Shanxi Odyssey Tour

Today you will arrive in Datong by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Enjoy a private full-day tour of Datong's cultural and historical landmarks. Explore the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning Buddhist sculptures and intricate carvings, showcasing over 51,000 statues that reflect ancient artistry. Visit Huayan Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. The main hall features a remarkable statue of Avalokiteshvara, offering a glimpse into Buddhist culture. Conclude your tour at the Nine-Dragon Screen, the largest glazed screen wall in China. Admire the nine vividly detailed dragons, a symbol of power, crafted with exceptional artistry.

After breakfast, start your private transfer from Datong to Mount Wutai. Your first stop will be the Hanging Temple, a remarkable structure built over 1,500 years ago into the cliffs of Mount Hengshan. This temple uniquely combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism and offers stunning views of the valley below.

Next, visit the Wooden Pagoda in Ying County, the oldest and tallest wooden pagoda in China, dating back to 1056. The pagoda’s intricate design and its collection of Buddhist statues and relics highlight the architectural ingenuity of the Liao Dynasty.

Afterward, enjoy a 3-hour drive to Mount Wutai, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Wutaishan and unwind in this tranquil, spiritually significant area, preparing for your temple visits the following day.

After breakfast, embark on a private transfer from Mount Wutai to Taiyuan. Along the way, visit several significant temples. Start with the Xiantong Temple, the largest and most important temple on Mount Wutai, featuring an expansive complex and the mountain’s largest copper bell. Then, proceed to the Pusading Temple, known for its grand royal-style halls and its significance as a former imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. Finally, visit the Tayuan Temple, recognizable by its iconic Great White Pagoda, a symbol of Mount Wutai.

After visiting these spiritual landmarks, continue with a 4-hour drive to Taiyuan. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for an overnight stay and relax after your day of exploration.

Enjoy a private transfer from Taiyuan to Changzhi, with enriching stops along the way. Begin your journey with a visit to the Jinci Temple, which was founded about 1,400 years ago, boasting a diverse collection of more than 100 sculptures, buildings, terraces, and bridges. Continue to Dayun Temple in Qin County, known for its historical significance and striking Buddhist architecture. After your visits, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Changzhi, where you'll stay overnight.

Enjoy a private full-day tour of Changzhi, exploring two of the region's most significant historical and religious sites. Begin with a visit to Jindeng Temple,  which is famous for the Buddhist grottoes art.  This temple is a significant cultural site, offering insight into the Buddhist traditions and artistry of the area.   Continue your journey to Longmen Temple, which was first built in Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577 BC), and it is home to architectures from Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasty.The temple's historical significance and stunning craftsmanship make it a must-visit.This tour offers a deep dive into Changzhi's rich religious and cultural heritage.

Enjoy a private transfer from Changzhi to Jincheng with enriching stops along the way. Begin by visiting the historic Kaihua Temple, which is well-known for the exquisite frescoes painted in the North Song Dynasty. Continue your journey to the Yuhuang Taoist Temple, the 28 statues of Gods of Constellations built in Yuan Dynasty are the highlight in this temple. After exploring these cultural landmarks, drive to Jincheng for an overnight stay.

Enjoy a private transfer from Jincheng to Linfen with enriching stops along the way. Begin your journey with a visit to the Fencheng Ancient Architectural Complex, a well-preserved site showcasing traditional Chinese architecture, offering a glimpse into the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region. Continue to the Guangsheng Temple, renowned for its stunning Buddhist frescoes and the ancient Flying Rainbow Pagoda, a remarkable example of Yuan Dynasty architecture. Afterward, explore the Hongtong Ming Dynasty Prison, an intriguing historical site that provides insight into the legal and penal systems of the Ming Dynasty. Conclude your day with a scenic 4-hour drive to Linfen for an overnight stay, enjoying a seamless journey through history and culture.

Enjoy a private transfer from Linfen to Pingyao, driving about 3 hours to this historic city, which was listed as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site in 1997. Along the way, visit the renowned Wang Family Courtyard, often nicknamed the "Civilian Forbidden City" of North China. This impressive Qing Dynasty compound showcases intricate carvings and stunning courtyards, offering a deep insight into the opulent lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family. After exploring this magnificent site, continue your scenic drive to Pingyao for an overnight stay, ensuring a comfortable and culturally enriching journey.

Experience the rich history of Pingyao Ancient City on a full-day private tour. Begin by walking along the Pingyao City Wall, a well-preserved fortification offering stunning views of the ancient city. Next, visit the Rishengchang Former Bank, established in 1823 and considered the first bank in China, where you'll learn about its significance in the country's financial development. Stroll down Ming and Qing Street, lined with traditional architecture and shops selling local crafts and snacks, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Discover the ancient streets and hidden alleys that reflect Pingyao's storied past, making for an unforgettable cultural experience.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.