Beijing-Pingyao 2-day
Culture Tour by Air
Highlights:
� Discover the ancient town of Pingyao, one of the only
cities in China to maintain its ancient city walls and
streets. Being here will transport you back in time to
the China of yesteryear. The city is something of a
living museum
� Tour the exquisite ancient Buddhist temples of Pingyao,
which are haunting and captivating in their beauty, as
well as being a gateway to the ancient traditions of
China
� Your hotel will be in the style of a traditional
courtyard, giving you a much more intimate and memorable
experience than the normal hotel
TOUR CODE:
PY-05
Why Pingyao Deserves Your Tour
Pingyao is a Chinese city and county in central Shanxi province.
It lies about 715 km from Beijing and 80 km from the provincial
capital, Taiyuan. During the Qing Dynasty,
Pingyao was a financial
center of China. It is now renowned for its well-preserved ancient
city wall, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pingyao still
retains its city layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties, conforming
to a typical Bagua pattern. More than 300 sites in or near the city
have ancient ruins. Preserved Ming- and Qing-style residences number
close to 4,000. The streets and storefronts still largely retain
their historical appearance.
The ancient city is in Pingyao County, Shanxi Province. The city
wall was first built during the Zhou Dynasty (11th century - 256
B.C.) and was expanded in 1370, the third year of the reign of
Ming Emperor Hongwu. Since 1997, it has been listed as a World
Heritage Site. Now Pingyao city is the only one in China completely
reserved as it was hundreds of years ago, no modern buildings, only
narrow stone-plate street with many Chinese-style shops on the two
sides.
"Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an
exceptionally well-preserved traditional Han Chinese city. Its
city walls, old temples and courtyard houses were built in the
Ming and Qing dynasties. Located on the old trade route between
Beijing and Xi'an, Pingyao was one of the flourishing trade
centers in northern China. It was here, where China's first
banks were set up in the early 18th century which rapidly
developed into a widespread network of banks all over the
country. After its heyday the city fell into decline after about
1850, and its streets stayed unchanged since then because of the
lack of money for maintenance work. On this 4-day trip you will
not only visit the old town with its old streets and courtyard
houses complexes, but also Zhengguo Temple, Shuanglin Temple and
Jinci Temple.
2-DAY DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Beijing - Taiyuan by air - Pingyao by
road ( L D )
Pick up from your hotel in Beijing and take the early morning
flight for Taiyuan - the capital city of Shanxi Province.
Arrival at Taiyuan, met and transfer to Pingyao.
On the way to Pingyao, have a side trip to Former Residence of
Family Chang. It is the largest mansion of all the mansions of
Shanxi merchants in Shanxi. Chang's Mansion is located 40 km to
the northeast of Pingyao. The hosts of Chang's Mansion, the
Chang family, were among the well-known Shanxi businessmen in
the Qing Dynasty. Actually it is a splendid group of
constructions of northern folk houses in the Qing Dynasty
(1644-1911). Arrival at Pingyao town, stay at our designated
Hotel in Pingyao ancient city.
Day 2: Pingyao - Taiyuan by road - Beijing by air ( B
L )
After breakfast, first visit the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao
City. The city of Pingyao is one of the four remaining
well-preserved ancient cities in China. The city wall has a
perimeter of 6.4 kilometers and is over 12 meters high and 3.5
meters wide. Then visit the Rishengchang Exchange Shop. It is
the earliest bank in China, first opened in the 18th
century.Rishengchang was the first money exchange shop in the
history of China.
Afterwards, move on to the Mingqing Street. Ming and Qing
Street, also called Nanda Jie. It is one of the busy and
interesting streets in which to experience ancient Chinese
culture. It is 440 long, Ming and Qing Street used to be the
commercial center of Pingyao ancient city. Move on to visit
Armed Escort Company Museum. It offers an eye-opening armed
escorts in protecting commerce. Cash moving from one area needed
the armed escort firm to thwart of thieving hands.
Finally visit County Government Office, an ancient city hall and
law court. Chinese Lunch included. After the Pingyao tour, then
transfer to Taiyuan airport for later flight to Beijing. Met and
transfer to your hotel in Beijing.
B---Breakfast, L---Lunch, D---Dinner
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