Explore the Origins of Chinese Civilization
Located between Beijing and Xi'an, Datong and Pingyao are important stops if you would like to discover one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Be amazed by the Hanging Temple. Discover the Yungang Grottoes. Immerse in the Chinese culture in Pingyao Ancient Town. This 4-day Datong and Pingyao tour will take you back to the origin of the Central Plain culture.
Tour Map
Tour 'Wow' Points
Step into the Hanging Temple
Marvel at wonders of architecture and religion. Enjoy a thrilling but safe experience.
Penetrate the Mysteries of Buddhism — Why are the Buddhas Smiling?
Visit one of the biggest Buddhist grottoes in China, the Yungang Grottoes. Admire the incredible engraving art of ancient China.
Rediscover Scenes from the Movie "Raise the Red Lantern"
Ramble in Pingyao Ancient City. Witness well-preserved history with your own eyes, and capture the photogenic moments as daylight fades and the lanterns light up.
Admire the ancient sculptures at Shuanglin Temple
It is known for its impressive collection of over 2,000 painted clay statues dating back to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
Taste the Best Chinese Noodles
Be amazed at how good Shanxi people are at cooking wheaten foods. Learn to make the most famous Chinese noodles. (Shanxi is Pingyao and Datong's province.)
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Great Wall with Jiang
We had a great time with our guide Jiang, who accompanied us on our first day in China to visit the Great Wall. He was attentive and kind, and helped us understand the history of this extraordinary site. Recommended! more
Feb 2025, Matteo
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Great 2 days
We had 2 great days with Jiang (guide) and our driver Mr Qi. Pick up at our cruise ship at 08 am was well in time and we drove to Forbidden City first . On the way we had a nice lunch and my vegetarian request was no problem. Also our Rikscha tour on the bike was a nice experience. The next morning we started early to the Great Wall. Perfect timing with less poeple on top. We enjoyed the time very much and recommended a private tour ! more
Feb 2025, Sonja
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Half-day trip to the Forbidden City
I found myself with a free morning between work in Beijing and decided to reach out to China Highlights once more for a guided tour of the Forbidden City. I was lucky to have Selinda as a guide, giving me insights into the life inside the Forbidden City and also making sure that I was able to reach my next appointment in time. I enjoyed the tour tremendously and would be more than happy to have Selinda as a guide once more. more
Feb 2025, Calegen
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Meet your guide at the exit of Datong Nan train station. A comfortable private car (non-smoking) and experienced driver will be ready for your trip.
Have a lunch at a local restaurant. Then visit one of the biggest Buddhist grottoes in China - the Yungang Grottoes. We will arrange a battery cart at the attraction, so you can avoid the long walk between the grottoes and have more time to see the statues.
Start today's tour with 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 travelers following those religions could stay there.
Climb up to the temple with you and give the explanation including why people built this temple so high.
Head to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.after lunch. As a UNESCO site, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the oldest and tallest surviving wooden structure in China.
After the tour, drive back to the Datong train station to catch the bullet train to Pingyao.
Wake up in your traditional Chinese-style room. It's better to start your day at Pingyao Ancient City Wall. If you are a photographer, capturing a sunrise at Pingyao Ancient City Wall is a great chance to grasp the charm of the ancient area.
The core history of Pingyao Ancient City is the history of the Chinese banking system. The Rishengchang Former Bank was the first draft bank in China.
There, you will learn how the banking system was created and how it developed until the first bank was defunct.
Lunch will be arranged in a local restaurant where you will have a chance to learn making the traditional noodles.
After lunch, you will visit the The Armed Escort Company Museum. It was built to protect the tangible currency. The Museum shows how this special business was formed and how it was run, and also introduces the top 10 escort companies and top 10 guards - they were all kung fu masters.
Walk along Mingqing Street, which is the most prosperous area in the ancient city. The lanterns are all on at night and it is very lively there in the evening.
After breakfast in your hotel, your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby at the appointed time. You will explore the rich culture outside the ancient city wall. After driving for 10 minutes, you will visit the Shuanglin Temple.
The Shuanglin Temple is considered to be the "unrestored glory" of Pingyao, and it has over 2,000 colored mud sculptures preserved under its humble-looking roofs. Every sculpture has its own face and expression, and each of them is a rare treasure.
Next, we go to the much older historical Zhenguosi Temple. It is quieter, apart from the outside sculptures, there are also murals. Its wooden architecture is the most famous.
Drive to the Pingyao train station to catch a bullet train back to Beijing.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price Includes: