8 Days Tour from Beijing to Pingyao

Arrival in Beijing, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer to hotel. Beijing, the capital of People’s Republic of China, is a fascinating place for tourists home and abroad. As one of China's four ancient capitals, with its profound history of 3000 years, Beijing is the cultural, political, and historical center of China. It is widely considered to be one of the most magnificent cities in the world.

As the most famous and popular site, we will start early at 7:00 before the big groups arrive. After 2hr's driving, enjoy the cable car ride to the wall is peaceful and scenic. It is a fantastic experience to walking on the well-maintained wall where you also need a lot of water or an umbrella in the 2hr's visiting. Lunch will be arranged in the courtyard at the foot of the Great Wall.

Drive back to the city and visit the Bird's Nest National Stadium and Water Cube Aquatic Centre en route. Back hotel around 6pm.

Beijing is the political and cultural heart of China, and it has a rich history that mirrored in its spectacular palaces, temples and parks. Today after enjoying the delicious breakfast at the hotel, our tour guide will bring you to visit Tian'anmen Square, the largest city square in the world. 

Later visit the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years. It was the Chinese royal palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. 

Then head to the Temple of Heaven which is located in the southern part of Beijing, and has been one of the holiest places for the whole country for more than five centuries. You will be able to enjoy a Beijing Roast Duck Dinner, before a fantastic Kungfu performance.

After enjoying the delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Datong. Upon arrival, transfer you to the hotel and check in. Therefore, having a good rest and the rest of day is for you to explore the city at leisure

Morning after delighted bufffet at hotel, today you will have full day to explore the city. Our tour guide will bring you to visit the Yungang Caves, where you can see amazing Buddhist carving craftsmanship from thumb-sized figurines to a 12 metres Buddhist statues, and then visit the 1500-year-old Hanging Monastery with its halls and pavilions built along the natural contours of the cliff.

Yungang Caves is one of the three major cave clusters in China, punctuate the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain, Datong. The area was excavated along the mountain, extending 1 km (0.62 miles) from east to west, revealing 53 caves and over 51,000 stone statues. The Caves are divided into the east, middle, and west parts. Pagodas dominate the eastern parts; west caves are small and mid-sized with niches.

Hanging Monastery stands at the foot of Mt. Hengshan, 5 kilometres (3 miles) south of Hunyuan County, and 65 kilometres (40 miles) from downtown Datong City. Since it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 metres above the ground, it is called Hanging Monastery. Hanging Monastery, built in 491, has survived more than 1400 years.

Note:

It takes 30 mins ( 16 Kilometre) from Datong to Yungang Grottoes.

It takes 1hr and 34 mins ( 96.0 Kilometres ) from Yungang Grottoes to the Hanging Monastery

Say farewell to Beijing, and then, you will be escorted to the station and catch the train to Pingyao after a breakfast. Upon arrival, transfer you to the hotel and check in

Drive out of the town to visit Wang Family Courtyard House, the castle-like grand residence of distinctive Shanxi architecture. Wang Family Courtyard House has a nickname — the Forbidden City in Folk. Different from the famous Qiao's Family Compound, the Wang family was an official family, which had a higher social status. The family's generations lasted for over 300 years and built the compound that is approximately 250,000 square meters in size, among which 45,000 square meters (one fifth) is open to tourists. There are 123 courtyards and 1,118 rooms. You will spend about two hours there.

Afterwards, you will back to Pingyao Ancient Town and visit some cultural sites, such as the Ancient City Wall, Rishengchang Exchange Shop and Ming and Qing Street. Rest of the day is yours to explore.

Say goodbye to Pingyao, base on your schedule, our driver will take you to the train station for the train to leave Pingyao.