9 Days Beijing Datong Pingyao Xian Tour – North China Cultural Adventure

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Beijing, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:
Beijing is well connected by air and high speed rail. There are two airports - Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Beijing by air from most cities of China, like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou. In addition, travelers can take the high speed train to Beijing from Xian (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Zhengzhou (2.5-3 hours), Wuhan (4-5 hours), Harbin (5-5.5 hours), etc.

Free Time Ideas:
You are welcome to ask your tour guide for some useful tips to spend your free time based on your time and interest.

Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel Beijing through China’s famous landmarks, epic imperial grandeur and royal gardens.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and then head to Tian’anmen Square, which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades and from here you can take good pictures of Tiananmen Gate showing on CCTV News every day.

Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. Listed as a world heritage site, Forbidden City has about 500 years’ history, and served as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,728 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors’ stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace. Later, take another 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can have a magnificent panorama of modern Beijing and princely views over the russet roofs of the Forbidden City.

In this afternoon, drive to the “Museum of Royal Garden” - Summer Palace, which used to be the resort for royal families to flee summer heat. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are a marvel of landscaping. Enjoy the leisure walk and take your time to appreciate the imperial architectures, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.

Recommended Optional Activity: You can try the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude this evening.

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!

After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

In the morning take a Bullet Train from Beijing to Datong (2 to 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and escort you to Yungang Grottoes Temple before head to your hotel. You can explore on your own after visiting Yungang Grottoes. Feel free to seek travel ideas from your tour guide.

Welcome to Datong, a must-visit city located in the Shanxi province of China! Datong (大同), literally means Great Harmony, is the northernmost city of Shanxi. It shares borders with Inner Mongolia to the north and west, and Hebei to the east. Datong, once known as the "Coal Capital of China中国煤都" due to its abundant coal resources, is now not only one of China's earliest historical and cultural cities but also a national demonstration city for new energy, a summer resort city, and one of the top ten characteristic tourist cities on the Silk Road. Founded in 398 AD, Datong used to be called Pingcheng (平城), was once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (北魏), a secondary capital during the Liao & Jin Dynasties, and a key town in the Ming & Qing Dynasties. Positioned between the inner and outer Great Walls, Datong is a vital frontier region in the north, fostering a blend of multicultural influences and unique ancient architectural styles. Situated between Beijing (ancient capital of 5 dynasties) and Xi'an (ancient capital of 13 dynasties), Datong was once the capital of 3 dynasties. It was dubbed "Beijing's Back Garden" in the late Qing Dynasty due to Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧). It is recorded that Marco Polo visited Datong in 1277.

Today you will visit Yungang Grottoes, a World Cultural Heritage site. The Yungang Grottoes Temple is one of the Four Great Grottoes of China, alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, and the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui. Carved over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534 AD), the Yungang Grottoes were the first caves authorized by Chinese royalty and are considered the most magnificent among the four. Currently, they house 45 main caves and over 59,000 stone sculptures, with the tallest statue reaching 17 m and the smallest at 2 cm. Carved into the mountain, the grottoes stretch about 1 km from east to west, divided by natural terrain into the East Zone (Caves 1-4), the Central Zone (Caves 5-13), and the West Zone (Caves 14-45). Along this stretch, you can appreciate 3 types of caves: the Grand Buddha Caves (Caves 16-20), the Buddha Hall Caves (Twin Caves 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-13), and the Stupa Temple Caves (Caves 1, 2, 6, 39). Moreover, you can observe 3 distinct styles of caves from different periods: early caves (Caves 16-20), middle caves (Caves 1-2; 5-6; 7-8; 9-10; 11-13; 3), and late caves (Caves 4, 14, 15, 20), showcasing the process of Buddhism's introduction to China and its evolution from Gandhara art to localized styles.

The most renowned ones are the early caves of the "Five Caves of Tan Yao" (昙曜五窟; Caves 16-20), which were commissioned by the Northern Wei monk Tan Yao (昙曜) under the decree of Emperor Tuoba Xun (拓跋濬; 440-465 AD). In these cases, not only can you see images of 4 Northern Wei Emperors and 1 Prince (Cave 17) on the five large Buddha statues, but you can also witness the Great Harmony (Datong世界大同) of major world civilizations in their carvings and murals, incorporating elements from Indian, Central Asian, Greek, and Roman, which are the traces left by Alexander's eastern campaign to India. You'll visit Cave 20, home to the iconic Open-air Buddha Statue (露天大佛), a striking blend of Han and Gandharan styles, unveiled by an ancient earthquake. You will find more stories behind Cave 18 which features a Buddha draped in a "Thousand Buddhas Robe" (千佛袈裟), believed to represent the Emperor Tuoba Tao (拓拔焘; 408-452 AD) who forbade Buddhism.

The middle period caves represent the peak of Yungang Grottoes' carving artistry, characterized by paired caves and two Buddhas seated in one Buddhist niche, reflecting the power struggle between the "Two Emperors" (二圣; the emperor and Empress Dowager Feng冯太后), renowned for their meticulous carving and ornate decorations. The late-period caves, constructed after the Northern Wei dynasty moved its capital from Datong to Luoyang in 494 AD, consist of many small caves built by locals (not royal family), signaling the decline of the dynasty. The figures in these caves are slender and elegant, with balanced proportions, marking the origin of China's "slender and clear" sculpture style (瘦骨清像). Take your time to explore the brilliant caves in close distance such as Cave 12 (Music Cave), Cave 5 (The Most Beautiful Smiling Buddha), Cave 3 (unfinished Cave), Cave 9 (World Architecture Museum), and more.

Optional：(If time permit)
1.Datong Yungang Grottoes Museum (大同云岗石窟博物馆): Inside Yungang Grottoes Temple scenic area. Closed on Mondays.
2.Datong Coal Museum (大同煤炭博物馆; Self-pay): Locates outside Yungang Grottoes by the other side of the river. About 10 min’s drive (6 km away). Double check if it closed on Mondays.

After the visit in Yungang Grottoes Temple, head back to Datong Ancient City for free time explore. You will find the Yu River (御河) gracefully winds its way through Datong from north to south. To its west lies the Datong Ancient City, a testament to over 1,600 years of rich history. On the east side, the Modern Datong City is rapidly emerging. The city planning of Datong embodies the design concept of "Twin Cities on One Axis一轴双城" by Liang Sicheng (梁思成), the father of modern Chinese architecture, harmoniously blending tradition with modernity and culture with ecology. As night falls and the city lights up, stroll from the ancient city to the banks of the Yu River, gazing at the 7 modern bridges that symbolize Datong City's transformation and offer breathtaking views for photography and chance encounters with locals.

Travel Tips:
Datong Lantern Festival: Held annually during Chinese New Year in the ancient city of Datong, this festival sees thousands of colorful lanterns lighting up the city walls and streets. Contact us for a Chinese New Year Tour in Datong to immerse in traditional performances, savor local delicacies, and explore unique handicrafts, creating a magical experience steeped in Chinese culture.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Datong City Walk Tour in Datong Ancient City (Half-day): Explore landmarks of Datong such as Datong Ancient City Wall, Huayan Temple, Nine Dragon Wall, Daiwang Palace (Little Forbidden City of Zhu Yuanzhang’s son), Liang Sicheng Memorial Hall...
2.Datong Evening Show (Peak Season Only; Self-pay; 天下大同). The performances at the Daiwang Palace are mainly based on the "Great Harmony in the World" series, you can immerse yourself in The Glory of the Ming Dynasty (over 600 years ago).

Arrival Ideas:
Beijing to Datong By High-speed Train: Datong South Railway Station provides high-speed trains to Beijing (2-2.5h). Contact us for ticket booking.

Today, you will visit two must-see places in Shanxi. One is the Hanging Temple at Mount Heng in Hunyuan County, and the other is the Wooden Pagoda at Fogong Temple in Yingxian County. Finish your trip at Datong Railway Station. Safe Journey back to Beijing by high-speed Train.

In the early morning, head to Hengshan Hanging Temple (悬空寺) which is about 80 km (2 hour’s drive) away from Datong. The Hanging Temple of Mount Hengshan, built during the late Northern Wei Dynasty (491 AD), is a royal construction erected by Taoist followers and has a history of over 1,500 years. It was once renowned alongside the Yungang Grottoes and is now acclaimed as one of the world's ten most dangerous buildings. As the "First Marvel" among the Eighteen Wonders of Mount Hengshan, the Hanging Temple has always been a must-visit landmark in Shanxi. The renowned Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (李白) left the word "Magnificent壮观" here, while the Ming Dynasty explorer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) left the inked masterpiece "a wonder of the world天下奇观." Originally named "Xuankong Ge玄空阁," the Hanging Temple is a unique temple in China that integrates Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. "Xuan玄" is derived from Taoist principles, while "Kong空" originates from Buddhist teachings. The name "Hanging悬" was derived because the entire temple complex appears to hang on the cliff, with "Hanging" and "Xuan" being homophones in Chinese.

Approaching the Hanging Temple, the earliest and best-preserved wooden-structured cliffside ancient building in China, you can marvel at its "Perilous奇险" nature. The main architectural complex is supported by 30 prominent wooden pillars (work during earthquakes) and hidden horizontal wooden beams embedded in the rock face (bearing the weight), with the highest point, the Hall of the Three Religions (三教殿), standing about 90 meters above the ground, creating a millennium-old architectural marvel on the cliff. Stepping into the Hanging Temple, you can appreciate its "Compactness小巧." With a layout of "One Temple, Two Towers," covering an area of about 921 square meters, a total length of about 32 meters, and comprising 40 pavilions and halls, it houses over 80 bronze, iron, clay, and stone-carved Buddha statues. The aerial walkway connecting the north and south towers is the essence of the "Hanging悬" aspect of the Hanging Temple, with the existing structure being restored during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Climbing up involves slow queues on the narrow walkway, with wooden planks above and stone slabs below. The lotus patterns on the wooden stairs symbolize "ascending to auspiciousness" which is a unique feature of this temple. Standing at the Hanging Temple, you will marvel at the "Ingenious精妙" choice of location. The temple is built into the crevices of the precipice, shielded by massive cliffs above and stone walls on the sides, avoiding rainwater, sunlight (3 hours per day), and wind erosion on the temple buildings.

In the Hanging Temple, you can not only appreciate the beauty of Chinese ancient architecture through murals, colored sculptures, and carvings but also discover a world where three religions harmoniously coexist (Great Harmony/Datong). In the Pure Yang Palace (纯阳殿), you can witness the Taoist deity Lü Dongbin (吕洞宾); in the Hall of Thunderous Sounds (雷音殿), you can see the enshrined Buddhist Gautama Buddha (释迦牟尼); and in the Hall of Three Religions (三教殿), you will find offerings to Laozi, Buddha, and Confucius simultaneously. After visiting the Hanging Temple, you will undoubtedly be awed by the millennial wonder that integrates mechanics, aesthetics, art, religion, architecture, culture, and the wisdom of ancient people.

Travel Tips:
1.Due to the narrowness of the walkway at the Hanging Temple and the relatively steep stairs, not friendly to those who fear heights, elderly persons, and infants.
2.Due to the narrow walkway at the Hanging Temple, leading to potentially long waiting times during peak hours.
3.The Hanging Temple only receives sunlight for about 3 hours per day. For photography enthusiasts, it is recommended to visit in the morning for better lighting conditions.

Then, head to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda which is 55km (1 hour’s drive) away. Yingxian Pagoda, originally named the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, was built in 1056 and is one of only eight surviving Liao Dynasty wooden structures in China. Standing at a height of 67.13 meters, equivalent to a modern 20-story building, it has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the "World's Tallest Wooden Pagoda." Ancient craftsmen constructed the wooden pagoda without using a single iron nail, relying entirely on the interlocking of thousands of wooden components (similar to Lego). Throughout a millennium, it has withstood more than 40 earthquakes and endured over 200 cannonball strikes during wartime, yet it remains standing tall, a true marvel. Additionally, the pagoda houses two relics of the Sakyamuni Buddha's tooth, making the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda an exemplary ancient architectural wonder and a center and sacred site of Buddhist culture.

The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Eiffel Tower are known as the "Three Great Pagodas of the World." Standing before the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, you may notice a slight tilt in the structure. This tilt was caused in the 1930s when local gentry dismantled internal braces and mud walls to improve the appearance and lighting, resulting in the lean. In 1933, Liang Sicheng measured the pagoda and proposed a restoration plan upon discovering the tilt. The pagoda continues to lean at a rate of 2 millimeters per year. Currently, for the safety of visitors and the ancient structure, climbing the pagoda is prohibited, and visitors can only admire it from the outside and visit the ground floor.

When visiting the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, be sure to appreciate its bracket sets. The pagoda features 54 types of brackets in 240 sets, making it the pagoda with the most diverse use of brackets in ancient Chinese architecture, earning it the title of the "Bracket Museum斗拱博物馆." You cannot miss the more than 50 inscribed plaques hanging on the pagoda—treasures of calligraphy. Among them, the plaque on the third level, "Sakyamuni Pagoda释迦塔," is the oldest (from the Jin Dynasty in 1195), while the fourth level's "Wonder of the World天下奇观" was inscribed by the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao in 1508, and the top level's "Ingenious Workmanship峻极神工" was inscribed by the Ming Emperor Zhu Di in 1406.

Interestingly, although the pagoda appears to have five levels from afar, it contains nine levels inside. Stepping into the first level of the pagoda, you can gaze up at the 11-meter-tall colored statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and witness the "nested tube structure" inside the pagoda. This structure consists of an outer cylinder formed by 24 external columns and an inner cylinder formed by 8 internal columns, connected by brackets and beams to create an incredibly robust architectural system. The inner layer houses Buddha statues, while the outer layer serves as a corridor, showcasing the unique style of Liao Dynasty architecture. This "nested tube structure" is commonly used in modern high-rise buildings. As the setting sun casts its glow on the pagoda, thousands of swallows return to nest within it, continuing to narrate the story of the pagoda through the ages. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda has been patiently awaiting your visit.

This morning, take a high speed train to Pingyao from Datong (about 3.5 hours). Explore Pingyao Ancient City in the afternoon. Then, check in at your hotel for overnight. 

Welcome to Pingyao, an ancient city established between 827 and 782 BC. It features numerous well-preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including city walls, watchtowers, streets, and alleys. These structures not only hold significant historical value but also showcase ancient Chinese architectural artistry and aesthetic concepts. The city walls stretch 6,163 meters with 3,000 battlements and 72 watchtowers, symbolizing Confucius' "Three thousand disciples, seventy-two worthy men," hence earning Pingyao Ancient City the moniker of "Cultural City." Internally, the layout of the ancient city comprises the pattern of the Four Main Streets of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Eight Small Streets, and Seventy-Two Alleys. Many experts regard this layout as a typical representation of northern Chinese Ming and Qing urban centers, drawing worldwide attention due to its exceptional, systematic, and pure preservation.

Moreover, Pingyao Ancient City is also one of the birthplaces of Shanxi merchant culture. It witnessed the establishment of the first financial institution in Chinese history to engage in silver exchange, loans, and deposits—the Rishengchang Draft Bank. The founding of Rishengchang and its lucrative profits inspired numerous other businesses in Pingyao County to follow suit, resulting in the establishment of a total of 22 draft banks. These institutions not only propelled local economic growth but also left a profound impact on the financial history of China and globally. Presently, Pingyao Ancient City hosts various cultural events such as the Pingyao International Photography Festival, Pingyao Chinese New Year celebrations, and traditional local performances, attracting tourists from all around the world.

Today, you will enjoy a city walk in Pingyao Ancient City, a world cultural heritage site. Known as one of the “Four Best Preserved Ancient Cities in China”, Pingyao is an outstanding example of a Han Chinese city of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With a history of over 2,700 years, the construction of Pingyao resembles a tortoise shell, symbolizing auspiciousness. With its six major city gates and towering city walls, it stands as a stronghold akin to an impregnable fortress. The city has four main streets, eight small streets, 72 winding alleys, and countless narrow lanes, resembling the patterns on a tortoise's back. You can climb the city wall from the Yingxun Gate (迎薰门) to explore this northern Chinese city that combines defensive and cultural functions.

In the 19th to early 20th centuries, Pingyao was the financial center of the entire Chinese banking industry, earning it the nickname "Little Beijing." Stepping into Pingyao, you can wander among the gray brick walls, touch the sturdy wooden doors, feel the imprints of cart tracks underfoot, and imagine the bustling activities of the Shanxi merchants who influenced the world over 100 years ago, seeking their former glory in the buildings they left behind. You can visit the County Government Office (县衙) and witness a 20-minute performance of the county magistrate presiding over a court session (free; please verify the performance schedule). As China's largest surviving county office, it houses a vast collection of cultural relics from ancient officialdom, allowing you to glimpse into the appearance of ancient government offices.

You won't want to miss visiting Rishengchang (日昇昌; 1823-1923), the first draft bank in China and the pioneer of modern Chinese banking. Its name contains four "日" characters, symbolizing business flourishing like the rising sun, witnessing the glory of Shanxi Merchant Culture. Rishengchang once had 35 branches nationwide, conducting business as far as Europe, America, Southeast Asia, and other countries, earning the reputation of "Connecting the World汇通天下." Today, Rishengchang has transformed into the Chinese Draft Bank Museum (中国票号博物馆), facing south and comprising two courtyards, the Central and Eastern yards. It is a mixed-style quadrangle courtyard, representing the most comprehensive, grand, and typical structure among Ming and Qing Dynasty Shanxi draft banks. The museum houses a wealth of material artifacts from Rishengchang, serving as sources for studying Chinese financial history. If time allows, you can also visit Xietongqing (协同庆; 1856-1913), known as the Chinese Money Shop Museum (中国钱庄博物馆), to explore what was once the largest underground treasury in China. You can walk leisurely to the Armed Escort Company Museum (中国镖局博物馆) to learn about the protection of the tangible currency and the top 10 escort companies and top 10 guards. After that, have a nice stroll on the most prosperous traditional Ming and Qing Dynasties Street, which used to be the “Wall Street of China”, taking you back to the former bustle bazaar in the old days.

Optional Show of Pingyao:
Seeing Pingyao (19:00~20:30; Closed on Mondays;《又见平遥》), a large-scale historical drama directed by Wang Chaoge王潮歌, tells the story of the late Qing Dynasty. In the ancient city of Pingyao, the boss of the Pingyao ancient draft bank, Zhao Yishuo赵易硕, spends all his money to hire 232 Armed Escorts to rescue the branch manager Wang of the Russian branch. It takes you on a journey to appreciate the richness of Shanxi merchant culture and the depth of history.

Today, you will visit Wang Family Compound (50 km away) to get more ideas about the famous Shanxi Merchants. Then, head back to Pingyao via a stop at the Zhangbi Ancient Castle, a unique village hidden deep in the mountains. Take a high speed train to Xian for overnight.

The Wang Family Compound is the former residence of the Wang Family & the filming location for Zhang Yimou's "Full River Red《满江红》". It is a "Folk Forbidden City民间故宫" constructed over more than 300 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. As the largest of the Shanxi Courtyard Houses, you will see "the home is a courtyard, the courtyard is a city家是一座院，院是一座城," during its peak its size reaches 250,000 square meters, equivalent to 1.6 times the size of the Beijing Forbidden City. As the members of the Wang family were involved in both business and politics, you will see there are official and civilian residences within the compound. The structure of the compound embodied the different statues of men and women, masters and servants.

Situated in an area that endured nearly 150 years of war and turmoil, you will understand the architectural layout of the Wang Family Courtyard exhibits defensive characteristics, with buildings strategically positioned on elevated ground and by the surrounding mountains. Stepping into the Wang Family Compound, you will encounter intricately arranged courtyards and towering structures, each brick and tile engraved with the past splendor of the Shanxi merchants, every beam and pillar narrating the prosperity of the family lineage. Another highlight of the Wang Family Courtyard is the "brick, wood, and stone" carving artistry, showcasing a unique style and charm in ancient Chinese architectural decoration. Here, you can sense the profound thoughts, worldly wisdom, and strict family values of the Shanxi merchants of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Then, head to visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle (张壁古堡), the "Number One Astrology Village in the World天下第一星象村". It is named after two constellations: Zhang and Bi (张宿和壁宿). It is said that entering Zhangbi Ancient Castle is like stepping into the midst of a constellation. Zhangbi Ancient Castle is hailed as "It is a city both above ground & below ground (地上一座城，地下一座城)," and is one of the best-preserved ancient miniature castles in China, integrating military, residential, production, astrology, and religious activities, covering an area of only 0.12 square kilometers. It was built 1,600 years ago as a military fortress and features an extensive underground tunnel system (about 10 km) to escape warfare. The tunnels are equipped with traps, communication passages, observation holes, ambush routes, drainage outlets, and more.

The numerous temples within Zhangbi Ancient Castle are also a major highlight. There are 16 temples, including the Zhenwu Hall, Erlang Temple, Guandi Temple, and more, most of which are built on the city walls, adding to their unique charm. Located in Jiexiu, known as the "Hometown of Colored Glaze Art琉璃艺术之乡," the roofs of Zhangbi Ancient Castle display stunning colored glaze ridge animals, with flying dragons, dancing phoenixes, running beasts, blooming peonies, and stoic warriors, shining brightly after centuries of history. After that, head to the train station for Xian.

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses). Here, you can discover the Terracotta Warriors and Horses: an army of around 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry entirely made of baked clay or terracotta. This Terracotta Army has silently stood guard over the soul of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, for more than 2,000 years. Until an accidental local farmer digging a well in 1974 struck upon one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Upon stepping into this "underground military museum," you will encounter two awe-inspiring shocks. The first is the magnitude of the archaeological marvel before you: thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formations. The second shock is that the faces of thousands of Terracotta Warriors are still vivid, despite the passage of more than 2,000 years. Each figure is unique, with distinct postures, hairstyles, and armor, making them seem to come back to life in the next moment.

During your visit, an knowledgeable guide can take you to highlights of the museum, including Pit One, Pit Two, Pit Three and provide valued explanations and insights that you might not get from simply observing the sculptures on your own. Afterward, you will have a rare opportunity to create your own miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter. This will allow you to appreciate the craftsmanship and techniques of the Qin Dynasty as well as gain a deeper understanding of how terracotta warriors were made.

After lunch, drive back downtown to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which is one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda, standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple, is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. While at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying on Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), and capture memorable moments in Hanfu.

As evening falls, visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City which showcases the life and times of the Tang Dynasty. The light show is decorated with structures, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that transports you back to the times of the Tang Dynasty, providing a magical experience of walking through time.

This morning, you can visit the Ancient City Wall of Xian. Xi'an is one of the few cities in China where the imposing old city walls still stand. Built in 1370 during the Ming dynasty, the magnificent 12-meter-high walls, form a rectangle with a perimeter of 14 kilometers. To get an idea of Xi'an's former grandeur, take a leisurely walk on the wall. Each step here is a chance to resonate with the echoes of history that the stones reverberate. Or cycling ( optional ) the full extent of the wall offers a rewarding panoramic view of the city - a tangible contrast between the old and new, and a testament to Xi'an's historical significance and modern vibrancy. Once you've delved into the city's historical narrative, don't forget to indulge in the delicious food and experience the vivid local life. 

Muslim Quarter is a paradise mixed with different local snacks and Muslim culture, and you can surely taste the most authentic local food there. Don't miss the Great Mosque , an architectural gem that beautifully blends Islamic and Chinese design styles.

At last, it is time to end your 7 Days Beijing Pingyao Xian Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!

Extension Ideas:
If you plan to continue your exploration to other cities in China, such as Luoyang, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai, please feel free to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist you with travel arrangements.