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11 Days Beijing Datong Pingyao Xi'an Tour

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Destinations:
Highlights: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Hanging Temple, Yungang Grottoes, Pingyao Old Town, Terracotta Warriors
Departure date:
Availability:
Tour Code: CTG-21

Tour Description

Take a tour to meet with the Central China as it were in the ancient dynasties – Beijing, Datong, Pingyao and Xi'an. History has gone with the wind, yet it left its traces all around these ancient hubs - you will see through the lanes, the buildings, the antique figures to find the past glories and immerse into the Culture that breeds up the Chinese people...

Explore Chinese history & culture through major cities of the ancient Central China

Top China Tour Must-Sees: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and many more

Budget way to travel around China by train

Day 1 Arrival in Beijing: Pick-up & Hotel Check-in, Free Day
Today's Activities Set foot in the Capital of China - Beijing, a city mixed with modernity and traditional culture. Our local tour guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Today is all free for your own arrangement. If you can't wait exploring the city, you may hang around to some featured spots like a Wangfujing Avenue, a place full of shopping and snacks. Night market is fantastic.
Day 2 Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, and start out for the world's largest city square Tian'anmen Square, one of the top symbols of China. Northward is the ancient palace Forbidden City, one of the most epic of emperor-type buildings in Asia. Grand, historic and huge, and houses numerous antique treasures, the Forbidden City is so full of stories of the past dynasties that even every inch can tell one.

The afternoon is designed for the royal garden - Summer Palace. Wander along the shores of Kunming Lake (modeled after the West Lake of Hangzhou) and across the elegant 17-arch bridges and the 728m-long painting-rich corrider, just relax yourself in the pleasant garden.
Highlights
Tian'anmen Square Forbidden City Summer Palace          
Tian'anmen Square Bronze Lion
Forbidden City
Long Corridor
Summer Palace
         
Day 3 Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities You cannot visit Beijing without visiting the Great Wall! Fire your enthusiasm for this great ancient project - the imposing Badaling section. Could you imagine how this great wall was built hundreds of years ago when there was no modern machine to lift the huge stones to the mountains? Remember to wear a pair of comfortable shoes for the trekking along this World Wonder. The round-trip cable car will save you some tiredness by taking you uphill and downhill.

After lunch and restoring your energy, head for the Ming Tombs for the Changling (Ling in Chinese means Tomb), which is the largest in scale and completely preserved. Emerge yourself into the amazing history carried by these afterlife palaces, as well as a peacefull contemplative stroll along the Sacred Road, where you will feast at a great number of carved columns, pairs of large statues of figures serving as guards of the emperors.
Highlights
Badaling Great Wall Changling Sacred Road          
Badaling Great Wall Changling Sacred Road          
Day 4 Beijing - Datong (Breakfast, Lunch) Transfer by Train
Today's Activities Traditional Chinese culture pays great respect to the Heaven and Earth, and this veneration is usually embodied in the concept of architectural design. Your first visit today - the Temple of Heaven is one of the best examples, and it was once served as the place for heaven worship where emperors prayed for good harvests of the nation. This royal place has now become a public park where you will find lots of local people pursuing their daily exercise like Tai Chi, or playing cards and other entertainment activities.

Then sit back at a bicycle rickshaw through the alleys of the Hutongs, where the heart of Beijing grassroots' culture rests. Simple and authentic, you can catch a glimpse of the real Beijing street life and the well-kept traditions in the Hutong courtyard-houses.

Later of the day you will say goodbye to Beijing and head for Datong by train (soft sleeper). The journey takes about 6 hours. Our Datong local guide will meet you at the train statioin and take you to the hotel for checking in and rest.
Highlights
Temple of Heaven Hutong Rickshaw Tour Terracotta Warriors          
Temple of Heaven Hutong Rickshaw Tour Little Things at Hutongs          
Day 5 Datong (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities Enjoy your breakfast, and then set out for the gorgeous and amazing monastery - Hanging Temple on Mt. Hengshan. You may wonder, why this name? Hanging? At first sight of it, you will realize that it is the right name. Built on the near-vertical cliffs over 75m (246ft) above the ground, the Hanging Temple is truly an architectural wonder and with a history of more than 1500 years, uniquely featuring Buddhist, Taoist and Confucians elements. The main supportive structure was hidden inside the bedrock; the seemingly-supportive pillars beneath are said to strenghten visitors' confidence when they walk in the temple! Please take care while walking through the tiny walkways, stairs, rooms and corridors.

Lunch is served in a local downtown restaurant. And the afternoon is left for the incredibly magnificent Yungang Grottoes, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 45 main caves and over 51,000 Buddhist statues, some are still well-preserved; some have been eroded by time and only left with a vague outline... Yungang Grottoes this rock-cut architecture represents the outstanding achievement of Buddhist cave art in China in the 5th and 6th centuries. This classical masterpiece will surely win your wonders even if you are not a Buddhism follower.
Highlights
Hanging Temple Yungang Grottoes Yungang Grottoes          
Hanging Temple Yungang Grottoes Yungang Grottoes          
Day 6 Datong - Pingyao (Breakfast, Lunch) Transfer by Train
Today's Activities After breakfast at your hotel, you will take a train (soft sleeper) to Pingyao Old Town. Our local guide will wait for you at the train station and take you to the traditional featured local inn.

Pingyao is the financial center of China during the Qing Dynasty (1636-1912A.D.), and now still well preserves the traditional buildings including those associated with banking. It's also known for its laid-back lifestyle and the annual Pingyao International Photography Festival in September.

You may rest your day at the inn, or have a stroll around the streets. There are lots of little shops selling interesting stuff, street foods, bars... you can even meet with the performers dressed in traditional costumes displaying a scene of appeal or those on patrol sounding the night watches!
Highlights
Pingyao Old Town Longji Rice Terrace Pingyao Old Town - Paper Cut          
Pingyao Old Town Overview Ancient Appeal Local Styled Paper Cut          
Day 7 Pingyao (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities Enjoy the cool morning breeze with your breakfast. Today will visit the outskirt of Pingyao - First the Shuanglin Temple, part of the World Heritage Site of Pingyao. It's a large Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,400 years, housing more than 2,000 colorful sculptures reflecting the exquisite skills of the artisans in the past dynasties. Genuine, and quite untouched.

Then move to the Wang's Family Compound (Wang Jia Dayuan) - a magnificent residential complex built during the year 1762-1811 by the merchant Wang's Family, a huge extended family and one of the top 4 richest in the local. Grand and spectacular layout, elaborately designed courtyards, delicate carvings and decor... you will feel absolutely spellbound by the sheer beauty at every corner.

The afternoon is left free for your own arrangement, whether to savor your experience at the Wang's Family Compound, or to ramble around to explore the Pingyao Old Town.
Highlights
Shuanglin Temple Wang's Family Compound Wang's Family Compound          
Shuanglin Temple Undulating Roofs
Wang's Family Compound
Lion Guard
Wang's Family Compound
         
Day 8 Pingyao - Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch) Transfer by Train
Today's Activities Today is totally all for the Pingyao Old Town! This ancient city is an extraordinary gathering of the traditional buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties - from which one of the main streets get its name Mingqing Street. Various stuff - little toys, delicate ornaments, local carvings, etc. - are on display, blinking into your eyes.

Since Pingyao is the old monetary center of China, you will visit the original sites of the bank - Rishengchang Exchange Shop and the escort agency - Biaoju. History, original drafts, antique articles (coins, cold weapons, etc.) are collected in these sites, telling you the prosperous past of this small city and the development of banking in China.

The Ancient Government Office (Xianya) is also on your visit list, where you will get to know the feudal system of the local county administration. You can even watch an imitation show of the ancient civil hearing (performers are in traditional costumes).

Then let's up to the Ancient City Wall to take an overview of the Pingyao Old Town - the busy part, the quiet part, the renovated part, the original part...

Tonight you will take a night train (soft sleeper) from Pingyao to your next destination - Xi'an, another ancient Capital of China. Have a good sleep.
Highlights
Rishengchang Exchange Shop Ancient Government Office Ancient City Wall          
Shuanglin Temple Ancient Government Office Ancient City Wall          
Day 9 Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today's Activities Upon your arrival in Xi'an, the local guide will pick you up at the train station and take you to the hotel for a brief rest and preparation of the Xi'an tour.

After lunch in a downtown restaurant, start you Xi'an tour first with the Shaanxi History Museum, a huge modern museum built in Tang Dynasty architectural style and with a great collection of over 300,000 items, displaying in front of you the history far from the Bronze Age to the modern time of Xi'an and of China.

Followed up is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 652A.D. The attraction site can be divided into three parts: The Pagoda, Da Ci'en Temple and the Musical Fountain Square in the north. You can not only feast at the elegant Buddhist buildings, but also discover the legends of Hierarch Xuanzang and his 16-year's pilgrimage to India for the Buddhist culture.
Highlights
Shaanxi History Museum Shaanxi History Museum Big Wild Goose Pagoda          
Shaanxi History Museum Shaanxi History Museum Big Wild Goose Pagoda          
Day 10 Xi'an (Breakfast)
Today's Activities Today begin with the core attraction of Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors! Thousands of terracotta soldiers stand in front of you, solemnly, mysteriously. They've gone through the trial of time - lost the original dye, with broken figures... but they're still in their position for guarding the Emperor Qin Shihuang. The 2-hour visit is only too short to read the full history of over 2,200 years. Later you will have chance to visit the Xi'an Art Ceramics & Lacquer Factory to see how terracotta models are made.

In the afternoon you will be at the Muslim Quarter with a great array of exotic souvenirs and savory restaurants around you. Here is the main gathering place of the local Muslim community. Standing quietly among this busy center is the Great Mosque, where you will see a great mixture of architecture of Chinese and Arabic styles. You may have chance to meet with the local Muslims doing worship rituals.
Highlights
Terracotta Warriors Muslim Quarter Great Mosque          
Terracotta Warriors Muslim Quarter The Great Mosque          
Day 11 Xi'an - Departure (Breakfast)
Today's Activities Have a great rest and a great breakfast, and then biding goodbye to this ancient city Xi'an with a great memory in heart. Our guide will send you to the airport or train station for your next destination.
Package Details
Tour Package Includes:
Dining: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches Admissions: Entrance fees to all scenic spots listed in itinerary
Train Tickets: Beijing - Datong, Datong - Pingyao, Pingyao - Xi'an Hotels: Accommodation in Beijing, Datong, Pingyao & Xi'an
Tour Guide: Local experienced English-speaking guides Car Driver: Experienced licensed drivers
Vehicle: Air-conditioned bus/coach for round-trip transfers between listed attractions, private car for pick-up & see-off Luggage Transfers: A hand for your heavy luggage;
Insurance: Travel Agencies Liability Insurance; Government taxes & Service charges
Tour Package Excludes:
- Other optional tours / meals / flights not mentioned in itinerary; - Tips for tour guides and drivers.
Hotels in Beijing
Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing
Located in the golden business area of Wangfujing, the hotel only takes 10 minutes to Forbidden City and Dongfang Square.
With stylish guest rooms and newly renovated Crowne Plaza Club floor – Crowne Plaza Beijing has anticipated every need while providing easy access to business, commercial districts and historical landmarks.
Sunworld Hotel Beijing
Situated on the intersection of Wangfujing Avenue and Dengshikou Street, Sunworld Hotel Beijing is close to many famous historical and cultural landmarks, including the Forbidden City.
Guest rooms and suites are designed with a traditional and refined style. From servies to amenities, the hotel strives to make your stay a pleasant experience.
Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing
With its courtyard style, the hotel has retained its charm of the ancient time but as well merged in contemporary architecture and designs. The hotel is near the famous Tian'anmen Square and Wangfujing Business Street. It takes about 20 minutes from Capital International Airport (24km) and 5 minutes from Beijing Railway Station (3km). The hotel provides guests clean and comfortable service and amenities.
Hotels in Datong
Howard Johnson Hotel Datong
Howard Johnson Hotel Datong is located at the city center, with easy traffic access. The hotel offers a large variety of dishes. There are 25 dinning halls. Following its high level features, the western restaurant offers creative dishes based on traditional French cuisine, and is decorated in a neo-romanticist style, perfectly matching the food served here. Bars, Japanese and Korean restaurants are available.
Great Palace Hotel Datong
Great Palace Hotel Datong is situated in ust 10-minutes from Datong railway station and only 20-minutes from the direct Beijing-Datong express freeway. The hotel combines an elegant traditional interior design with very modern guest facilities. The hotel provides 98 comfortable guestrooms. All rooms are equiped with facilities such as IDD telephone connections, satellite television and Mini-bar service.Each room is decorated with traditional room amenities and around-the-clock service.
Hong Qi Grand Hotel Datong
Hong Qi Grand Hotel is with a capacity of 170 rooms provides a whole chain of accommodation, entertainment, dining, and shopping for business people as well as tourists. There are total 138 well equipped and comfortable guest rooms. The hotel has Chinese and western restaurants and is beautifully decorated and equipped with modern facilities that will make your stay as convenient and comfortable as possible. The hotel also provides car rental and ticket reservation services.
Hotels in Pingyao
Yunjincheng Folk Hotel Pingyao
Yunjincheng Folk Hotel Pingyao adorns itself up with all the featured ingredients of traditional Pingyao dwellings like red lanterns, folding screens with Chinese ink painting, rosewood furniture and sophisticated courtyard layout. Moreover, even the beddings in each room are of traditional tone. Hot water and tasty local dishes are all available to serve you too.
Hongshanyi Hotel Pingyao
If you spend a Chinese Spring Festival in Hongshanyi Hotel, you will have a lot of fun, taking part in the celebrating activities the hotel holds for you. You can either DIY some handicrafts like paper cut, writing spring festival couplets or watch outdoors the dazzling lantern show, firework.
Dejuyuan Guesthouse Pingyao
Dejuyuan Guesthouse Pingyao is situated at Mingqing Street. The tastefully decorated guest rooms and a wide range of facilities and services provide guests with a comfortable and joyful stay.
Hotels in Yangshuo
Sheraton Hotel Xi'an
Located near the 600-year-old City Wall and close to the city centre, Sheraton Hotel is just 35 minutes from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. With first-class amenities, facilities and family-friendly services, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel will make you feel at home.
Grand New World Hotel Xi'an
Located near the 600-year-old City Wall and close to the city centre, Sheraton Hotel is just 35 minutes from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. With first-class amenities, facilities and family-friendly services, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel will make you feel at home.
City Hotel Xi'an
The hotel is located in the centre of Xi'an city and just near the well-known Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Ancient City Wall. The hotel offers a total of 137 well-appointed guestrooms for guests' comfortable living space. The elegant and magnificent restaurants serve delicious flavor of many varieties.

Meals in the Package

- This package includes 10 breakfasts and 9 lunches
- Dinners are for your own arrangement.

We promises worry-free dining quality, plus flexible choices depending on your preference. If there is any special requestment, just tell our trip advisor directly. In all, we aim to satisfy your tongue and stomach with our recommendation as follows:


Beijing

As the capital of China, Beijing boasts many good restaurants with featured cuisines. Our package takes you to have A La Carte dinner at Great Northeast Restaurant, Gold Palace Restaurant and Tang Yuan Restaurant, leading you to grasp the essence of Chinese classic cuisines.

Dining Hall of Great Northeast Restaurant Main Hall of Tang Yuan Restaurant

Shanxi (Datong and Pingyao)

China serves the best flour food in the world; and it is said that Shanxi ranks first in China in preparing flour food." Shanxi Province boasts nearly 1,000 kinds of flour food, made of a wide variety of materials. Shanxi flour food may serve as staple food, snacks or art works. Besides, you could taste other famous dishes and snacks in Datong and Pingyao as you prefer.

Classical Meal in Shanxi You can taste many delicious food in Mingqing Street.

Xi'an

Xi'an features distinctive cuisines of China Northwest, such as various-shapes chinese dumplings and other wheaten food. At Muslim Quarter, where gathers lots of delicious local food, like Rou Jia Mo and shish kebabs, etc.
(1) Here we highly recommend Chinese Dumpling Dinner, which also named Jiaozi, typically consist of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping. As a must-try for visitors, it serves with Tang dynasty show. And it belongs to an [add on] item in the tour.
(2) Rou Jia Mo, also called Chinese Hamburger, is very similar to the Western hamburger essentially, but with different cooking method.

Chinese Dumpling Dinner Rou Jia Mo ( Chinese Hamburger )

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Comments

Dear Sara,

For sure, we enjoyed very much our holiday in your country, everything were under as planned and whole people involved were very kind and helpful, specially your permanent contact whenever was needed.

No doubt that we recommend your company to our friends. Thanks again.

Customer: Ms. Ortiz

Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Guilin - Longsheng - Yangshuo - Shanghai - Hong Kong

Related Tour: 12 Days China Experience Tour, 12 Days China Discovery

Hi Christine,

Thanks for your email. We are actually in huangshan right now! We go back to shanghai on Thursday and then return to Sydney next Monday. We have had a great time travelling in china and our trip to datong and pingyao was a highlight!

Your service and response to my queries has been impeccable so thank you for this. Once on the tour, our guides were both very knowldgeable and John from pingyao was clearly very passionate about his job, and a very enthusiastic guy.

Accommodation and drivers has also been fine.

Thanks again, and if we have any friends coming to china we will recommend you to them!

Customer: Mr. Yee

Destinations: Datong - Pingyao - Taiyuan

Related Tour: 4 Days 3 Nights Fabulous Datong and Pingyao Tour, 5 Days 4 Nights Amazing Pingyao Taiyuan Datong Tour

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