Visiting:Beijing, Pingyao

Highlights:

Experience the unique north China life style by train to visit cultural relics Walking along the ancient alley way in Pingyao to feel the atmosphere of history and culture Visit Yungang Grottoes to know more about Buddhism development in China.

Day 1

Destinations: Arrive in Beijing

Today's Activities:Beijing is a city of amazing contrasts - an ancient capital with some incredible historical sites and a bustling modern metropolis getting ready to host the 2008 Olympics. Upon your arrival in Beijing, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The guide will give you some tips on local restaurants that we recommend and you can do some shopping in streets nearby. The rest of the day is free to rest to recover from jetlag or to explore by yourself.

Day 2

Destinations: Beijing

Today's Activities:After breakfast head out for Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, which is closely linked to The Forbidden City, from which the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties governed for over 500 years. Later you'll visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors prayed for good harvests and rain, or gave thanks for the harvest. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the old Beijing handicraft workshop.

Day 3

Destinations: Overnight Train to Pingyao

Today's Activities:The Ancient City Wall: the ancient city wall of Pingyao with nearly 3,000 years of history keeps the original appearance of city wall constructed in early Ming Dynasty.

- The Rishengchang Draft Bank: It was the biggest draft bank at that time and had been famous for "Hui Tong Tian Xia" (Business Connecting the Whole World).

- The Mingqing Street: the downtown thoroughfare and reserved quite well of the styles in the Ming and Qing Dynasties

- Pingyao Ancient Town: In the middle of Shanxi Province, this is the best-preserved of the four ancient towns in China.

Day 3

Destinations: Pingyao to Taiyuan

Today's Activities:Jinci Temple: Lies in the Xuanweng foothill, which is 25 kilometers from the southwest of Taiyuan city, it is the temple of Jin Emperor in ancient times; it is initially built during the northern Wei Dynasty (386-535) for memorizing the second son Jiyu of Zhouwu Emperor. Jinci Temple is one of the national key cultural relic reserves, enjoys the reputation of "Little South of the Yangtze River".

Qiao Family's Compound: Built in 1755, this well-preserved and exquisite structure used to be the residence of Qiao Zhiyong, who was a famous businessman during the Qing Dynasty.

Day 4

Destinations: Taiyuan to Datong

Today's Activities: Yungang Grottoes: 16 kilometers west of Datong City.Yungang Grottoes are the most famous historic site in Datong.

Nine Dragon Screen: In the east of Datong City.It is one of the four famous nine-dragon screen walls in China."

Day 5

Destinations: Datong to Beijing?

Today's Activities:Transfer to Datong railway station and then end of service. Upon arriving Beijing at around 18:42. Transfer from Beijing Station back to Hotel.

Day 6

Destinations: Depart from Beijing

Today's Activities:Transfer to airport for your next destination.