DAY 1
Datong Arrival, Datong features
The Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Wall is the oldest and largest glazed screen in China. A screen wall is a traditional Chinese architectural feature, used for block the view from the front gate.
Huayan Temple is not far from the Nine-Dragon Screen Wall. It has the world's second largest wooden pagoda. Under the pagoda there is an underground Thousand Buddha Palace, which is made of pure copper. It is all copper from the ceiling to the floor.
Lunch will be arranged in a local social restaurant, and your tour guide will assist you to make the order, so you can taste the most authentic local food.
In the afternoon you will visit one of the biggest Buddhist grottoes in China - the Yungang Grottoes .
After the day trip, have a good rest in your hotel, and prepare for the adventures of the next day.
DAY 2
Datong to Pingyao, Hanging Monastery, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
It takes about 5½ hours by car from Datong to Pingyao, but don't worry: you won't feel bored on the way! After breakfast in your hotel, drive 1½ hours to the Hanging Temple.
True to its name, the Hanging Temple is hanging on a cliff. Ancient people built this temple to store food and water for people who passed by, and accepted three major Chinese religions, so that travellers of those religions could stay there.
Lunch will be arranged near the Hanging Temple, and then you will head to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. As a UNESCO site, the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the oldest and tallest surviving wooden structure in China.
After the pagoda travel by highway directly to Pingyao, and check in at your hotel in Pingyao Ancient Town.
DAY 3
Pingyao, experience Pingyao's charm
Wake up in your traditional-Chinese-style room. It's better to start the day with the Ancient City Wall.
The core history of Pingyao Ancient Town is the history of Chinese banking system. Rishengchang Former Bank was the first draft bank in China.
Lunch will be arranged in a local restaurant.
Mingqing Street area, which is the most prosperous area in the ancient town. The lanterns are all on at night, and it is very lively there in the evening.
DAY 4
Pingyao Departure, Shuanglin Temple, Wang Family Compound
After breakfast in your hotel, You will explore the rich culture outside of the ancient city wall.
Driving for 10 minutes, you will visit the Shuanglin Temple first. The Shuanglin Temple is considered to be the “unrestored glory” of Pingyao.
Then you will drive in a southerly direction for one hour to the Wang Family Courtyard. Lunch will be arranged in a local restaurant on the way.
The Wang Family Compound is about 1½ hours from the ancient town. It is the former residence of the Wang family - a reputable official's family that lived there for over 300 years. Its total area is about 25 ha. (62 ac.), with 123 courtyards and 1,118 rooms.
After your trip, your guide and driver will drive you to the train station and say goodbye.
