3-Day High-Speed Rail Round Trip from Beijing to Pingyao and Taiyuan

• Lunch

Pick up from your hotel in Beijing, then transfer to Beijing railway station by private car.

Upon your arrival in Pingyao, a local guide will meet you at the train station. You will first have lunch.

Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant, where the guide will select dishes based on your preferences.

After lunch, you will proceed to visit Shuanglin Temple. Erected around 1,500 years ago, is renowned for its ancient locust trees, steles, frescoes, and especially the vibrant and well-preserved colored mud sculptures, exceeding 2,000 in number.

After today's tour concludes, the guide and driver will escort you back to the hotel for some rest, with dinner at your own arrangement. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the inn in the morning, you will head to the ancient city to explore notable attractions such as Ancient City Wall, Rishengchang Former Bank， The Mingqing Street.

Today's lunch is scheduled at a restaurant within the ancient city, with the guide selecting an appropriate venue based on the tour's progress.

The Ancient City Wall of Pingyao, constructed nearly 3,000 years ago, remarkably retains its original appearance from its renovation in the early Ming Dynasty, centuries ago. The wall spans a circumference of approximately 6,163 meters and stands between 6 to 10 meters high. There are six city gates through which locals and tourists traverse daily, entering and exiting the ancient town.

Located on West Street in the Ancient City of Pingyao, Rishengchang Former bank was established in 1823 and was the first and largest draft bank in China, renowned for its motto "汇通天下" (Remittances Throughout the World). From its founding and flourishing to its eventual closure, Rishengchang spanned over a century. Exhibitions offer insights into its development and management practices.

Mingqing Street, the South Avenue of Pingyao Ancient Town, boasts well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. As the vibrant hub and central artery of the town, it features over 100 shops, restaurants, and bars along its 800-meter length. Visitors can purchase affordable souvenirs, admire the historical architecture and local life, or explore ancient handicraft techniques.

After visiting Pingyao Ancient Town, return to the inn to rest and arrange dinner on your own. Since the inn is located within the ancient city, you have time in the evening to explore, enjoy the nightscape, and observe the nightlife of the town’s residents.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on today’s tour. Your driver will take you and your guide to Taiyuan, where you will visit the Qiao Family Compound and Jinci Temple.

Taiyuan is approximately 100 to 110 kilometers from Pingyao Ancient City, requiring a drive of about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. 

The Qiao Family Compound was the residence of Qiao Zhiyong (1818–1907), a renowned financier of the Qing Dynasty. Constructed in 1756, it underwent two renovations and one expansion. Well-preserved, it is considered a quintessential example of North China folk architecture from the Qing era. Its grand structure and intricate decorations draw countless visitors. The acclaimed Chinese film "Raise the Red Lantern," starring Gong Li, was filmed on its premises.

Lunch today will be arranged at a local restaurant in Taiyuan. The guide will order dishes based on your preferences and recommend some local Taiyuan specialties for you to enjoy.

Jinci Temple is nestled at the base of Xuanweng Mountain. Originally constructed during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-535), it is renowned for its splendid architectural complex and exceptional statues. It harmoniously blends ancient consecration buildings, landscaped gardens, sculptures, carvings, frescoes, and steles.

After visiting Jinci Temple, your 3-day journey through Pingyao and Taiyuan concludes. The guide and driver will take you to Taiyuan train station, where you will board the high-speed train back to Beijing.