Tour Overview
The perfect long weekend in Shanxi β 3 days from the provincial capital Taiyuan to the ancient city of Pingyao. Visit the 1,400-year-old Jinci Temple with its Song Dynasty maid sculptures, the magnificent Qiao Family Compound (setting of 'Raise the Red Lantern'), and the timeless streets of Pingyao. A compact dose of Shanxi's legendary history and architecture.
Highlights
- β Jinci Temple β 1,400-year-old garden with iconic Song Dynasty sculptures
- β Qiao Family Compound β the mansion that inspired Zhang Yimou's film
- β Pingyao Ancient City β 6.4km of Ming Dynasty city walls
- β Ming-Qing Street β China's best-preserved ancient commercial street
- β Shanxi knife-cut noodle demonstration β watch masters at work
What's Included
- β Professional English-speaking guide
- β 2 nights accommodation (1 Taiyuan, 1 Pingyao) with breakfast
- β All entrance tickets
- β Private vehicle transfers
- β Airport/train station transfers
What's Excluded
- β Flights/trains to/from Taiyuan
- β Lunches & dinners
- β Personal expenses
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Taiyuan β Jinci Temple
Arrive at Taiyuan. Afternoon: Jinci Temple β a 1,400-year-old garden sanctuary with the famous 'immortal maid' painted clay sculptures (Song Dynasty, 11th century). Walk the ancient cypress-lined paths and see theδΈθζ³ (Never-Aging Spring). Evening: Taiyuan food street β try倴θ (braised lamb soup) andεει’ (knife-cut noodles). Overnight in Taiyuan.
Day 2: Qiao Family Compound & Pingyao
Morning: visit the Qiao Family Compound (1h from Taiyuan) β the grand 18th-century merchant mansion featured in Zhang Yimou's 'Raise the Red Lantern.' Explore 313 rooms across 6 courtyards. Afternoon: drive to Pingyao. Walk the complete 6.4km city wall circuit, explore Ming-Qing Street, and visit Rishengchang (China's first bank, 1823). Evening: lantern-lit streets with Pingyao beef and local spirits. Overnight in Pingyao.
Day 3: Pingyao Morning & Departure
Morning: visit Shuanglin Temple β known as the 'museum of painted sculptures' with 2,000+ exquisite Ming Dynasty clay figures. Free time for lacquerware shopping and final photos. Afternoon: transfer to Taiyuan Airport.