Beijing and Shanxi Tour With Mount Wutai

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Beijing

  Upon landing in Beijing, your dedicated tour guide will meet and escort you to your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or step out to explore the surroundings in the vibrant capital of China.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Beijing, City Highlights Tour

  The Beijing introductory tour begins at Tiananmen Square, a vast plaza that witnesses many important moments of the country such as the grand display of China's National Day Parade.

  Cross the imposing Tiananmen Gate to arrive at the magnificent Forbidden City. Walk in the footsteps of emperors as you admire the ornate architecture and learn about China's imperial past.

  Just north of it lies the Jingshan Park, climb up to a hill inside to enjoy a panoramic view of the royal palace. Conclude your first-day tour in Beijing by taking a rickshaw to wind through its historic Hutongs or alleyways.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Beijing, Great Wall

  Today, you will embark on a journey to visit the renowned Great Wall at Mutianyu section, which is famous for its incredible natural scenery and well-preserved fortifications. Take a cable car up to the wall and stroll along the ancient ramparts while taking in the breathtaking views of the surroundings.

  On your way back to the downtown area, you will have a chance to stop and take a photo opportunity at the Olympic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from outside.

  Note: If you're a hiking lover and prefer a less tourist section, we recommend the Jinshanling Great Wall with some extra drive. Please discuss with your travel consultant beforehand for more information about the visit and cost.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Beijing - Datong, Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace

  Begin your day fresh in the morning at the Temple of Heaven. This is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and a sacred site where emperors once performed rituals to ensure a good harvest. Nowadays, its vast grounds are popular among locals for activities such as tai chi and ballroom dancing.

  Next, head over to the Summer Palace, another imperial site that served as a luxurious retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and conduct state affairs.

  After sightseeing, take a high-speed train to your next destination Datong, a city in Shanxi Province that has convenient transportation connections from Beijing.

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  • Datong

• Day 5: Datong, Yungang Grottoes

  Your first destination for today is the awe-inspiring Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient Buddhist cave art. Dating back to the 5th century, these caves are adorned with over 51,000 statues and intricate carvings, representing one of China's finest examples of Buddhist art.

  Next, visit the sacred Huayan Temple, which is not only a historical relic but also a peaceful retreat from the urban chaos. The tour continues to the Nine-dragon Screen, a stunning piece of ancient Chinese architecture designed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune to the inhabitants.

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  • Datong

• Day 6: Datong - Wutai, the Hanging Temple

  This morning, you will head south towards the famous Mount Wutai. On your way, take a venture to the incredible Hanging Temple that precariously perches on the sheer cliffs. This temple was built over 1,500 years ago and its wooden beams and intricate carvings cling to the rock face with remarkable tenacity. Another architectural miracle you will pass by is the Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian, one of the oldest and tallest wooden structures in the world.

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  • Mt. Wutai

• Day 7: Wutai - Taiyuan, Mount Wutai

  Immerse yourself in the unparalleled natural beauty and sacred religious air of the spiritual land of Mount Wutai. Pilgrims from all corners of the globe embark on journeys to the mountain to pay homage to its numerous temples, monasteries, and shrines. Here, you will admire the sacred architecture and pay your respects at the Tayuan Temple, Shuxiang Temple, Xiantong Temple, and Pusading (Bodhisattva Summit) Temple. The day ends with a transfer to Taiyuan, the capital city of Shanxi Province.

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  • Taiyuan

• Day 8: Taiyuan - Pingyao, Jinci Temple

  Get a fascinating glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture by visiting Jinci Temple and Twin Pagoda Temple. The former is considered to be the country's earliest ancestral temple garden building complex with old architecture and stunning gardens.

  On the other hand, the Twin Pagoda Temple consists of two octagonal ancient pagodas that offer panoramic views of the surrounding area from their upper levels. After finishing the tour in Taiyuan, you will be driven to Pingyao, a well-preserved ancient city in Shanxi.

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  • Pingyao

• Day 9: Pingyao Ancient City

  Savor a full-day exploration of Pingyao Ancient City to enjoy its old charm. Stroll along the imposing Ancient City Wall, which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings; step into Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the first draft bank in China and the precursor to modern banking systems; wander through Ming-Qing Street, the bustling heart of the ancient city; walk into the Armed Escort Company Museum, to find how these companies safeguarded merchants and their goods along the ancient trade routes. Besides, you can spend some time roaming through the old small lanes to witness local people's everyday life up close.

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  • Pingyao

• Day 10: Wang Family Compound, Departure

  In the morning, you will be accompanied to visit the Wang Family Compound. This large complex is a beautiful representation of traditional Chinese architecture that offers you a peek into the lifestyle and grandeur of affluent Chinese families during the Qing Dynasty. As your visit concludes, it will be time to bid farewell. You will then return to Pingyao and take your train to your next destination.

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