Inner Mongolia Advanture + Essence of Pingyao Tour
Sep 04 (Sun) USA – BeijingWe start our vacation by boarding an international flight bound for Beijing, the capital city of China. Meals and snacks will be served on the plane.
Sep 05 (Mon) Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Int’l Airport. A Grande Holiday representative will greet and escort us to our hotel.
Sep 06 (Tue) Beijing – Taiyuan – Pingyao (AB, L, SD)
After breakfast, fly to Taiyuan, the capital city of Shanxi Province. Then, we will drive to Pingyao, a well preserved ancient town filled with remarkable Chinese ancient architecture, and also be listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Pingyao Merchant’s Traditional Banquet will be served in the evening.
Sep 07 (Wed) Pingyao (AB, L, SD)
Today we will spend whole day in the ancient town. Visit Ancient Ming and Qing Streets, the three-storey Market Tower is the center and joint point of the city streets. The buildings such as Ancient City Government seat, Town God's Temple, Confucius Temple, Military God Temple, Wealth God Temple and Lucky Fortune Temple are arranged symmetrically. Then, walk around the City Wall of Pingyao, and to visit Rishengchang (Sunrise of Pingyao), probably it was the earliest bank stated in China.
Sep 08 (Thu) Pingyao – Taiyuan (AB, L, SD)
Qiao Family’s Compound is today’s highlight. The 4,220 square yards Qiao’s compound considering of six main courtyards and twenty minor ones. These compounds belonged to one family in Qing Dynasty. It was a popular filming site and famous movie like the “Red Lantern”. Also, we will participate in coloring Chinese Opera Mask and paper cutting, which are unique art form and have existed for thousands of years with a long history featuring both national and regional themes. This opera mask is an elegant addition to any face mask collection, a wall hanging art, and it is a special costume party wear. And then we will drive back to Taiyuan.
Sep 09 (Fri) Taiyuan – Datong (AB, L, D)
After breakfast we will drive to Datong, as the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Datong had a grand past. On the way, we will visit the Hanging Monastery, which is Hengshan Mountain's principal attraction. Suspended some 50 meters over the ground and consisting of 40 pavilions and halls, the Hanging Monastery is constructed with the help of wooden pillars that are anchored into the cliff face behind the edifices, though no one today can say for certain whether the holes into which the pillars are anchored were manmade or natural.Sep 10 (Sat) Datong – Hohhot (AB, L, D)
After breakfast we are going to visit the Yungang Grottoes, which stretch some 1000 meters continuously from east to west, are one of the four famous grotto complexes throughout China. These important works of art are among the few historical relics to survive the Northern Wei Dynasty. In 2001, UNESCO officially recognized the cultural importance of the Yungang Grottoes by including them on UNESCO's annual World Cultural Heritage List.
Sep 11 (Sun) Hohhot – Gegentala Grassland (AB, L, SD)
A nice drive to Gegentala Grassland. After arrival, pay a visit to an Inner Mongolian family and Aobao Mountain. You are invited to taste the dairy products which are made by these local people. Tonight, a special stay at the Chariot Yurt is arranged. There will be a Mongolian Bonfire Party after dinner.
Sep 12 (Mon) Gegentala Grassland – Hohhot (AB, L, SD)
After watching the beautiful sunrise on Grassland, we are heading back to Hohhot for lunch. This afternoon tour will include Dazhao Temple, the oldest building and the largest temple in Hohhot. Locally, people usually refer to it as the Silver Buddha Temple (Yinfo Si) for it is here that there is a rare silver statue of Sakyamuni that measures 8.2-foot-high. The next is Qing General Office which is set up to govern the northern part of China. And then visit the Temple of Five Pagoda (Wutasi) and Yili Milk Factory. Enjoy the famous Mongolian Lamb Hotpot tonight.
Sep 13 (Tue) Hohhot – Resonant Sand Bay – Baotou (AB, L, D)
Today we will drive to Erdos, the hometown of cashmere. On the way we will go to Meidaizhao Village andMeidai Lamasery. The lamasery was built by Alatanhan, chief of Tumd Mongolian Tribe of the Ming Dynasty, and it is, in fact, the combination of a town and a temple. Lunch will prepared in Baotou, and then we will visit the Resonant Sand Bay, which is actually a big crooked sandy slope in the Kubuqi Desert. This moon-like sand dune is as high as 100 meters and as wide as 400 meters, with a 45 degree of inclination. We can join the sliding down or ride camel on the sand dunes. Tonight we will stay in Baotou Shangri-la Hotel.
Sep 14 (Wed) Baotou – Beijing (AB, L, D)
In the morning, fly back to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and enjoy the last minute shopping.
Sep 15 (Thu) Beijing – USA (AB)
Transfer to the airport and fly back home with all the fun memories.
AB: American Breakfast
L: Lunch
D: Dinner
SD: Special Dinner
TOUR FEE INCLUDES
- International and China domestic airfare
- 5* deluxe or local best hotel accommodation and 1 nignt at luxury Chariot Yurt
- Admissions and meals as stated
- Escorted tour with a minimum of 20 passengers
- Refer to "General Conditon of Wonderful Vacation"
- We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for smooth operation. Please call for details.
- Price is subject to change without notice. This is due to unforeseen circumstances like fuel prices increase, air tax, lower exchange rate and others
* Seasonal surcharge may apply for June, July, August, and December.
