13 Days Shanxi and Shandong Tour: Culture Exploration
Tour Overview
This 13-day China tour takes you on an exciting cultural journey through Shanxi and Shandong Provinces in China. Youāll visit various historic sites, such as the Shanxi Jin Memorial Hall, Wang Family Courtyard, and Yungang Grottoes, and explore the well-preserved ancient cities of Pingyao and Jinan.
Along the way, youāll also experience traditional Chinese culture, such as making pasta in Pingyao and witnessing the āBells in the Sunriseā ceremony at the Confucius Temple in Qufu. From breathtaking mountain scenery to stunning coastal views, this Shanxi and Shandong tour offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Travel destinations: Taiyuan, Pingyao, Mount Wutai, Datong, Qingdao, Qufu, Jinan
Suitable for: History & Culture Explorers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Explore Pingyao Ancient City with ancient city walls and traditional architecture.
- Learn about one of Chinaās most important Buddhist sites of Mount Wutai.
- Wander through Pingyao ancient streets and visit traditional courtyards.
- Marvel at an architectural wonder built into a cliff face more than 1,500 years ago, Hanging Temple.
- Visit the largest and oldest Confucian temple in the world.
- Take a cable car up Mount Taishan for a panoramic view of the landscape.
- Take a bird’s-eye view of the whole Qingdao City from Small Fish Hill.
- Explore the natural springs of Jinan, including Baotu Spring and Daming Lake.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Taiyuan Arrival
Ni Hao (Hello)! Welcome to Taiyuan for this well-designed 13-day private China tour package! Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, was an important political, military, economic, and cultural center in ancient northern China with a history of over 2,500 years.
Upon your arrival, a local driver will pick you up and then he will escort you to your selected hotel. After check-in, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the capital city.
- Day 2: Taiyuan Culture TourUnderstand the History and Culture of Shanxi Province
Your guide China tour in Taiyuan begins at Shanxi Jin Memorial Hall. It is the earliest surviving royal sacrificial garden in China. In fact, it is also a museum that showcases the history and culture of Shanxi Province to visitors. Next, be guided to visit the Wang's Family Compound, a grand residential complex and features amazing Chinese traditional architecture, arts, and culture. Reflecting the unique lifestyle of rich merchants in the Qing Dynasty, the compound consists of 5 courtyards, more than 300 rooms, and so many gardens and pavilions.
Wang Family Courtyard Afterwards, drive to Pingyao, an ancient city known for its well-preserved ancient city walls.
- Day 3: Pingyao Highlights TourExplore the Numerous Historical Sites of Pingyao Ancient City
Today, your Shanxi tour of Pingyao takes you to visit the world heritage site Pingyao Ancient City. It is the most well preserved ancient county town in China today, consisting of city walls, shops, streets, temples, residential buildings, and more.
Firstly, you will be guided to climb the Ancient City WallĀ and take a panoramic view of the entire ancient town. Next, go to visit Rishengchang Former BankĀ located on West Street in the ancient city, which is known as the "ancestor of modern Chinese banks". Understand how it operated during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Rishengchang Former Bank After having lunch, we take a walk on Ming and Qing Street, which consists of 4 main streets, 8 small streets, and 72 winding alleys. It is the South Street of Pingyao Ancient City, vividly reflecting the cultural brilliance of the ancient city.
You will also experience making a Pingyao traditional snack - pasta. If you are interested, watch a "See Pingyao Again" performance, from which you can glimpse Pingyao's history and culture.
- Day 4: Pingyao to Mount Wutai TourVisit the Qiao Family Courtyard and Enter the Life of Rich People in the Qing Dynasty
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Qixian to visit the Qiao's Family Compound, about 50 km away from Pingyao Ancient City. A well-preserved traditional residential complex, Qiao Family Compound was originally built in 1756 during the Qing Dynasty Qianlong period, where you can see surprising courtyards, complex wood carvings, and exquisite wall paintings. All of these show rich manās building style and lifestyle in the Qing Dynasty.
After the visit, we drive to Wutai Mountain.
Qiao Family Courtyard - Day 5: Mount Wutai TourLearn More about the Ancient Chinese Buddhist Culture
Today is a full day to explore the Buddhist culture and heritage of Mount Wutai. Wutai literally meaning five terraces, refers to its five peaks which are tall but flat. It is ranked top of the four most famous Buddhist mountains in China. Your guide will take you to visit the Tayuan Temple, Shuxiang Temple, Xiantong Temple, and Pusa Ding Temple.
Tayuan TempleĀ is one of the five famous Zen places in Mount Wutai. The White Pagoda, towering into the clouds, is the main symbol of the temple. It is 75.3 meters high and has a circumference of 83.3 meters. Local people regard it as the symbol of Mount Wutai.
Wutai Mountain Shuxiang TempleĀ was founded in the Yuan Dynasty and was named after the deity Manjusri Bodhisattva enshrined in the temple. Xiantong TempleĀ is a large temple with a long history on Mount Wutai, and it is one of the earliest temples in China together with the White Horse Temple in Luoyang. The temple sits in the north and faces south, coveringĀ an area of about 80,000 square meters.Ā There areĀ over 400 buildings, and most of whichĀ are from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Copper Hall here is 8.3 meters high and made of 50,000 KGĀ of copper, which looks quite spectacular.
After the temple visits, your guide willĀ takeĀ you back toĀ your hotel.
- Day 6: Mount Wutai to Datong TourMarvel at the Wooden Bulidings Inserted in the Cliff
After breakfast, say goodbye to Wutai Mountain and then drive 3 hours to Hunyuan to visit the Hanging Temple. Also named Xuankong Temple, it is located on a cliff above the ground 75 meters (246 feet). Built in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 AD), Hanging Temple is supported by wooden beams inserted in the cliff, showing an impression that it is suspended in the air.
Afterwards, drive 1.5Ā hoursĀ aroundĀ to Datong.
Hanging Temple - Day 7: Datong Tour to Qingdao by FlightAppreciate Buddha Statues and Sculptures and Learn about the Stories Behind Them
In the morning, your Datong tour takes you to the remarkable Yungang Grottoes. It is a must-visit site during your Datong travel. Globally recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yungang Grottoes is well-known for its over 51,000 Buddha statues and engravings which can date back to 5th and 6th century AD.
Afterwards, fly to the coastal city of Qingdao, in Shandong province. Explore this city on your own during the rest time - strolling along its beautiful beaches, tasting fresh seafood, and admiring historic buildings...
Yungang Grottoes - Day 8: Qingdao City TourTaste Authentic Tsingtao Beer and Gain an Insight into Its Origin
Today, meet your local guide and start your Qingdao tour at the Olympic Sailing Center. This is the venue for the sailing competitions of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 13th Paralympics.
Then, go to visitĀ the Tsingtao Beer Museum. Located in the birthplace of Tsingtao Beer, itĀ was officially opened on August 15, 2003, the day of Tsingtao Beer's centennial birthday.
Qingdao Beer Museum The Tsingtao Beer Museum covers an exhibition area of more than 6,000 square meters and is divided into three exhibition areas. Visitors can learn about Tsingtao Beer's century-old history and cultureĀ andĀ see the production scene of Tsingtao Beer a hundred years ago. Visitors canĀ also taste authentic Tsingtao beer, Tsingtao seafood and creative beer cuisine.
For the rest time, you can also explore the city on your own and enjoyĀ the beautifulĀ views of the coastline.
- Day 9: Qingdao to Qufu Tour by High-speed TrainEnjoy the Panoramic View of Qingdao from Little Fish Hill
In the morning, youĀ will be transferred to SmallĀ Fish Hill Park, located in the center of the city, which is Qingdao's first classical style hilltop garden park. The main building of the park is the Lanchao Pavilion, a three-storey octagonal pavilion with a height of 18 meters and a spiral staircase, which is one of the best places to enjoy the view of Qingdao's red tiles and green trees.
Take a bird's-eye view from Small Fish Hill After the China tour package in Qingdao, be escorted to takeĀ a high-speed train for 2Ā hours to Qufu, the hometown of Confucius.
- Day 10: Qufu Exploration TourDeeply Delve into Confucius' Life and Understand His School of Thought
Qufu boasts many historic sites associated with the life of Confucius (Kong Zi in Chinese). Today, in the early morning (7:30 am), go to see the "Bells in the Sunrise" on your own, which is a traditional ceremony that is held at the Confucius Temple.
Afterwards, you will be guided toĀ visit the Confucius Temple. This is the largest and oldest Confucian temple in the world. The majority of the existing architectural complex was built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, covering an area of 327 acres and consisting of 464 halls, pavilions, and gates.
Next, visit the adjacent Kong Family Mansion, which is the residence of descendants of Confucius, with a total of 463 halls, buildings, and rooms. Finally, visit Confucius Forest, the family cemetery of Confucius (Kong Zi in Chinese) and his descendants. These three scenic spots are collectively referred to as the "Three Kong" and were listed on the United Nations World Heritage List in 1994.
Confucius Temple - Day 11: Mount Taishan Tour to JinanClimb to the Highest Jade Emperor Peak for a Magnificent View
In the morning, drive for 2 hours Taian for hiking the Mount Tai, the first of the Five Famous Mountains in China. After arriving, you will be guided to take the cable car to the top of the mountain. Visit Heavenly Street, a 500 meter long shopping street that extends from North Heavenly Gate to Bixia Temple. There are over 20 different stores here, where you can find almost all Tai'an specialty products.
Along the way, you will also pass by several temples and landmarks. Bixia TempleĀ is a quadrangle courtyard with over ten halls and houses, a stage, and three ancient pine trees. You can also see Cliff Carvings, which are cultural treasures of the Chinese nation dating back to the 7th century.
Taishan Mountain The summit of Mount Tai is called Jade Emperor Peak, with an altitude of 1545 meters. It is named after the Jade Emperor Hall on the top of the mountain. It is said that Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC) once came here to offer sacrifices to the heavens. From the First Emperor of Qin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, 13 generations of emperors climbed Mount Tai personally to offer sacrifices. At the mountaintop, spend time to having rest and enjoying the magnificent panoramic view.
After descending the mountain, transfer you for 2 hours to Jinan for the night.
- Day 12: Jinan City TourBe Guided to Visit the Major Historical Sites in Jinan
Jinan, the last stop of your China tour in Shandong, is the capital city of Shandong Province. This old city is known for its many natural springs. Today, a private local guide will lead you to visit Baotu Spring, one of the most famous springs in China.
One of the three famous scenic spots in Jinan, Baotu Spring is a rectangular spring pool with a length of 30 meters, a width of 18 meters, and a depth of 2.2 meters. Spring water gushes out from underground limestone caves, with about 70,000 cubic meters of water per day. The temperature of spring is around 18 ā throughout the year, which is quite amazing.
Baotu Spring Then, go to see another famous scenic spot, Daming Lake, in the heart of the city. Also one of the three major historical sites in Jinan, Daming Lake is formed by the convergence of numerous springs in Jinan. The scenery of the lake is beautiful and has attracted many literati to visit. Many poets after the Tang Dynasty left behind famous poems.
- Day 13: Departure from Jinan
After breakfast,your Shanxi and Shandong tour of 13 days comes to an end. Later, your driver will escort you to take a flight to your next destination or home. Safe travels!
