12 Days Northern China Exploration Tour

  • Hanging Temple
    Hanging Temple
  • Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
    Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
  • Pingyao Ancient City
    Pingyao Ancient City
  • Yungang Grottoe
    Yungang Grottoe
Destination:

Tour Code: ct-7

Tour Type: Private Tour with Exclusive Tour Guide and Driver

Departure : Flexible

Tour Highlights:

In this tour you will enjoy the ancient cities of northern China from Datong, which is famous for the Yungang Grottoes, to Pingyao, where you can see the history of the ancient merchants of Shanxi Province via exploration of extreme luxury courtyards. Wisdom and culture of the Chinese for thousands of years show perfectly in all ancient constructions.

Itinerary

  • Day1

    Arrival in Beijing

    • No meals
    • in Beijing
    Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China, rich in history and culture.
    Your private guide will pick you up at the airport on time and transfer you in a comfortable vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the city by yourself.
  • Day2

    Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Hutongs by Rickshaw

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Beijing
    Your visit to Beijing begins with the world's largest public square, Tiananmen Square. Walking through the square, you enter the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world, where the 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasty ruled for nearly 500 years (1420-1911). After lunch, continue to travel through Hutongs by rickshaw, and see houses and courtyards with 100-year history. A visit to a local family offers you an opportunity to understand the way of life of the Chinese.
  • Day3

    Beijing: Temple of Heaven and Great Wall Mutianyu

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Beijing
    Today's excursion will begin with the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the sky for the good harvest. The Chinese people exercise and practice martial arts in the morning. After lunch in a restaurant near the Great Wall, you will visit the Great Wall Mutianyu, which are a less crowded section and known for best scenery among all sections. The cable car can help you up and down.
  • Day4

    Beijing: Summer Palace and Lamas Temple, Beijing to Datong by Train

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Datong
    Today you are going to visit two outstanding places of interest. First is Summer Palace, a luxury complex of the royal family for over a century. Today this park attracts many travellers and consists of classic buildings, large artificial Kunming Lake and hills, as well as delicate natural landscapes. Another is the Temple of the Lamas, the largest and best preserved lamasery in Beijing in Chinese and Tibetan Han style, which witnessed the history of the Qing Dynasty.
    Then you will be transferred to the railway station to take the train to Datong. Upon arrival in Datong, your local guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.
  • Day5

    Datong: Yungang Grottoes, Nine Dragons Wall, Huayan Temple

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Datong
    In the morning, you will visit the magnificent Yungang Grottoes. The grotto was excavated at the mountain, with a total length of 1,000 meters from its east to west. There are 53 caverns and more than 51,000 stone carvings and statues in the grotto, and it is one of the largest-scale ancient grotto groups in our country.
    Then return to the center of the city to visit the Nine-Dragon Wall, which is a tiled wall built more than 600 years ago.
    Built during the Liao Dynasty, Huayan Temple originally served as the ancestral temple of the royal family. In the mid-Ming Dynasty, it was divided into the upper and lower parts, each with an individual entrance. To date, the temple has had a history of more than 900 years.
  • Day6

    Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Datong to Pingyao

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Pingyao
    Today, it will take 1 hour to visit Hanging Temple from Datong. It is said that Hanging Temple was built by Monk Liaoran during the Northern Wei Dynasty, and so far it has had a history of more than 1,400 years. Constructed on precipitous cliffs, the temple stands as far as 50 meters from the ground. The gorge where the temple is located used to be the only passage for pilgrims from Datong to Wutai Mountain, and the temple was originally built as a transfer post. To avoid flood, it was thus hanged on the cliffs, making itself an architectural wonder throughout history.
    After another 1 hour driving you can visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. At the height of 67.3 meters, the Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County is China's tallest and oldest multiple-floored Buddhist pagoda constructed entirely of wood.
    Lastly you will go to the Pingyao Ancient City by car about 4 hours.
  • Day7

    Wang Family Compound and Zhangbi Ancient Fortress

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Pingyao
    Today you will visit Wang Family Compound and Zhangbi Ancient Fortress.
    Different from other merchants of Shanxi, Wang family made its fortune by trade in the Qing Dynasty, and then began to walk in official circles. The Wang family was well known both for its success in business and public office. Countless exquisite carvings and ornaments can be seen all over the Wang Family Compound. No wonder people called it "The First Residence in China”.
    This well-preserved ancient walled village is 10 km south of Jiexiu County. It was first built as a fortress to store grain and station troops in ancient times. The village was built on a loess hill with high walls, a citadel outside the fortress gate to reinforce the defences of the village and a gate tower. Inside the village are streets with open drains, wells, tunnels for hiding troops and storing grain, temples for seeking God's protection, a drill ground and homes. It has complete facilities for defence and survival.

  • Day8

    Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao to Xian by High Speed Train

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Xian
    One of China's best-preserved ancient county towns, Pingyao represents a typical city constructed by Hans during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With a history of 2,700 years, it preserves a large amount of cultural relics, hence its reputation as "Treasure House of Ancient Chinese Architectures." Historically, Pingyao served as the cradle of financial industry of contemporary China, where were located the headquarters of many financial institutions, including the most prestigious private bank. After visiting in Pingyao, you will take high speed train to Xian.
  • Day9

    Xian: Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Xian
    Today your first destination is the incredible Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological finds in the 20th century. 6,000 life-size soldiers and battle horses have guarded the 2200-year-old Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang.
    Then visit the Chinese style architecture combined with dozens of historical Buddhist statues and murals in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is also the symbol of the city of Xian.
  • Day10

    Xian: Shaanxi History Museum, Ancient City Wall, Great Mosque and Muslim Street, Xian to Shanghai by Flight

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Shanghai
    Today you first learn some history and see some of China's most precious historical items at the Shaanxi History Museum.
    You can walk along the ancient Ancient City Wall in the 13th century to hear the echo of history and appreciate a complete view of the city. Then visit the Great Mosque and the famous nearby Muslim Street, where you can touch local life.
    Today ends with the 2-hour flight to Shanghai, the economic centre of China.
  • Day11

    Shanghai: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai Old Street, Shanghai World Financial Center and the Bund

    • Breakfast & Lunch
    • in Shanghai
    Today at first you will visit Shanghai Museum, where you can discover beautiful collections of bronze, porcelain, sculptures and calligraphy.
    Continue to Yu Garden, a private garden showcasing the architecture and design style of classic Chinese gardens, and take a stroll down nearby Shanghai Old Street.
    After lunch, advance to Shanghai Tower, a super high skyscraper with breathtaking views of old and new Shanghai. The Bund is a must-see for tourists coming to Shanghai. The structures that coexist, classic and modernist style, have become the symbol of Shanghai.
  • Day12

    Shanghai Departure

    • Breakfast
    Pick you up at your hotel and transfer to the airport. Our service ends here and your trip in China will remain in your mind forever.

Price Inclusion&Exclusion

Price Inclusion

•    Transportation within China: Domestic flight (economy class) or train on the Itinerary.
•    Tickets: Entrance fees of all attractions listed in the itinerary.
•    Meals: All meals are specified in the itinerary. Breakfast is usually a Western-style buffet at the hotel, or could be a Chinese breakfast in some remote areas. Chinese lunch will be arranged in a local restaurant.
•    Hotels: All rooms have air conditioning and private bathroom, unless specified.
•    Private Transfers: A driver and a tour guide who speaks English or other langauges  acorrding to your requirement will transfer you to airport/railway station, hotel, and attractions in the cities in private air-conditioned vehicle.
•    Private Guide: We provide Professional licensed tour guides who are responsible, knowledgeable and have a sense of humor to accompany you throughout your journey.
•    Service Expenses (includes planning, handling, operating and communication expenses) and Government Taxes.
•    Insurance: China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance
•    Baggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
Price Exclusion

•    International air tickets to enter and leave China
•    Chinese visa fees.
•    Personal Expenses: For example cost of excess luggage, laundry, beverages, fax, telephone, optional activities etc.
•    Dietary expenses other than meals in price inclusion are not included in the itinerary.
•    The cost of the attraction not listed in the itinerary is not included.
•    Single Room Supplement
•    Tips to tour guides, drivers etc.

HOTEL

Recommended Accommodation for Your Trip to China
City 3-Star Hotel 4-star Hotel 5-star Hotel
Beijing King Parkview Hotel Sunworld Hotel Regent Beijing
Datong - Datong Hotel Holiday Inn
Pingyao Yide Hotel Lizeyuan International Hotel Yunjincheng Folk Hotel
Xi'an Skytel Hotel Xian Xi'an Grand Noble Hotel Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Shanghai Kingtown Hotel the bund Hongkou Shanghai Ambassador Hotel Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai

There is no doubt that a good choice of comfortable accommodation will enhance the pleasure of your trip in China. The hotels all over China that we offer will bring you more benefits of competitive price and guaranteed quality.
The hotels we choose for you are based on:
•    Location: Most hotels that we select are located in the center of the city, near places of interest or main shopping streets etc., or it is close to the main means of transport. We hope these amenities will bring you a pleasant vacation.
•    Quality of Facilities & Service: All hotels are strictly and regularly inspected, and have a good performance in accommodating foreign clients and excellent feedback from our previous clients.
•    Diversity of Choice: So many styles and classes of hotels are available for different budgets, tastes and cultural backgrounds..

Hotel Criteria of Each Class
•    Budget Class Hotel (3 Stars)
This kind of hotel could meet the basic requirements for a pleasant stay, good size and clean rooms with air conditioning, TV, hot water, shower and private bathroom, hotel restaurants with breakfast included and lunch or dinner of your choice. A small gym or spa can be expected.
•    Comfortable Class Hotel (4 Stars)
You will normally stay in formal, large hotels conveniently located with shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities nearby. Quality service, fully furnished rooms, restaurants, gym and heated pool (in very rare cases there is no pool) all together offer an above-average accommodation experience.
•    Luxury Class Hotel (5 Stars)
Luxury hotel with first class service and a wide range of facilities will provide an excellent accommodation experience. There are several hotel restaurants with extensive menus to choose from, 24-hour room service available, concierge service and gym complete the experience.

Service

Meals of Young's China Travel•     Meals
In your itinerary, it normally offers two meals each day: breakfast and lunch. You will have the freedom to choose your own dinner. If you have certain food allergies or special requirements such as vegetarian food, please let us know in advance. We will try our best to satisfy your special needs.
Breakfast
Normally served at the hotel where you stay. Depending on the hotel, breakfast is Western style, Chinese style or a combination.
Lunch - A la Carte 
In order to have our customers to taste authentic Chinese food and avoid tourist menus, we take food quality, dining environment and travel convenience into consideration when planning your lunch. Therefore , we will arrange a la carte lunch at a local restaurant whenever possible. Lunch a la carte is varied with different recommended restaurants and different cities. You could order the dishes according to your taste under the instructions of your guide. However, in some remote regions where it is difficult to find a non-tourist restaurant, you could have lunch at a local tourist restaurant or in a local family.
Your Own Dinner Option
Dinner is not included in our China travel package, unless you have this requirement. Looking for food by yourself could also be one of your best experiences in China. Therefore we offer you this flexibility of food choice. You can ask for your private guide to gain good suggestions.

•   Private Guide & Transfer
You will have a private guide, private driver and an air-conditioned vehicle to accompany you at each destination of your trip, which will provide you with maximum personal care, security and flexibility.
All our guides are qualified and responsible professionals. All our vehicles are clean and in excellent condition, crewed with licensed drivers.
Private Tour Guide
In each city, we have a professional local guide. Our guide picks you up punctually at your arrival from the airport/railway station/spring of each destination. On your way out of that city, your guide will stay by your side until you have checked in and passed through security. All our travel guides in each destination are local and responsible, who know this area well. They accompany you visiting this city during 8 working hours of each day and they will tell background stories of the tourist places, and show you the secret places to take your best Vehicles of Young's China Travel pictures.
When it is necessary to change your itinerary for unexpected reasons, your private travel guide will suggest alternatives to ensure that you still have an excellent experience.

Private Transfer
With our comfortable and safe private transfer, your trip will be more relaxing and less tiring, keeping you in the best spirits to make the most of your experience in China. In all destinations visited, your vehicle is air-conditioned, clean and expertly maintained. Your private driver is licensed, insured and experienced.
Normally we will arrange vehicles with more space for you and your luggages. Depending on the number of passengers, we generally use sedans or minivans (7 seats) for 4 people or less, large vans or small buses (12-22 seats) for 5 to 12 people, medium cars (33-37 seats) for 13 - 25 people and large buses (more than 45 seats) for more than 25 people.

•     Remarks 
We reserve the right to modify the price due to exchange rate fluctuation
If you have special requirements, please tell us in advance.
We reserve the right of final explanation for any change due to the reasons beyond our control.