a) Explore Beijing's cultural treasures, hike the Great Wall's Mutianyu section.
b) Delve into Datong's architectural marvels.
c) Immerse yourself in the ancient charms of Pingyao Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved historic buildings.
d) Encounter Xi'an's Terracotta Army, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and learning to craft miniature terracotta soldiers.
e) Savor Xi'an's culinary delights in the Muslim Quarter, bike atop the ancient City Wall, and explore the Shaanxi History Museum.
Our guide will meet you at Beijing Airport or Train Station with a welcome sign bearing your name and will transport you directly to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Relax at the hotel and enjoy your free time.
Frequently hailed as one of China's most culturally rich and historically significant cities, Beijing's status as the capital city adds to its allure. Beijing boasts a cosmopolitan ambiance and an abundance of attractions for tourists.
Your day begins with our guide meeting you in the hotel lobby, ready to embark on a journey to Beijing's most iconic destinations. This includes a visit to the Forbidden City, the majestic Imperial Palace that served as the residence for 24 Emperors from 1420 to 1911, and Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public city square. If time permits, you can also enjoy a brief hike to Jingshan Park, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
In the afternoon, your exploration continues in the charming Hutong area, a true reflection of everyday life in Beijing. Here, you have the option to take a rickshaw tour through the winding Hutongs, with the flexibility to stop anywhere for photo opportunities.
Constructed millennia ago with the primary purpose of thwarting Mongol nomadic incursions into China, the Great Wall of China stands as a monumental feat of engineering. While not a continuous wall, it comprises various sections, among which the Great Wall surrounding Beijing stands out for its meticulous preservation and restoration efforts.
For our excursion, we have selected the Mutianyu Great Wall, regarded as one of the less crowded sections, offering unparalleled vistas from its elevated vantage point.
To make the most of your day, we have also included a visit to another of Beijing's iconic landmarks: the Temple of Heaven. This intricate complex of religious structures was erected in 1420, serving as a site for imperial sacrificial rituals and prayers for bountiful harvests.
Transportation for this excursion will be provided via a private van for your convenience.
Following breakfast, our itinerary commences with a visit to two iconic structures associated with the 2008 Beijing Olympics: the Water Cube and the Bird's Nest. Subsequently, we'll embark on a morning excursion to the Summer Palace, celebrated as China's most excellently preserved and expansive imperial gardens. It stands as one of Beijing's foremost attractions, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the past. Afterward, we'll proceed to board a high-speed bullet train, transporting us swiftly from Beijing to Datong.
Upon your arrival in Datong, our guide and driver will be awaiting you at the train station. Following a warm welcome, we'll assist you in checking into your hotel, allowing you to savor a leisurely evening on your own.
Discover architectural marvels and natural wonders on this journey.
The Hanging Monastery defies gravity as it clings to a cliff in Jinxia Gorge, welcoming worshippers from multiple faiths against breathtaking backdrops.
The world's tallest wooden pagoda, Ying Xian Wooden Pagoda, stands proudly, constructed without a single nail. It's a testament to human ingenuity surviving nearly a century of challenges.
The Datong Earth Forest, just 20 kilometers south of Datong, boasts a unique landscape sculpted over millennia by wind and rain. Explore this 3-kilometer by 1-kilometer masterpiece of nature and history.
Explore the breathtaking Yungang Grottoes, a remarkable testament to Buddhist cave artistry. Over 60 years, artisans crafted 252 caves with 51,000 ancient statues, reflecting diverse influences from Chinese, Indian, Persian, and Greek cultures.
Visit the historic Nine-Dragon Screen Wall, an ancient masterpiece adorned with 426 multi-colored glazes portraying vibrant dragons.
Continue your exploration with a visit to the nearly 1,000-year-old Huayan Temple, where you can ascend Huayan Pagoda for panoramic views of the old city.
Conclude the trip at Shanhua Monastery, a Tang dynasty gem housing intricately carved Jin dynasty statues and a captivating dragon-adorned screen wall, offering a glimpse into Datong's remarkable past.
Shuanglin Temple: Also known as "Double Forest Temple", Shuanglin Temple is located about 20 minutes drive from Pingyao Ancient Town. Shuanglin Temple was built about 1,500 years ago, and is renowned for ancient locust trees, steles, frescos and especially the vivid and well-preserved colored-painting mud sculptures which number over 2,000.
Wang Family Courtyard: This huge and magnificent courtyard complex occupies a higher ground and overlooks a vast horizon. Its total area is about 250,000 square meters, among which 45,000 square meters (one fifth) is open to tourists, with 123 courtyards and 1118 rooms. It gathers all the major features of north China folk houses. Its building and decoration reflect the strict hierarchy back then, and the carvings and statues all imply lots of meanings and stories.
Zhenguosi Temple: It is located in Haodong village, 12 miles northeast of the Pingyao county.Built in 963, Zhenguosi Temple is famous for its architecture, and is one of three major sites to be protected for its historical and cultural value under state protection in Pingyao County.
Pingyao Ancient Town: Pingyao is China's best-preserved ancient town. It well retains its whole building complex as well the spirit and culture. The town was developed from 14th century and reached its prosperity from the 19th century to the early 20th century, as a financial center for the whole of China. The ancient walls, temples, streets and lanes, nearly 4,000 shops and dwellings illustrate Pingyao’s age-old charms. On the other hand, the town is a living and breathing community for over 30,000 local residents, and it is the base for International Photography Festival and many other interesting cultural activities.
Following breakfast, our day commences with a visit to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, after which we will return to the city center for a photo opportunity at the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This pagoda, symbolizing Xi'an's rich Tang Dynasty heritage, offers a picturesque backdrop for memorable snapshots. If timing permits, we'll also have the chance to bask in the enchanting spectacle of the musical fountain.
The Terracotta Army is a true marvel of China, boasting an impressive array of terracotta soldiers, each adorned with distinctive facial expressions, as well as bronze chariots and horses. It undoubtedly ranks as a must-see attraction in Xi'an. In close proximity to the Terracotta Army, a visit to a workshop awaits, where miniature terracotta soldiers are skillfully crafted within the confines of a traditional cave house. Here, you can engage in a captivating hands-on experience, mastering the art of fashioning your very own terracotta soldier in just 40 minutes, and you will receive it as a cherished memento.
As the evening unfolds, you have the option to enhance your Xi'an experience with a choice of activities: immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Tang Dynasty music and dance show or embark on a captivating nighttime tour of the city.
Following breakfast, our itinerary leads us to the ancient Xi'an City Wall, where we will embark on an exhilarating bike ride atop this historical edifice, affording a distinctive viewpoint of the magnificent wall.
Subsequently, we'll meander through the vibrant Xi'an Muslim Quarter, offering a delightful opportunity to savor their delectable specialties and acquire unique souvenirs. Our journey then takes us to the Shaanxi History Museum, a distinguished institution housing a wealth of artifacts unearthed from the city of Xi'an, further enriching our understanding of its rich heritage.
As the afternoon progresses, we'll board a high-speed train for the return journey to Beijing(or onward to other destinations), marking the conclusion of our services.
a) All the visits mentioned in the itinerary.
b) Train tickets: Beijing - Luoyang, Luoyang - Xi'an, Xi'an – Beijing.
c) Meals mentioned in local restaurants with one local drink per meal.
d) Transfers and ground transportation by car, minibus, or bus depending on the group size.
e) Hotel room, based on double occupancy with one double bed or two single beds. Breakfast included (You can book on your own if preferred).
f) Service of local English-speaking guide.
g) Accident insurance during the trip in China.
a) Visa fees.
b) Personal expenses.
c) Excess baggage fees.
d) Round-trip international airfare.
e) Tips for guides, drivers, and baggage handlers; tips are not mandatory but are encouraged to appreciate their service.
Accommodations:
Hotels are a crucial part of your journey. Our standard program features 3-star hotels, but we're flexible in tailoring accommodations to your preferences and budget. China offers a wide range of hotels, including luxury, budget, and charming boutique options. For this 10-day excursion spanning Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, and Xi'an, we can customize your hotel choices across various categories.
Transportation:
During city tours, you'll have comfortable, air-conditioned private cars at your disposal. Between cities, we'll utilize high-speed trains, an economical and efficient mode of travel.
Evening Entertainment:
While in China, if you wish to attend evening performances, our guide can assist you in booking these experiences on-site, catering to your specific preferences.
15 days before commencement of services: 100% refund.
7 to 14 days before commencement of services: charge 10% of the tour price.
2 to 6 days before commencement of services: charge 50% of the tour price.
Within 2 days of commencement of services or no-show travelers: charge 100% of the tour price.
After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for unused services due to your willingness, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.
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