Day 1 → All day Taiyuan gathering day
All day
Tourists will check in at designated hotels after 2:00 PM. Please report your "China-Travel Note + Name" at the front desk. You will then be free to move around. Please keep your belongings safe and take care of yourself.
Recommended attractions
Museums: Shanxi Museum, Bronze Museum, Shanxi Merchants Museum, China Coal Museum, etc. (Please make reservations in advance through the official WeChat accounts of each museum)
Other attractions in the city: Shuangta Temple Park, Chunyang Palace, Governor's Mansion, Donghu Vinegar Garden
Surrounding areas: Jin Temple, Tianlongshan Grottoes, Taiyuan Ancient County, Mengshan Giant Buddha (it is more convenient to take a taxi to the surrounding attractions)
Food recommendations
Taiyuan Liuxiang Bell Tower Street, Old Taiyuan Restaurant, Shanxi Restaurant, Yangji Sausage on Food Street, Hao Ganggang Lamb Offal in Liuxiang, Qingheyuan Restaurant, Laoshuku Yuanxiao, Bofan Old Tavern, Yixiang Pavilion, Qingheyuan's Head, Renyili (Halal cuisine), etc.
Traffic Tips
Taiyuan Wusu Airport and Taiyuan High-speed Railway Station/Railway Station are very close to Taiyuan city center. A taxi ride takes about half an hour and costs around 20-30 yuan. Pick-up service is not included. Please make your own way to the meeting hotel.
Day 2 Taiyuan → Foguang Temple → Mount Wutai → Stay at Mount Wutai
All day
Head north to Mount Wutai to visit Foguang Temple, which Liang Sicheng called a "national treasure."
Foguang Temple, having survived through millennia of adversity, defies Japanese scholars' claim that "China lacks Tang Dynasty art." Its "Four Wonders": Tang Dynasty architecture, Tang Dynasty inscriptions, Tang Dynasty murals, and Tang Dynasty statues, preserve important hope for us to revisit the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Here, one feels the arduous struggle and perseverance of Liang Lin in his search for ancient architecture amidst the flames of war, and finds inner peace and tranquility in the pristine mountains.
Wishing Guide | Mount Wutai: Seek Blessings from Manjushri Bodhisattva at the Summit of North China
Mount Wutai, the most renowned of China's four great Buddhist mountains, is a must-see. Known as the "Golden Five Peaks," it's the sanctuary of Manjushri Bodhisattva and the only remaining shrine in China where Han and Tibetan Buddhism blend harmoniously. Emperors of many dynasties have visited it since ancient times. This afternoon, we'll explore the core temple complex of Taihuai Town, exploring its history, Buddhism, and architectural styles.
Xiantong Temple - as famous as Luoyang White Horse Temple, "China's second oldest temple", the bronze hall is used for New Year's blessings
Guanghua Temple - a popular night view spot, where every detail of the Sutra Library will make you unable to take your eyes off
Luohou Temple—built in the Tang Dynasty, the temple features Tang Dynasty stone lions and the magical "flowers blooming to offer to Buddha" landscape (Special experience for tourists: Light the Wisdom Heart Lamp at Luohou Temple)
Tayuan Temple - Mount Wutai's iconic landmark, the Great White Pagoda, is pristine white with hundreds of bells ringing. (Tourists can enjoy a special experience: circumambulate the White Pagoda with prayer wheels for blessings.)
Shuxiang Temple - enshrines the largest Manjusri Bodhisattva in Mount Wutai, where students seek wisdom
After a satisfying tour, check in to Taihuai Town. We have prepared a special vegetarian meal for you.
Experience vegetarian food culture at this sacred Buddhist site. The origins and traditions of vegetarian food can be traced back to Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan. With imperial advocacy and imperial decrees, vegetarian food became widespread. During the Qing Dynasty, whenever Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong visited Mount Wutai, the abbots of the temples would offer them a welcome meal of exquisite vegetarian food. We'll also share our unique vegetarian cuisine with you here, enjoying it and sharing our experiences.
Kind tips:
1. Today's visiting time and attractions can be adjusted according to actual conditions, usually 3-4 points. Since each person's tour pace is different, the specific arrangements of the tour guide on the day shall prevail. The above are recommended temples.
2. All major temples in Mount Wutai hold a series of prayer ceremonies at different times. Visitors are welcome to participate and wish for all their wishes to come true.
3. Burning incense and praying for blessings may cause a large crowd, so please keep a calm mind. Burning incense and expressing joy vary from person to person, and it is up to you to spend as much as you want. Every day is an auspicious day, every moment is an auspicious moment. Come and worship as you please, and don't get carried away.
Day 3 Mount Wutai → Hanging Temple → Stay in Datong
All day
Climbing to pray for blessings | Departing Wutai Mountain in the evening, climbing to the top to enjoy the scenery, with a lot of gratitude in my heart
The next day, be sure to get up early to pray at the Wuye Temple! Afterward, we'll ascend to Qiandailuo Peak to complete our pilgrimage to Mount Wutai. Due to individual preferences and individual paces, please inform your tour leader in advance if you'd like to visit other temples of your choice.
Wuye Temple - It is said that this is the temple with the most praying and the most prosperous incense, where people pray for peace and wealth.
Dailuoding is the largest Yellow Sect temple in Mount Wutai and one of the five major Zen temples in Mount Wutai.
The Hanging Temple is one of the world's ten most endangered buildings according to Time Magazine.
After enjoying our leisurely stroll, we'll cross the North China Roof to the Hanging Temple, a site over 1,500 years old. Its more than 40 halls and pavilions, thanks to their mortise and tenon joints, remain immovable within the cliff face. The poet Li Bai was so enchanted by its magnificent spectacle, and Xu Xiake praised it as one of the world's greatest sights. Upon entering the temple, we discover that while it appears imposing from a distance, its scale is actually quite small. The temple rises gradually, following the mountain's contours, creating a sense of grandeur within its smallness. Climbing the suspended towers, narrow walkways, and low wooden railings requires true courage.
At night, you can freely wander around the ancient city, or climb up the ancient city wall to enjoy the night view of the whole city.
[Important Reminder! Ticket Reservation Rules for the Hanging Temple]
1. Due to the high visitor flow at the Hanging Temple, there may be temporary restrictions, suspension of sales, and long queues. The scenic area requires real-name reservations for ticket purchases, and travel agencies cannot purchase tickets on behalf of others. Therefore, this product only includes the Hanging Temple entrance ticket and does not include the climbing ticket (climbing ticket is 100 yuan/person). Tourists who want to experience the climbing experience, please reserve the climbing ticket in advance on the [Hengshan Scenic Area] official account (entry tickets are handled by travel agencies, so you do not need to make a reservation yourself). If you are unable to make a reservation, you will queue up to buy tickets on site. If you are unable to get a ticket, please remain calm, as we will visit the temple as usual.
2. [Next stop: Shanxi] Visit the Hanging Temple on the afternoon of Day 3. If you wish to climb the temple, please book your ticket in advance through the [Hengshan Scenic Area] official account for the afternoon session of 12:00-17:00.
3. Full-ticket tickets are 100 yuan per person, half-ticket tickets are 50 yuan per person, and free tickets are 0 yuan per person. All ticket types require reservations before boarding. You must bring the corresponding documents when traveling. Ticket purchase platforms include the [Hengshan Scenic Area] official account, Tongcheng mini program/app, and Ctrip mini program/app;
4. Purchase tickets through WeChat Official Account: Only ID card reservations are accepted. You can reserve full tickets for adults (18-59 years old), free tickets for children (under 6 years old), half-price tickets for minors (6-17 years old), and free tickets for seniors (60 years old and above).
5. Tongcheng Ticket Purchase: Reservations are accepted with ID cards, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan ID cards, and passports. Adult full tickets and minor half-price tickets can be reserved.
6. Ctrip Ticket Purchase: Supports ID card and passport booking, and can book full tickets for adults and half-price tickets for minors;
Recommended Datong delicacies: Datong knife-cut noodles, Hunyuan jelly, assorted copper hot pot, Datong mutton offal, Shuaifu Street rabbit head, oat noodle kuoluoluo, Datong yellow cake, Min Baguer, etc.
Day 4 Yungang Grottoes → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda → Xinzhou Ancient City Iron Flower
All day
Yungang Grottoes, a World Cultural Heritage Site: The pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art from the 5th century AD
The Yungang Grottoes boast a history of over 1,500 years. Along with the Mogao Grottoes, the Longmen Grottoes, and the Maijishan Grottoes, they are considered one of the "Four Great Grottoes of China" and are hailed as a treasure trove of ancient Chinese sculpture. They boast 45 major caves, over 1,000 niches of various sizes, and over 51,000 stone Buddha statues. Carved into the mountainside, thirteen pairs of "four-sided divine pillars riding elephants" flank Foguang Avenue. Over twenty caves of varying sizes stretch across approximately two kilometers of the mountain, interspersed with classical Chinese architecture. The Yungang Grottoes blend the artistic styles of ancient India, the Western Regions, and the Central Plains, creating a breathtaking and captivating experience.
The world's tallest wooden pagoda [Yingxian Wooden Pagoda]: The ceiling is inspired by the art of bracket sets
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, considered one of the "Three Great Pagodas of the World" along with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, is over 960 years old. Standing 67.31 meters tall and with a base diameter of 30.27 meters, it is octagonal in plan and constructed entirely of wood, without nails or rivets. Two tooth relics of Sakyamuni Buddha are enshrined within the pagoda. Wind chimes are installed under the eaves of each floor, creating a melodious tinkling sound in the breeze. Having survived earthquakes, wars, and lightning strikes, the pagoda still stands today, prompting Liang Sicheng to praise it, saying, "Without seeing this pagoda, one has no idea how far wooden structures can go!"
CCTV strongly recommends [Xinzhou Ancient City]
If you only know Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi, you're missing out! Xinzhou Ancient City, known as the "Key to Northern Shanxi," boasts over 1,800 years of history and is a truly captivating destination for Shanxi locals. Experience the vibrant performances of the intangible cultural heritage of iron flower smithing, lion dances, and resounding gongs and drums. The vibrant fusion of trend and tradition, along with a dazzling array of delicious food, is a must-see, even recommended by CCTV! Enjoy the stunning night views of the ancient city.
Recommended performances in the past: (For reference only, please refer to the actual performances scheduled each year)
The intangible cultural heritage of iron flower making - the homonym of "Hua" and "Fa", means "the more you make flowers, the more prosperous you will be", which symbolizes a prosperous career, colorful lights and dancing fire!
Wrestling Heroes Conference - Xinzhou has always been the forefront of the conflict and integration between the Central Plains agricultural civilization and the northern nomadic culture. The wrestling and sheep-scratching competition was used as a war drill in peacetime. It has lasted for thousands of years and is well-known and enduring!
Day 5 Xinzhou → Shuanglin Temple → Pingyao Ancient City
All day
Shuanglin Temple: A Treasure House of Oriental Painted Sculptures: Experience the fusion of clay sculptures and murals
Shanxi's ancient architecture is incredibly popular. Let's explore Pingyao's Shuanglin Temple and experience the breathtaking beauty of Chinese painted sculptures! These temple's painted sculptures are a classic fusion of sculpture and painting, perfectly preserving Buddhist iconography. While inheriting the essence of Tang, Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasty sculptures, they transcend religious limitations and emphasize the humanity of the deities. Each sculpture is vivid and lifelike, imbued with both human presence and divine charm. The Sakya Hall features statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and his attendant bodhisattvas. The walls, in the form of comic strips, depict 48 episodes from the life of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, from his reincarnation as a white elephant to his death in Shuanglin Temple. These sculptures fully demonstrate the versatile and rich artistic expression of small clay sculptures.
Hometown of Shanxi Merchants [Pingyao Ancient City]
Pingyao Ancient City is a renowned cultural city with over 2,700 years of history. It is one of only two ancient county towns in China to have been successfully nominated for World Cultural Heritage status as an entire city. Upon arrival, we'll check into our inn and then explore Pingyao's culinary delights. The ancient city boasts a wealth of delicious dishes, including Pingyao beef, bowl trays, Pingyao stew, baopi noodles, oat noodle soup, and pan-fried dumplings. If you're overwhelmed by the choices, why not indulge in a delicious meal?
Today's attractions are subject to change based on your needs. Since everyone has different interests and pace, we'll select the best attractions for you to explore and experience, including folk activities. Your ticket is valid for three days, so be sure to keep it safe. During your free time, you can visit other attractions based on your interests. Recommended attractions:
Xietongqing Bank - Get your money! It has the largest and most complete underground vault in my country! Imagine the glorious past when the cave-like vaults were filled with gold and silver.
The China Escort Agency Museum, founded by renowned martial arts master Wang Zhengqing, offers a glimpse into the life of the Escort Agency. For those interested in martial arts, the backyard training ground features sandbags, archery targets, and plum blossom piles, perfect for posing for photos.
Rishengchang - China Piaohao Museum, China's earliest bank! Learn about the origins of Shanxi merchants, the Piaohao operating system, and the brilliant Shanxi merchant culture, and experience the integrity culture that Shanxi merchants defended with their lives and the great talents and strategies of Shanxi merchants at that time.
Chenghuang Temple - the God of Wealth Temple, the City God Temple, and the Kitchen God Temple are three temples in one. This temple-within-a-temple structure is unique in China. The glazed tiles and colored sculptures are very attractive.
Ma Family Courtyard - known as "the first house in Pingyao", is the former residence of Ma Zhongxuan, a wealthy businessman in the Qing Dynasty. It is an ancient residential complex with great artistic charm and ornamental value.
At night, you can lie on the big kang in the inn, or quietly walk through the streets and alleys of the ancient city, looking for the Pingyao in your heart, and quietly feel the leisure and lazy nights that this ancient city has given us!
Day 6: Pingyao Ancient City Free Unlock → Taiyuan Wusu Airport → Taiyuan South Railway Station → Taiyuan Railway Station
All day
Immersive Tour of Pingyao Ancient City | Unlock more fun and exciting content
Tourists interested in ancient architecture can also take a taxi to the Zhenguo Temple, one of the "Twin Pearls of Pingyao" listed as a World Cultural Heritage together with the Pingyao Ancient City.
Zhenguo Temple—See ancient wooden structures from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Besides a small number of Five Dynasties colored sculptures in the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the colored sculptures in the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas at Zhenguo Temple are the only Five Dynasties works preserved in temples and monasteries across China.
Tourists interested in travel makeup and photoshoots should definitely try the "Jin Merchants' Madam" makeup and photoshoot experience when visiting Pingyao! After getting your makeup done, pose in various poses along Ming and Qing Dynasty streets, and you'll feel like you've stepped back into that era!
After having fun, we will depart for Taiyuan around 13:00 and arrive at Taiyuan Wusu Airport around 15:00, Taiyuan South Railway Station around 15:30, and Taiyuan Railway Station around 15:50. You can buy flights or trains after 17:00 to avoid delays.
If you wish to continue your tour in Pingyao or leave early, please inform the tour leader in advance and sign a departure agreement. You can then take a taxi to Pingyao Ancient City High-Speed Railway Station, choose a suitable train, and disband the group according to your own arrangements.
