Shanxi and Central Plains Cultural Discovery

Arrive in Taiyuan and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

If you arrive in the morning, you may join an optional visit to Shanxi Museum, where you will gain an excellent introduction to Jin history, Shanxi’s merchant heritage, and a collection of important historical artifacts that set the context for the journey ahead.

In the morning, visit Jinci Temple, famous for its ancient buildings and thousand-year-old water system. Continue to Daixian to explore Yanmen Pass, one of China’s most important historic frontier passes. In the evening, arrive in Shuozhou and visit Chongfu Temple, a well-preserved Liao and Jin dynasty monastery.

Travel to Yingxian to see the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the tallest and oldest surviving all-wood pagoda in the world. Visit Jingtu Temple before continuing to Datong. In the afternoon, explore Huayan Temple and the Nine-Dragon Screen Wall, fine examples of Liao and Jin architecture.

A full day exploring Datong. In the morning, visit the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring outstanding Northern Wei Buddhist carvings. In the afternoon, see Shanhua Temple and walk along the ancient city wall, learning about Datong’s long history as a frontier capital.

Travel to Hunyuan to visit the remarkable Hanging Temple, built into a cliff and blending Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions. Continue to Mount Wutai, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, enjoying highland scenery along the way.

In the early morning, stroll through the temple complex of Mount Wutai, experiencing the peaceful atmosphere as bells echo softly through the mountain air.

After descending the mountain, travel to Doucun to visit Foguang Temple, a rare example of Tang dynasty wooden architecture, Zhenguo Temple from the Five Dynasties period, and Shuanglin Temple, renowned for its exquisite painted clay sculptures.

In the evening, you may choose to attend the large-scale immersive performance “Seeing Pingyao Again” (optional), where light, music, and storytelling bring the history of Shanxi merchants vividly to life.

In the morning, enjoy a walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pingyao Ancient City. Its grey-brick city walls, former banking houses, and well-preserved Ming and Qing street layout offer a vivid picture of traditional county life and the golden age of Shanxi’s merchant banking culture.

After breakfast, depart for Lingshi to visit the grand Wang Family Courtyard, one of the finest examples of Shanxi merchant residences. Built along the hillside during the Qing dynasty, this vast architectural complex—often called the “Folk Forbidden City”—features layered courtyards and intricate brick, wood, and stone carvings, reflecting both the wealth and the strict family traditions of the Jin merchant clans.

After lunch, continue to Changzhi. En route, visit Guanyin Hall, admired for its delicate Ming dynasty painted sculptures and refined architectural details.

Travel to Huguan County to explore Baquan Gorge, one of the finest sections of the Taihang Mountains. Steep cliffs, clear waters, and dramatic scenery can be enjoyed by boat or on foot.

Visit Yuhuang Temple in Gaoping, known for its exceptionally well-preserved Song and Jin dynasty painted sculptures. Continue to Qinglian Temple and Tiefo Temple, gaining deeper insight into Buddhist art and architecture in southeastern Shanxi.

Visit Huangcheng Xiangfu, a grand Qing-dynasty official residence and former home of Chen Tingjing. Continue to Jishan to see the Song Family Brick Tombs, admired for their detailed brick carvings. In the evening, arrive near Hukou.

In the morning, visit Hukou Waterfall to witness the powerful rush of the Yellow River. Travel to Wanrong to see Feiyun Tower and Houtu Temple, important sites related to Yellow River worship. Continue to Yuncheng in the evening.

Visit the Guandi Temple in Yuncheng to learn about Guan Yu and his cultural influence. Travel to Ruicheng to explore Yongle Palace, a masterpiece of Taoist mural art. Continue to Sanmenxia to visit the unique Underground Courtyard Dwellings, then travel to Luoyang for an evening walk around Lijing Gate and Luoyi Ancient Town.

Spend the day in Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals. Visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Sui-Tang Grand Canal Museum, White Horse Temple, and Guanlin Temple, learning about Buddhism’s arrival in China and Three Kingdoms history.

Travel to Dengfeng to visit the famous Shaolin Temple. Watch a kung fu performance and explore the Pagoda Forest and First Patriarch’s Hermitage. In the evening, enjoy the outdoor performance “Zen Shaolin Music Ceremony.”

Visit Kaifeng, exploring Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden and Kaifeng Government Office, which recreate Song-dynasty life and governance. Continue to Zhengzhou to visit the Henan Museum and Erqi Memorial Tower, followed by an evening walk through Dehua Road Night Market.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. The journey ends with lasting memories of Shanxi and China’s Central Plains, rich in history, culture, and natural scenery.