About this Tour
Embark on a cultural odyssey through Northern China’s most treasured destinations: Beijing, Datong, Wutai Mountain, Pingyao, Taiyuan, and Xi’an.
Begin in Beijing, exploring imperial splendor before journeying to Datong to witness the Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage) and the world’s tallest wooden pagoda built without nails. Ascend Wutai Mountain, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites with 47 ancient temples.
Step into Pingyao Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage), where legendary Shanxi Merchants created China’s first “Wall Street.” Walk the ancient city walls and explore Ming-Qing architectural treasures.
Conclude in Xi’an, ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors (UNESCO World Heritage) and cycle the magnificent Ancient City Walls, experiencing the grandeur of Tang Dynasty China.
This journey weaves together architecture, Buddhist culture, merchant heritage, and imperial power into an unforgettable exploration of Chinese civilization.
About China
China is a vast and diverse country known for its rich history, ancient wonders, and vibrant traditions that span thousands of years. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, China offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage), featuring 45 major caves and over 59,000 Buddhist sculptures from the Northern Wei Dynasty.
- Visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (1056), constructed entirely without nails and recognized as the world’s tallest surviving wooden pagoda.
- Discover Mount Wutai (UNESCO World Heritage), one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, with visits to key temples in Taihuai Town.
- Walk the ancient ramparts of Pingyao Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage) and visit historic banking institutions and the county government office.
- Explore Zhangbi Ancient Castle, known for its underground tunnel system and integration of military and residential architecture.
- Experience the power of the Hukou Waterfall, where the Yellow River narrows dramatically between Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces.
- Visit the Terracotta Warriors (UNESCO World Heritage) and participate in a guided miniature warrior-making experience.
- Walk or cycle atop the Xi’an Ancient City Wall, one of China’s best-preserved Ming Dynasty fortifications.
- Explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang-inspired cultural district of Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: Scheduled vehicles and second-class high-speed train tickets from Beijing to Datong, and from Linfen to Xi’an (one way)
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns with daily breakfast (twin-sharing basis).
- Meals: As per itinerary with complimentary daily drinking water.
- Activities and Tickets: First-entry admission tickets to the main listed attractions and guided experience fees.
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide.
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights and airport taxes
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10% gratuity)
- Personal expenses, optional activities, and any items or attraction tickets not mentioned in the Inclusions section
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing → Datong | High-Speed Train Transfer
Upon arrival in Beijing, meet your local guide and transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Datong. The 2.5-hour journey covers approximately 350 km, introducing China’s modern rail network.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in for the evening.
Day 2: Datong Cultural Exploration | Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple & Ancient City
Visit the Yungang Grottoes, carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex extends for about one kilometer and contains 45 major caves and tens of thousands of sculptures reflecting the transmission and development of Buddhist art.
Continue to Huayan Temple, a Liao Dynasty complex known for its historic halls and architectural layout. In the evening, explore Datong Ancient City.
Day 3: Datong → Yingxian → Mount Wutai | Wooden Pagoda & Yanmen Pass
Travel to Yingxian to visit the Wooden Pagoda, built in 1056 using interlocking wooden components without nails. The structure reflects advanced timber construction techniques of the Liao period.
Continue to Yanmen Pass, an important historic gateway along the Great Wall system, before proceeding to Taihuai Town in the Mount Wutai area.
Day 4: Mount Wutai → Taiyuan | Sacred Temples & Zhonglou Street
Explore Mount Wutai, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit selected temples in Taihuai Town to understand its religious significance and architectural evolution.
Travel to Taiyuan, stopping at Donghu Vinegar Culture Park en route. In the evening, visit Zhonglou Street Historical Block.
Day 5: Taiyuan → Pingyao | Qiao Family Compound & Pingyao Ancient City
Visit the Qiao Family Compound, a large residential complex reflecting the wealth and influence of Shanxi merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Continue to Pingyao Ancient City. Walk along the city walls and explore the historic financial district, including the county government office and Xietongqing Draft Bank. In the evening, explore the lantern-lit streets.
Immerse yourself in this spectacular large-scale historical drama directed by acclaimed director Wang Chaoge. The production tells the gripping story of Zhao Yishuo, a wealthy Pingyao draft bank owner during the late Qing Dynasty, who spends his entire fortune to hire 232 armed escorts to rescue his branch manager Wang from Russia.
This innovative immersive theatrical experience takes you on an emotional journey through Shanxi merchant culture, revealing the depth of loyalty, sacrifice, and the rich heritage that defined this remarkable era.
Day 6: Pingyao → Jiexiu → Hongtong → Ji County | Ancient Castle & Migration Heritage
Visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle, known for its underground tunnels and compact fortress design integrating military and residential functions.
Continue to the Hongtong Grand Pagoda Tree Ancestor Memorial Garden, associated with early Ming Dynasty migration history. Proceed to Ji County.
Day 7: Ji County → Hukou Waterfall → Yunqiu Mountain | Yellow River Scenery & Ice Caves
Visit Hukou Waterfall, where the Yellow River narrows and descends over a 20-meter drop along the Shanxi–Shaanxi border.
Continue to Yunqiu Mountain to explore its natural landscape and ice cave formations before transferring to your hotel in the area.
Day 8: Yunqiu Mountain → Linfen → Xi’an | High-Speed Train Transfer
Travel to Linfen and board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Visit Yongxing Fang Food Street, known for regional Shaanxi specialties and local cultural displays.
Day 9: Xi’an Highlights | Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanfu Experience & Tang Dynasty Night
Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, including the three main excavation pits. Participate in a guided miniature warrior-making activity.
In the afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda at Da Ci’en Temple and experience a Hanfu clothing try-on session. In the evening, explore the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City district.
Day 10: Xi’an Departure | Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque & Airport Transfer
Walk atop the Ming Dynasty City Wall of Xi’an. Continue to the Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, founded in the Tang Dynasty.
Subject to your departure flight schedule, you may choose to cycle the full circuit of the city wall for panoramic views contrasting old and new Xi’an.
Transfer to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport for departure according to your flight schedule.
Hotel Rating System
Although some hotels on this itinerary may appear to have a lower star rating on international booking websites, they are officially classified by the China National Tourism Administration. This government-regulated system evaluates hotels based on a strict set of standards for quality, facilities, and service. Some differences in rating systems and cultural expectations may account for the variation in online ratings. In order to ensure quality, we rate hotels by this system.
Customer Cancellation Policy View refund eligibility and cancellation fee details
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible:
| Cancellation Timing | Refund | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 60 days or more prior to departure | 80% | 20% |
| 59 to 35 days prior to departure | 50% | 50% |
| 34 days or fewer prior to departure | No Refund | 100% |
Travel Insurance Recommended: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.