5 Days Shanxi Essence Tour of Pingyao-Taiyuan-Datong

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Pingyao Arrival
   Glimpse Shanxi merchants’ daily life during the Ming and Qing Dynasties

   When you arrive at Pingyaogucheng Railway Station, your local English-speaking guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit, holding a welcome sign. Welcome to our 5-day Shanxi tour from Pingyao!

   Your exploration will start with a visit to the Qiao Family Courtyard, a famous attraction in Shanxi Province. It is known for its great value in culture and history. This courtyard is like a folk-art museum, showing the rich culture of Shanxi merchants and the daily life during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Unlike the small, water-filled ancient towns of southern China, the Qiao Family Courtyard stands out with its square layout, thick high walls, grey bricks, red lanterns, and overhanging roof eaves. As soon as you step inside, it feels like you’ve traveled back to ancient northern China.

   After that, we will drive to the well-selected hotel in Pingyao city. Have a good rest tonight.

   Meal: Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Pingyao

   

2. Day 2: Drive from Pingyao to Taiyuan
   Trace Qing banking roots on Ming-Qing cobblestones

   After breakfast, you will be guided to visit Pingyao Ancient City. Bearing the history over 2700 years, it is known as one of the "Four Best Preserved Ancient Cities in China." Pingyao is also one of only two ancient cities in China listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the city was once the financial center of China, with more than 20 exchange shops (similar to banks in ancient times) based here - about half of all such shops in the country. Today, you can still see signs of its past wealth and importance in the remaining buildings and historical sites.

   Like many ancient city walls, Pingyao City Wall was built on the purpose of defense and got patched 26 times over the years. Walking on top of the wall, you’ll see weathered bricks that reflect its long history. The wall is 6,000 meters long and 12 meters high, dividing the city into two parts: inside the wall was a lively area full of shops and busy streets.

   Rishengchang Exchange Shop is a highlight where you can learn about the beginnings of China’s banking industry. It was founded in 1823 by manager Lei Lvtai with fund support from a wealthy local merchant, Li Dajin. In the 19th century, Rishengchang played a major role in the Qing Empire’s economy.

   Walking along Ming-Qing Street, once one of China’s busiest commercial areas, you'll get to know how developed the country was back then. Today, many old shops like banks, drugstores, butchers, and pawnshops are still well preserved. Local snack and souvenir shops now draw most of the visitors.

   Another highlight of the day is joining a Paper Cutting Class in the ancient city. With guidance from a local expert, you’ll use scissors to create shapes like birds or fish. It’s a fun way to get a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture.

   After the tour, we drive for 1.5 hours to Taiyuan for the night.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Taiyuan

   

3. Day 3: Taiyuan to Datong
   Admire Song Dynasty architecture and garden, climb a temple clinging to cliffs

   When visiting Taiyuan, Jinci Temple is a must-see. Nestled at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, with a history of 1400 years, this temple complex is a masterpiece of Song Dynasty architecture and Chinese garden design. This attraction is known for its beautiful buildings, detailed sculptures, wall paintings, and stone carvings. In the Hall of the Holy Mother, there are 42 11th century painted clay maidens holding musical instruments and their expressions vividly carved beneath wooden dragons. Don't miss the Zhou Dynasty scholar’s shrine with the illusion of a floating "fish pond". If you happen to come here in October, the courtyard will be covered with golden ginkgo leaves.

   Next, take a 3.5-hour drive to Datong. The trip won’t feel long, as you’ll stop to visit the amazing Hanging Temple on the way. Built into the cliffs of Mt. Hengshan, it’s the only temple in China that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The wooden structure is small but impressive, using mortise joints to stay fixed into the cliff. Boasting a history of over 1,500 years, it has been praised by many famous poets and writers.

   Last, continue driving to Datong city for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Datong

   

4. Day 4: Datong Highlights
   Explore the city must-sees from cliff Buddhas to glazed dragons

   Today you will spend the full day to explore the splendid Datong! Carved on the golden sandstone cliffs of Wuzhou Mountain, Yungang Grottoes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 45 main caves and 51,000 Buddha statues dating back to the 5th century. In Cave No.5 there is a 17-meter-high seated Buddha flanked by complex frescoes of celestial musicians. Through carved panels in Cave No.6, you can glimpse the life of Buddha from birth to enlightenment. The 3D digital exhibition reveals the pigments used here - initially, these statues were painted with lapis lazuli and cinnabar.

   Next, you’ll visit Shanhua Temple, a Buddhist temple that blends Han culture from the Song Dynasty with the northern ethnic styles of the Jin and Liao Dynasties. Although it's not as popular as some other sites in Datong, its artwork like sculptures, wall paintings, and old buildings shows impressive skill and craftsmanship.

   Then, we head to Huayan Monastery. It was first built in 1038 during the Liao Dynasty and rebuilt in 1140 during the Jin Dynasty after a fire. Named after the Buddhist scripture Avatamsaka, it’s a classic example of a Buddhist temple. The monastery has two sections linked by a doorway, where you can visit the Mahavira Hall of the Liao period and many valuable Buddhist statues from the same time.

   Last, transfer you to admire the Nine-Dragon Wall, built in the late Ming Dynasty and made of colorful glazed tiles. Each of the nine dragons has a unique shape and pose, linked together by water plants, clouds, and rocks. After all visit, send you back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Datong

   

5. Day 5: Datong Departure

   After breakfast, enjoy your leisure time at hotel. At the confirmed time, the private driver will pick you up and send you to the airport or train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination. This is the end of you 5 days classic Shanxi tour. Hope you had a great time with us!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A