Datong, Wutai Mountain, Taiyuan and Pingyao

Upon your arrival in Datong, meet with your guide at the arrival hall. Be ready for the day ahead. The private, air-conditioned vehicle will take you to Yungang Grottoes first. It is regarded as one of the four greatest grottoes in China, its 252 shrines and 51,000 Buddha statues which represent the excellence of Buddhist grotto art from 5th to 6th century. After, you’ll return to the city for lunch at a local fine restaurant followed by sightseeing in the city. These include the Huayan Temple, a well preserved temple built during Liaojin Period and the statue of Eastern Venice . The statue is located inside the Temple, which is the difference between Huayan Temple and others. Nine-Dragon Screen is also worth visiting as it is the largest and earliest one of its kind.

• Hotels: Howard Johnson Jindi Plaza Datong, Yunzhong Inn, Yungang Meigao Hotel

Wutai Shan

Ride about 3.5 hours to Mt. Wutai. En route you will stop by Hanging Monastery and Ying County’s Wooden Tower. Hanging Monastery combines three religions such as Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. There, you’ll find out why and how it was built on a cliff. Ying County’s Wooden Tower, a Buddhist tower, was built during Liao Period. It is the oldest and highest wooden towers in the world.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
• Hotels: Wutai Mountain Marriott Hotel

Yungang Grottoes

The air in Mt. Wutai is fresh so you should wake up early and take a deep breath. Mt. Wutai is not only one mountain, but it is about five mountains surrounding the area. Mt. Wutai is the only place to place Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism together harmoniously. It was originally composed of 128 Buddhist temples, which are now 47. You will visit the most famous ones. Xiantong Temple and Dailuoding are among them. Later, you’ll take the shared shuttle bus from one temple to another. Furthermore, chair lifts are arranged at Dailuoding. Lunch will be arranged at a local fine restaurant.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Tayuan Temple on Wutai Shan

You’ll take a 4 hour ride to Pingyao. On the way, you’ll stop and visit Jinci Temple. There are a few dozen ancient palaces in the temple along with large old trees there. Jinci Temple is famous for its goddess statue, waitress statue and Never Old Spring. Lunch will be arranged on the way to Pingyao. When you get to Pingyao, you can explore or relax for the rest of the day.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
• Hotels: Pingyao Yide Hotel, Pingyao Hongshanyi Hotel, Pingyao Yunjincheng Hotel

Monastery on Wutai Shan

Pingyao, a cultural ancient city of more than 2700 years of history, is the highlight of the day. It shows the way ancient people lived, as well as how Jin merchants did business in the past. The main attraction are as followed: Rishengchang, City Wall and Town House etc. No automobiles are allowed in the ancient city so it is very relaxing to stroll on streets. After lunch, you’ll go to Shuanglin Temple. There you’ll see the Buddhist temples and halls, particularly the colorfully painted clay sculptures.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Hanging Temple

You’ll take a day trip to Wang’s Compound and Mian Mountain. Wang’s Compound is about 35 km away from Pingyao, and belongs to Wang’s family in Qing dynasties. Every year it attracts many Wang people to come and worship the ancestors. Thousands of tourists go there to admire the beauty of every design on the house. After lunch at a local restaurant you will head to Mian Mountain to experience the challenge and excitement of walking on the Sky Bridge. Here, you shouldn’t miss the Buddhist temples and palaces on the mountain. At the end of the day, you will be transferred to Pingyao.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,

Rishengchang Bank

Pack everything and ride about 1.5 hours to the airport in Taiyuan for your next destination or take a bullet train from Pingyao to Xian.

• Meals: Breakfast,

Wang Family Couryard