Itinerary

Day 1

Beijing - Pingyao Most travellers travel to Pingyao from Beijing and that is why this module begins with a departure from Beijing. We’ll make reservations for a transfer to take you to the train station where the night train will depart in the early evening. After you’ve spent some time talking to your fellow travellers (often Chinese) and you’re ready for bed you will have sleeper bunks waiting for you. For those travellers coming from Xian, we’ll arrange a train or a daytime bus to Pingyao and on to Beijing.

Day 2

Arrival in PingyaoAs the sun climbs the sky and night turns to day your train will pull into the station at Pingyao around 7:00. Our representative will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the city centre which is surrounded by a city wall; the drive will only take about 5 minutes. You’ll stay at a traditional courtyard hotel. Once your room is ready you can freshen up and have some breakfast.Then it’s time to stroll through the small streets in the compact city centre. You could rent a bike, but it really isn’t necessary. You’ll see far greater detail by walking through the city: small entrance gates, small gardens, temples and vistas (with entrance fees) all of which decorated with colourful red Chinese lanterns. Don’t miss the central clock tower; you’ll have an aerial view of the entire city from the top of the tower.

Day 3

Departure from PingyaoVisit the ancient Buddhist Zhenguo Lotus Temple. The temple is extremely charming and peaceful; allow yourself to dream away from the tourists and the crowds of Pingyao and to achieve a sense of peace and calm. According to the local tourist brochures for the temple: 'Its calmness makes it a temple'. When you enter the temple, keep an eye out for the unique construction of wooden Lotus support beams and the 1000 year old tree.

Combine a trip to the temple of Zhenguo with a trip by car to the Family Qiao’s courtyard-house, with its 25 courtyards and 300 rooms. These days the residence is a museum and it lies about 2 hours north of Pingyao. The blockbuster hit ‘Raise the Red lantern’ was filmed here.
At the end of the afternoon you'll be picked up at your hotel and taken to the train station. We'll make reservations for a hard sleeper in the train to Xi'an for you.

Day 4

Arrival Xian You'll arrive at the Xian train station around 8:00 in the morning. This is where the module will end.

General Information

Duration:

4 Days

Location Start:

Beijing

Location Finish:

Xian

Payment Types:

Cash, Paypal, Travellers Cheque, Payment Transfer

We Speak:

English

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Transport, accommodation

Exclusions -

Meals and drinks, excursions and entrance fees