3 Days Pingyao Heritage & Hukou Waterfall Marvels Tour
Tour Overview
This 3-day Pingyao and Hukou Waterfall tour takes you to explore the cultural and natural wonders. Visit the Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the architecture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties at the Pingyao Ancient City Wall, the Rishengchang Former Bank and the Temple of City God. Also, observe the diverse Buddhist statues at the Shuanglin Temple.
Then explore the great underground defense works at Zhangbi Ancient Castle. And the Wang Family Compound will show you the history and culture of Shanxi merchants. The last stop is Hukou Waterfall, the largest yellow waterfall in the world. Witness the spectacular scene of the rushing Yellow River and feel its majestic power.
Travel destinations: Pingyao, Linfen
Suitable for: Culture Lovers, Nature Lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Visit Pingyao Ancient City and admire the well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.
- Capture the colorful Buddhist sculptures at the Shuanglin Temple.
- Explore the defense ruins in the underground tunnels of Zhangbi Ancient Castle.
- Wander through the Wang Family Compound and learn about the life of ancient Shanxi merchants.
- Marvel at Hukou Waterfall, the largest yellow waterfall in the world.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Pingyao Ancient City Exploration TourExperience the Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage of Pingyao
After breakfast, start the Pingyao culture tour. Embark on Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The first stop here is Pingyao Ancient City Wall, the landmark of the ancient city. The walls are about 12 meters high and 5 meters wide on average, with 72 watchtowers and 3,000 parapet openings. Take a leisurely walk along the wall, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the old city and experience the bright cultural heritage.
Pingyao City Wall Then proceed to the Rishengchang Former Bank, regarded as the pioneer of modern banking in China. Explore the history and functions of the bank, and obverse the ancient counter, documents, and tools used by the bankers. Learn about financial transactions and the culture of Shanxi merchants in ancient times.
Later move to Ming and Qing Street. The street preserves the remains of stores from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as pawnshop, department store and medicine shop. Stroll through the traditional buildings to taste Pingyao snacks and buy fine souvenirs.
Pingyao Ming Qing Street After lunch, visit the Temple of City God, an ancient Taoist temple. The layout here is regular and the architecture is magnificent, including the pagoda, the gate, the theater, the City God Hall and so on. Witness the colorful glazed decorations on the roof of the temple. Also admire wood carvings, stone carvings, and murals to gain insights into the local folklore.
Finally, drive to Shuanglin Temple, located about 6km southwest of Pingyao. This temple is famous for its colorful sculptures, and is known as āthe treasure house of oriental colorful sculpture artā. Admire the various Buddhist statues in the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Sakyamuni, and the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas. Immerse in the serene atmosphere and marvel at the excellent skills of the ancients.
After visit, return to Pingyao Ancient City and check in to the hotel for rest.
Accommodation: Pingyao Ancient City
Colorful Sculptures in Shuanglin Temple - Day 2: Pingyao to Linfen TourExplore the Architectural Art of Shanxi
After breakfast, drive to Zhangbi Ancient Castle, situated 40 kilometers southwest of Pingyao. This is the only military fortress in China with a history of over 1,500 years. Within the castle, you can visit historical buildings such as stores, dwellings and majestic temples. Also explore the castleās underground tunnels, a complex defense system. Observe the remains of ligatures, granaries, ambush points and command points.
Zhangbi Ancient Castle Next, proceed to Wangās Family Compound. It is the largest and most splendid of the Shanxi courtyard houses, covering 45,000 square meters. The compound is mainly divided into two courtyards, connected by a bridge, forming the āēā shape. Admire the spectacular architecture, with exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings. Know about the art, history, and lifestyle of the Shanxi merchants.
Wang Family Courtyard After lunch, drive to the Pingyao Railway Station and catch a high-speed train to Linfen. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will transfer you to the hotel for check-in.
Accommodation: in Linfen
- Day 3: Hukou Waterfall Tour, Linfen DepartureAttracted by the Magnificent Views of Hukou Waterfall
In the morning, start todayās tour to Hukou Waterfall. After breakfast, drive to Hukou Waterfall, about 150 kilometers from Linfen. This is the only yellow waterfall on the Yellow River and the second largest in China.
Hukou Waterfall The waters of the Yellow River suddenly constrict at the Hukou, bounding into a narrow rocky valley to form a waterfall about 30 meters wide and 50 meters deep.Ā Here marvel at the rushing river and the roaring sound of the waterfall. On a clear day, you will have the chance to watch a rainbow appear above the falls. Also visit the Hukou Waterfall Museum to explore the history, culture and art related to Hukou Falls and the Yellow River.
After lunch, you will be transferred to Linfen West Train Station for your departure.
Accommodation: N/A
