6 Days Beijing, Datong, Pingyao and Xian Train Trip

Pick up from your hotel in Beijing and then transferred to Beijing West Train Station. Take the daytime train leaving Beijing and arriving at Datong. Our tour representative in Datong picks you up and returns you to our designated hotel in Datong. Free for rest of the day.

Pick up from your hotel. First visit Yungang Grottoes. These grottoes are the main reason that people make a trip to Datong. The grottoes hold over 50,000 Buddihist statues and stretch for about 1 km east to west.

After lunch, move on to Shanhua Monastery that consists of a set of well-preserved buildings of Liao Dynasty (905-1125). Later, continue to have a look at Nine Dragon Screen, the oldest and largest glazed screen in China. The dragons on the wall appear so vivid and marvelous that you can’t imagine they were built over 600 years ago.

First drive to Hanging Temple, 65 km away south-east of Datong. The temple hangs on the west cliff of a hill with over 50 meters above the ground, hence Hanging Monastery. Hanging Monastery was first in 491. The present monastery was mainly rebuilt and maintained in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The biggest attraction of Hanging Temple is the fact that the temple includes Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Then, moving on to the Wooden Pagoda, the oldest preserving wooden Buddhist pagoda in China, which is only 50 km away from the Hanging Temple.

After sightseeing, driving about 4.5 hours to Pingyao.

After breakfst, first visit the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao City. The city of Pingyao is one of thefour remaining well-preserved ancient cities in China. The city wall has a perimeter of 6.4 kilometers and is over 12 meters high and 3.5 meters wide.

Then visit the Rishengchang Exchange Shop. It is the earliest bank in China, first opened in the 18th century.Rishengchang was the first money exchange shop in the history of China. Aterwards, move on to the Mingqing Street. Ming and Qing Street, also called Nanda Jie. It is one of the busy and interesting streets in which to experience ancient Chinese culture. It is 440 long, Ming and Qing Street used to be the commercial center of Pingyao ancient city.

Then proceed to visit Armed Escort Company Museum. It offers an eye-opening armed escorts in protecting commerce. Cash moving from one area needed the armed escort firm to thwart of thieving hands. Finally visit County Government Office, an ancient city hall and law court.

Be transferred to railway station, take bullet train to Xian. Be met by Xian guide and transfer to hotel.

Pick up from your hotel in Xian.

First visit the Terra-cotta Army. To visit Army of Terra Cotta Warriors is the main reason why you are here in Xian. You may have already seen its pictures from China travel books or China tour related travel websites. The original site was found by a local farmer drilling a well in 1974. Now it has turned into the most important attraction in Xian - Terracotta Warriors and Horse Museum. It is located about 50km east of the Xian City. The museum includes Pit 1, Pit 2 and Pit 3 as well the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. The Pit 1 is the largest of the three. The museum and the mausoleum are listed the world's cultural legacies as the UNESCO. 

Drive back to city area and walk along the Ancient City Wall--the best preserved ancient city wall in China. (1 hour)

Free-time Ideas(Optional): Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, Dumpling Dinner are rated in many Top 10's. Your guide can help you buy tickets if you need.

First site to visit is Shaanxi Historical Museum, where over 300,000 invaluable historical items are on exhibition. (1.5 hours)

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda-- the very important Buddhism temple in Xian. (1 hour) No Tricks (Big/Little) Pagoda –Other companies and large tour operators may take you to Small Wild Goose Pagoda(free admission) instead of the Big Wild Pagoda. We will never do that.

After the tour, transferred to your hotel in Xian, or Xian Train Station, or Xian Airport. Tour service ends.