Xi’an-Pingyao: the Ancient Epicenter
- A Secret Retreats journey -
Originally from Yunnan, Tina is sharing with us her favorite destinations and sights in Shanxi province to give the most interesting experience of discovering the rich and diverse cultures hidden in the heart of China.
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- Bing Mayong Tomb
- Huaqing Pool
- Guangren Temple
- Wild Goose Pagoda
- Pingyao UNESCO town
Venture into two of the oldest cities in China. Walk amongst paths, roads, and walls in a city home to thirteen dynasties of China. Head back in time to see buildings and communities that have been around for more than three thousand years. Walk into sacred temples and ponds that emperors built and where historical events came to pass. Walk amongst the tombs of hundreds of the emperor’s warriors, and meet the eyes of Buddhas enshrined in temples. Enjoy food and cuisine deep from the heart of China. Sip tea and enjoy the view as you look out beyond thousands of ancient terracotta-roofed houses that have been so well-kept. This is the perfect journey for those who seek to dig deeper into China’s rich culture and history as Xi’an and Pingyao are the economic epicenters of ancient China. This journey is a perfect extension to our itineraries in Yunnan.
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 2,500 USD /person for 6 Days/5 Nights
based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room
Day 1 : Xi’an (-/-/-)
As you fly into the heart of China. A guide will be awaiting your arrival. Once you have landed, you will be taken to your stay at Younch Hotel, located in the corner of the moat of the ancient city of Xi An. Once successfully checked in, your guide will take you sightseeing along the towering city walls where you can walk amongst its tops. The perfect way to view the city and watch the sun rise and set with the city skyline. As you finish you walk head back to your hotel nestled in the city to relax and have the rest of the night to yourself.
HOTEL: Younch Hotel
Day 2 : Xi’an (B/-/D)
The following morning enjoy breakfast before going with a guide to uncover Bing Mayong a tomb treasure collection of the Qin ShinHuang, the first empire of China. This is where you will get to witness the hundreds of terracotta figures, that are over two thousand years old. This tomb was built to commemorate the empire that was able to first unite the six states of China. You will then have some lunch before heading to visit Huaqing Pool, which has been a very significant location for many Chinese past emperors and is famous for the Xi’An incident. After visiting the pool, you will enjoy some dinner in a traditional theater where you will follow the story of the first female emperor in China as she ascends to the throne of the Tang Dynasty at the age of fourteen.
HOTEL: Younch Hotel
Day 3 : Xi’an (B/L/-)
This morning you will have some time to yourself, you can use this time to relax at the hotel or explore to grab some local breakfast bites in the old city. Be sure to come back as there will be a guide waiting for you to take you to visit the only green Tara Dojo Tibetan Temple in Xi’an, Guangren Temple which was under control by Princess Wencheng. This temple enshrines two, twelve-year-old Buddha statues and has the largest thousand hand Guan Yi statue in ShanXi. After the temple pay a visit to the Big Wild Goose pagoda which was built to store Sutras from India during the Tang Dynasty. After this, you can either head back to the hotel or choose to explore further by visiting the Tang Dynasty Grand Night City, a large replica of the Tang Dynasty pedestrian street based on the flourishing Tang culture.
HOTEL: Younch Hotel
Day 4 : Xi’an - Pingyao (B/L/D)
On this day, you will enjoy your last morning in the ancient city of Xi’an before checking out so that you can catch the train to Pingyao. As you head north into Ping yao, you will be surrounded by ancient buildings and shops. Once an ancient economic hub of China, Pingyao still preserves its Ming and Xing city planning and architecture. Its urban fabric shows the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries. Of special interest are the imposing buildings associated with banking, for which Pingyao was the major center for the whole of China in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Once arriving at the railway station, a driver will pick you up and You will be taken to stay at Jing’s Residence, a hidden gem in the ancient city's walls. With beautiful ancient rooms, private areas, and tea pavilions that you can relax in. The hotel is only a ten-minute walk from the ancient city walls. You will have the day to yourself and to do as you wish.
HOTEL: Jing’s Residence
Day 5 : Pingyao (B/L/D)
Wake up and enjoy your peaceful breakfast as the birds sit atop the terracotta roofs. Today, a guide and driver will pick you up to visit 2 main sites: Shuanglin temple and Wang Grand Courtyard to delve deeper in the ancient Pingyao.
- Shuanglin Templis a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient, intricately crafted Buddhist sculptures dating back to the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties.
- The Wang Grand Courtyard is a massive and well-preserved Qing Dynasty residence complex, showcasing exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy Wang family.
Evening at the Residence
HOTEL: Jing’s Residence
Day 6 : Pingyao - departure
Enjoy your last breakfast in the ancient city of Pingyao before checking out. A driver will be taking you to the train station to catch your train ride to your next destination or to the airport to catch your flight home.
*** End of Our Services***
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Younch Hotel
Xi’an-Pingyao: the Ancient Epicenter
6 Days/5 Nights
from 2,500 USD /person
based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room
The total price includes:
All Accommodation for 5 nights
Meals as indicated (B= breakfast / L = Lunch / D= Dinner)
Guided tours for excursions as indicated (English speaking guide)
Transfers from airport/stations to hotels and during excursions
Tickets for the visited sites
Government taxes as currently in force.
The total price does not include:
International flights to and from /to Xi’an
The meals not mentioned in the program
The activities outside the guided tours
The train ticket between Xi’an and Pingyao
Travel insurance of any kind (recommended)
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Sichuan Pacific Travel.
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