient Government Office, Shuanglin Temple
Visit and take pictures of Pingyao Ancient Town with attractions like Mingqing Street, Pingyao County Government Office, Rishengchang Draft Bank and Shuanglin Temple. The best times to take pictures there are early in the morning and late at night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Day 8 Pingyao Departure
We’ll ride about 1.5 hours from Pingyao to Taiyuan airport or take a fast train from Pingyao to Xian.
- Meals: Breakfast,
Price Includes
- In-country transportationas noted in the itinerary.
- Admission fees and activity expenses as noted in the itinerary.
- Luxury or boutique hotels centrally located.
- Meals in local restaurants as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water.
- Your own English-speaking guide service.
- Your own chauffeur and vehicle service.
Price Excludes
- International transportation.
- Chinese tourist visa. (which enquired for most foreign passport holders)
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Meals, snacks, alcohol, etc. apart from those included in the itinerary.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Personal expenses.
- Sights, excursions and activities not included in the itinerary.
- Gratuities to guide and driver.
ANY QUESTIONS?
This tour is tailor-made and we can tailor to meet your reqeusts. Your personal travel consultant will contact you within 24 working hours!
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