Destinations: Datong, Pingyao, Taiyuan, Xian
This 8-day Shanxi-Xi'an tour connects two pivotal chapters of ancient northern China. Starting from Shanxi's Buddhist grottoes and merchant walled city, you travel onward to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army and the legacy of the Silk Road. It is a compelling route for visitors fascinated by early Chinese empires, religious art and ancient city culture. Our team handles all cross-province transfers, tickets and accommodation, delivering a cohesive heritage journey without the stress of independent planning.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Datong. Meet guide and driver, transfer to hotel. Welcome briefing and dinner. Evening walk in Datong old town. Overnight Datong.
Day 2: Full day Yungang Grottoes. Detailed guided tour of the UNESCO cave temples. Lunch close to the site. Afternoon visit Hanging Temple. Return to Datong. Overnight Datong.
Day 3: After breakfast, drive south toward Pingyao. En route, stop to visit Wang Family Courtyard, a sprawling complex of Jin merchant residences. Learn about the family's business network and architectural layout. Continue to Pingyao, check into hotel inside the ancient city. Evening free time to wander old lanes. Overnight Pingyao.
Day 4: Morning deep tour of Pingyao Ancient City: Rishengchang Draft Bank, county yamen, city wall. After lunch, drive to Shuanglin Temple to view the magnificent coloured clay sculptures. In the evening, relax and try local Pingyao beef and vinegar dishes. Overnight Pingyao.
Day 5: Check out, transfer to Taiyuan High-Speed Railway Station. Take high-speed train to Xi'an. Our Xi'an guide and driver meet you upon arrival. Transfer to hotel in Xi'an city centre. Evening stroll around the Muslim Quarter, try Xi'an street food such as roujiamo and biangbiang noodles. Overnight Xi'an.
Day 6: Full day trip to the Terracotta Army Museum. Visit Pit 1, 2, 3 and the exhibition hall of bronze chariots. Your guide explains the Qin dynasty burial system and the discovery story of the warriors. Lunch nearby. Afternoon visit Huaqing Palace, the imperial hot spring resort of Tang emperors. Return to Xi'an. Overnight Xi'an.
Day 7: Morning visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from the Silk Road. Explore the surrounding Tang-style cultural square. After lunch, rent bikes and cycle on the Xi’an City Wall, the largest intact ancient city wall in China. Evening return to Muslim Quarter for dinner. Overnight Xi’an.
Day 8: Flexible morning. You may choose to visit Shaanxi History Museum, shop for local souvenirs or simply rest. Check out and transfer to Xi’an Xianyang Airport for departure.
