Welcome to Beijing! You will be met at the arrival hall of the airport by your friendly English-speaking tour guide holding a welcome sign with your name and be transferred to the hotel by your air-conditioned private car. Then the rest of day will be left for you to relax and you may wander around to have a glimpse of Beijing. 

After a sound sleep, start your historical explorations in Beijing by visiting the largest square in the world -Tiananmen Square first and then walk across it into the magnificent Forbidden City, the largest and well-preserved imperial palace complexes which witnessed the rises and falls of Ming and Qing dynasty from 1420 to 1912. Housing more than 70 glorious palaces and 9000 exquisite rooms, it fully brings you back to the prosperity of those bygone days. Follow your guide to get deep insights of the luxurious life of the royal family and listen to the appealing anecdotes shared by your knowledgeable guide along the exploration. 

Afterwards, enjoy a good chance for you to feel old Beijing by a relaxing stroll at the traditional Hutongs where you will take a leisurely rickshaw ride into the quiet and old alleys to get a close-up look to the locals' life. Then learn to paint a facial mask in the famous Peking Opera by yourself and be enchanted by the traditional art of China. Bring this memorable souvenir home with you when you finish.

After breakfast, enjoy a moderate hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall famed for the smaller crowds and splendid scenery. Along the hike, admire the beauties of nature and feel awe for the magnificence of the amazing defensive work with a history of over 2,000 years. Round-trip Cable Car is included to make your exploration easier and to save more time for you to spend on the Wall.

On the way back to downtown, have a glimpse of the magnificent national stadiums in 2008 Beijing Olympic- Bird's Nest and Water Cube and you may take some memorable pictures outside.

Then proceed to Summer Palace, a supreme masterpiece of classical Chinese garden built for royal families to relax in summer. Stroll along the glittering Kunming Lake and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape where pavilions, stone bridges, rockeries and temples are harmoniously integrated with natural sceneries. 

In the morning pay a visit to the solemn Temple of Heaven, the renowned religious complexes built for emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties to worship the Heaven for good harvests. Admire the outstanding achievement of Chinese architecture masterpiece and learn about the traditional thought "the earth is square and heaven is round".

Afterwards, you will be transferred to the railway station to travel to Datong. Then your local guide will meet you at the station and escort you to check in at your hotel in Datong.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest at Temple of Heaven

Explorations in Datong start from the grand Yungang Grottoes, one of the four largest clusters of grottoes in China and inscribed in World Heritage List. Built in imposing scale and decorated with delicate carvings, Yungang Grottoes is considered as the Buddhist art treasures with over 250 caverns and 50,000 Buddha Statues.

After that, drive to admire the oldest and largest Nine-Dragon Screen in China. You will be dazzled by the nine lifelike grand Chinese dragons made up of brilliant glazed tiles. Take a closer look and marvel at its superb crafting techniques with a history of more than 600 years.

Then enjoy a peaceful visit admiring Shanhua Temple, a Buddhist temple built in Liao Dynasty (916-1125) with well-preserved statues, refined murals and unique architectural style.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pingyao by your air-conditioned private car. Along the way, you will encounter the majestic Hanging Monastery first. Carved into the sheer cliff, it appears to be suspending in the air in the distance. Housing over 40 halls and rooms, the Monastery is also regarded as the treasure of religious art.

Afterwards, head to admire the 900-year-old Wooden Pagoda in Ying County, the oldest and largest wooden pagoda survived in China with a height of 67.31 meters (220.83 ft). Its wooden texture prevents it from being collapsed in several strong earthquakes and makes it unique in Buddhist architecture.

Finally, your guide will help you check in at your hotel in Pingyao.

The stunning Hanging Monastery built along cliffs

After pick-up, head straight to Pingyao Ancient Town, an intact town of Ming and Qing dynasties where you can explore the glories of the past financial hub.

Take a walk on the 600-year-old Ancient City Wall and appreciate the panoramic views of the old town.

Then move to China's first financial institution- Rishengchang Draft Bank and visit the Tongxinggong Escort providing escort service for treasures' in the ancient times.

Continue your discovery in the town with a visit to the well-preserved County Government and wander around the earliest Confucious Temple.  

The Cit Wall of Pingyao Ancient Town

Today, drive to visit the grand Wang Family Mansion, great complex of houses which can be a museum of both architecture and folk culture. Appreciate the magnificent layout, exquisite design, vivid carvings and endless courtyards and admire the prosperity of the old business family of high prestige centuries ago. Meanwhile, marvel at the supreme masterpiece of architecture.

Then explore the mysterious Zhangbi Ancient Castle. There are no much differences between other serene villages at the first sight. But the secretly built zigzagged tunnels under the ground are waiting for you to take an exciting adventure.

Afterwards, you will travel back to Beijing by high speed train. Then your local guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Beijing. 

Farewell to Beijing. You will be escorted to the airport by your guide and driver to catch your departure flight.