6-Day Shanxi World Heritage Tour: Yungang Grottoes + Mount Wutai + Pingyao Ancient City (Buddhist Culture · Shanxi Merchant Culture)

Welcome to Datong, one of China's Ten Great Ancient Capitals. This famous historical and cultural city in Shanxi Province, China, is well worth a visit. After arriving in Datong, first head to the Yungang Grottoes, a World Cultural Heritage site and one of China's Four Great Grottoes (along with the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, and the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui). Carved more than 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei period, it was the first grotto complex funded by the imperial family, and the most magnificent of the Four Great Grottoes. The Yungang Grottoes were built against the mountain, stretching about 1 km from east to west and divided into three zones—east, central, and west—with 45 main caves and more than 59,000 statues. The largest is 17 meters tall, and the smallest only 2 centimeters. Strolling through them, you will see three types: great Buddha caves (such as Caves 16-20), Buddha hall caves (such as the paired Caves 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10), and pagoda caves (such as Caves 1, 2, and 39). More importantly, you can clearly see the evolution of Buddhist art from the Gandhara style step by step toward Chinese localization. The most famous are the Five Caves of Tanyao (Caves 16-20), carved by the eminent monk Tanyao on the emperor's orders, with the five great Buddhas corresponding to four Northern Wei emperors and one crown prince (Cave 17). The open-air great Buddha of Cave 20 is the symbol of Yungang, blending Han and Gandhara styles, and was exposed only because an ancient earthquake caused the cave's eaves to collapse. The Buddha in Cave 18 wearing the "Thousand-Buddha Robe" is believed to represent Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei, Tuoba Tao, who once ordered the suppression of Buddhism—a very compelling story. The mid-period caves of Yungang (such as the paired caves among Caves 5-13) represent the peak of carving art, often enshrining two Buddha statues in the same niche, behind which lies the subtle history of the "Two Sages" (the emperor and Empress Dowager Feng) holding power side by side. The late-period caves, carved after the capital was moved to Luoyang in 494 AD, are mostly small folk caves, with slender Buddha figures and flowing drapery—the very source of the "slender and pure" style. If time permits, we especially recommend seeing: Cave 12 (the Music Cave), Cave 5 (the Buddha known as the "most beautiful smile"), Cave 3 (the huge unfinished cave), and Cave 9 (like a museum of world architecture). Optional Activities at Your Own Expense (worth considering if you have plenty of time) 1. Yungang Grottoes Museum: located within the Yungang Grottoes scenic area, closed on Mondays. 2. Datong Coal Museum (Jinhuagong National Mine Park): located across the river from the Yungang Grottoes, fairly close by, where you can learn about Datong's coal culture. If you happen to go on a Monday, it is advisable to check whether it is closed before setting out. After visiting the Yungang Grottoes, you will return to the Datong Ancient City, praised as "one dynasty's capital, three dynasties' splendor, two dynasties' key town," and freely explore this ancient city with a long history. The central axis of this ancient city has remained unchanged for more than 1,600 years since the Northern Wei—running north-south from Yongtai Gate, the Drum Tower, the Four-Post Archway, and Kuixing Tower all the way to Guding Gate, about 2 km in total. It links not only historic sites but also the historical threads from the Northern Wei, Liao-Jin, to Ming-Qing periods. Travel Tips Every year during the Spring Festival, Datong holds the Ancient Capital Lantern Festival, when thousands of lanterns light up the city walls and streets—extremely lively. You can contact our customer service to book a Datong Spring Festival tour, taking you to see traditional performances, eat delicious snacks, and shop for exquisite handicrafts, experiencing an authentic Chinese New Year. Free Time Suggestions 1. Datong Ancient City Walking Tour (half day): explore the Datong Ancient City Wall (Ming dynasty remains), Huayan Temple (a filming location for Black Myth: Wukong), the Nine-Dragon Screen (a glazed spirit wall, very photogenic), the Prince Dai's Mansion (the Ming prince's "little Forbidden City")... walking through it all is like flipping through a living history book. 2. Datong Evening Performance (optional in peak season, at your own expense): watch a live performance of "Great Harmony Under Heaven," right in the Prince Dai's Mansion. The elegance of the Ming dynasty 600 years ago is rekindled by lights, song and dance, and storytelling—truly stunning. How to Get There 1. By plane: Datong Yungang International Airport (DAT), about 18 km from the city center and about 36 km from the Yungang Grottoes. Major Chinese cities have direct flights to Datong, such as Beijing (1 hour), Shanghai (2.5 hours), Chengdu (2.5 hours), Xi'an (2 hours), Chongqing (2.5 hours), Wuhan (2 hours), etc. Note that some routes do not operate year-round, so it is advisable to check flight schedules in advance before booking. 2. By high-speed rail: Major Chinese cities have direct high-speed trains to Datong. Datong South Station has high-speed trains to Beijing (2-2.5 hours), Xi'an (6 hours), Taiyuan (2-2.5 hours), Pingyao (3-3.5 hours), and other places. Please contact our customer service to book tickets.

This morning, depart from Datong and drive about 80 km (roughly 2 hours) to visit the Hanging Temple. The Hanging Temple is located on Mount Heng, the Northern Sacred Mountain. First built in 491 AD (mid-Northern Wei period), it has a history of more than 1,500 years. It was once as famous as the Yungang Grottoes, and today it is rated by many as one of the "Ten Most Dangerous Buildings in the World." As the foremost of the Eighteen Scenic Spots of Mount Heng, the Hanging Temple has always been a must-see place in Shanxi. The great Tang poet Li Bai once wrote the two characters "Spectacular" here, and it is said that after writing them he felt they were not enough, so he added another dot; the Ming dynasty traveler Xu Xiake also left behind the words "A Wonder of the World." The Hanging Temple was originally named "Xuan Kong Pavilion" — "Xuan" taken from Daoism and "Kong" from Buddhism. Later, because it "hangs" on the cliff face, and "xuan" (hanging) is a homophone of "Xuan," it gradually came to be called the Hanging Temple. Interestingly, this is one of the very few surviving temples in China that combines Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Up close, this earliest surviving and best-preserved wooden cliffside architectural complex in China is famous worldwide for its three hallmarks: "hanging, wondrous, and ingenious." It is supported by 30 conspicuous wooden pillars (for earthquake resistance) together with hidden crossbeams embedded in the rock face (which bear the real weight). The highest hall, the Hall of the Three Teachings, is about 90 meters above the ground, and has hung on the steep cliff for over a thousand years. Stepping inside the temple, you will find it small yet refined. The entire temple covers only 921 square meters, is about 32 meters long, and consists of 40 pavilions and chambers, housing more than 80 bronze, iron, clay, and stone Buddha statues. The layout can be summed up as "one temple, two towers" — the north and south towers are connected by a suspended sky corridor, which is also the most thrilling and most photogenic spot in the Hanging Temple. The passage is very narrow, with wooden and stone steps above and below, carved with lotus patterns symbolizing "rising higher step by step." Standing in the Hanging Temple, you will surely admire the wisdom of the ancients in choosing this site: above, an overhanging cliff blocks the rain; on both sides, mountain rocks block the wind; and it receives only about 3 hours of sunlight each day, minimizing wind and rain erosion. Three Teachings Coexist in the Hanging Temple: True "Great Harmony" The most special thing about the Hanging Temple is that it "invites" three major religions into one temple. 1. Chunyang Palace: dedicated to the Daoist immortal Lü Dongbin. 2. Leiyin Hall: dedicated to the Buddhist Shakyamuni. 3. Hall of the Three Teachings: Laozi, the Buddha, and Confucius sit together in one hall. Travel Tips 1. The passages in the Hanging Temple are extremely narrow and the steps are steep; it is not recommended for those afraid of heights, the elderly, or infants. 2. Queues are long in peak season, so please wait patiently. 3. Only the morning light is good each day, so it is recommended to go in the morning for photos. Afterward, drive 55 km (about 1 hour) to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, which is known together with the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower as one of the "Three Great Wonders of the World." Its full name is the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple. First built in 1056 (Liao dynasty), it is one of the most famous surviving Liao-dynasty wooden structures in China. The pagoda is 67.13 meters tall, equivalent to a 20-story building, and is certified by Guinness World Records as the "world's tallest wooden pagoda." Most amazing of all: the entire pagoda uses not a single iron nail, relying entirely on thousands of wooden components interlocking through mortise-and-tenon joints (like Lego bricks). Over a thousand years, it has withstood more than 40 earthquakes and over 200 shellings, yet still stands today — truly a miracle. Why is it a bit tilted? Observant visitors may notice that the Wooden Pagoda leans slightly. This is mainly because in the 1930s, local gentry removed some internal supporting walls and structures for the sake of "appearance" and "lighting," causing the pagoda to begin tilting. In 1933, Mr. Liang Sicheng made a special trip to survey and map it, and after discovering the problem, proposed a restoration plan. Unfortunately, the pagoda has continued to tilt at a rate of about 2 millimeters per year. At present, to protect the ancient pagoda and ensure visitor safety, climbing the pagoda is no longer allowed; only the first floor can be visited. Must-See Highlights: Dougong Brackets and Plaques Even if you cannot climb the pagoda, standing beneath it is impressive enough. The pagoda has 54 types of dougong brackets, 240 sets in total, the most types of dougong in any ancient building, earning it the name "Museum of Dougong." More than 50 plaques hang on the pagoda, each a calligraphic treasure. The most worth seeing are: 1. Third-floor plaque "Sakyamuni Pagoda": from the Jin dynasty (1195), the oldest. 2. Fourth-floor plaque "A Wonder of the World": inscribed by Emperor Wuzong of Ming, Zhu Houzhao (1508). 3. Top-floor plaque "Supreme Divine Craftsmanship": inscribed by Emperor Chengzu of Ming, Zhu Di (1406). Interesting Highlight: Five Stories Outside, Nine Inside From a distance the wooden pagoda appears to have only five stories, but inside there are four hidden levels, nine in total. Entering the first-floor hall, you first see an 11-meter-tall painted Sakyamuni statue, and then you can look up to observe a very advanced "tube-in-tube structure" — the outer layer formed by 24 columns as the outer tube, the inner layer formed by 8 columns as the inner tube, connected in between by dougong brackets and beams. This kind of structure is also common in modern skyscrapers, yet Liao-dynasty craftsmen were already using it a thousand years ago. If timing allows, in the evening, when the setting sun falls on the pagoda body and thousands of swallows circle and return to their nests around it — that scene is quiet and ancient, as if the wooden pagoda itself is softly speaking. After visiting the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, proceed to the core scenic area of Mount Wutai — Taihuai Town (about 190 km away, roughly a 4-hour drive), and stay overnight at Mount Wutai. Mount Wutai, also known as Qingliang Mountain, gets its name because the summits of its five main peaks are flat like platforms. It is the bodhimanda of Manjushri Bodhisattva. Historically there were 128 temples here, and 47 survive today. Famous temples include: Pusa Ding, Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, Wuye Temple (Wanfo Pavilion), Shuxiang Temple, Dailuo Ding, and others.

Today, you have a full day to slowly explore Mount Wutai. Mount Wutai is the foremost of China's four great Buddhist mountains (the other three are Mount Putuo in Zhejiang, Mount Emei in Sichuan, and Mount Jiuhua in Anhui). It is also one of the world's five great Buddhist holy sites and was inscribed as a World Cultural Landscape Heritage Site in 2009. It was once a holy place for royal practice and is now an excellent place for ordinary people to worship, escape the summer heat, and travel. It has another very special feature: Han Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism coexist here, which is unique among the four great mountains. The surviving temples span eight dynasties (from 68 AD to the present) and contain countless Buddha statues, plaques, murals, pagodas, and scriptures. This morning, you can visit five famous temples in Taihuai Town: Pusading, Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, Wuye Temple (Wanfo Pavilion), and Shuxiang Temple. Walk slowly and look slowly; you may choose to hike down after reaching the top. ① Pusading—Manjushri Bodhisattva's "Palace in the Sky" Pusading is located on Lingjiu Peak and is said to be the residence of Manjushri Bodhisattva. This is a royal Tibetan Buddhist temple, first built during the Northern Wei Dynasty and renamed "Great Manjushri Temple" in the Ming Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, emperors, Mongolian nobles, and Tibetan Buddhist lamas all stayed here when visiting Mount Wutai. You will notice that the roof of Pusading is covered with yellow glazed tiles—in ancient times, this was a color only the imperial family could use. Upon entering, first climb 108 steps. In Buddhism, this symbolizes overcoming the 108 afflictions of the world. At the top of the steps, the archway bears a gilded plaque reading "Lingfeng Shengjing," written by the Kangxi Emperor himself. Look carefully: the character "feng" is missing one stroke—folk legend says that Kangxi came to Mount Wutai many times searching for his father, Emperor Shunzhi, who had become a monk, but never met him, leaving a trace of regret in his heart. Standing here, you can overlook the entire temple complex of Taihuai Town, with the white pagoda being the most conspicuous. Tip: There is no cable car at Pusading, and during peak season you may need to queue to enter the halls. ② Xiantong Temple—Mount Wutai's Oldest Temple A short walk from Pusading brings you to Xiantong Temple. First built in 69 AD (Eastern Han Dynasty), it is the largest and oldest temple on Mount Wutai and the seat of the Mount Wutai Buddhist Association. According to legend, Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty once took monastic vows here. Most of the existing buildings in the temple were built in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The most worthwhile sights include the bronze bell, bronze pagoda, and bronze hall. The bronze hall was cast in the Ming Dynasty (1610) using 50,000 kilograms of bronze and is one of China's best-preserved bronze halls. ③ Tayuan Temple—Mount Wutai's Landmark "Great White Pagoda" Tayuan Temple takes its name from the Sakyamuni Relic Pagoda in its courtyard—commonly called the "Great White Pagoda." The pagoda is 75.3 meters high, built in 1302, and designed by the Nepalese architect Aniko (who also designed the white pagoda in Beijing's Beihai Park). In the cave at the base of the Great White Pagoda is a Buddha's Footprint Stele engraved with the footprint of Sakyamuni Buddha. Legend says that before entering nirvana, the Buddha left his footprint and told his disciple Ananda, "I leave my footprint here to guide all sentient beings." Later, during the Tang Dynasty, the eminent monk Xuanzang brought a rubbing of the Buddha's footprint back to China during his journey to the west for scriptures. In the Ming Dynasty, the temple monks carved this pair of footprints here. East of the Great White Pagoda is the Manjushri Hair Pagoda, said to enshrine a strand of Manjushri Bodhisattva's hair. ④ Wuye Temple—The Most Popular "Wish-Making Holy Site" Wuye Temple, also called the Five Dragon Kings Hall or Wanfo Pavilion, is the temple with the most incense offerings on Mount Wutai. Locals come here to pray for whatever wishes they have. You will notice that its roof combines Han and Tibetan styles—very distinctive. ⑤ Shuxiang Temple—The Ancestral Court of Manjushri Finally, come to Shuxiang Temple, known as the "ancestral court of Manjushri." The Manjushri Hall in the temple enshrines a statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva riding a lion, 9.87 meters high, the largest Manjushri statue on Mount Wutai. If time permits, you can visit Dailuoding, the famous "Small Pilgrimage" of Mount Wutai. At Mount Wutai, personally climbing the five main peaks and worshipping the five directions of Manjushri is called the "Great Pilgrimage." But the journey is long, and not everyone has the time and stamina, so the "Small Pilgrimage" came into being—as long as you climb Dailuoding, you can worship all five Manjushri Bodhisattvas at once. This story is related to the Qianlong Emperor. It is said that he came to Mount Wutai many times but never completed the Great Pilgrimage. Qingyun, the abbot of Dailuoding, came up with a solution: enshrine the five Manjushri statues together in one place. When Qianlong came again, he worshipped them all at once here, greatly pleasing the emperor. Dazhi Road: A Practice of 1,080 Steps The path up Dailuoding is called "Dazhi Road," with a total of 1,080 stone steps. In Buddhism, each of the ten dharma realms has "108" afflictions, totaling 1,080. Completing these 1,080 steps symbolizes growing wisdom and eliminating afflictions. From the summit of Dailuoding, you can overlook all of Taihuai Town, and on clear days, you can also see the South Peak, Central Peak, and North Peak of Mount Wutai. Tips 1. Cable car (at your own expense): The cable car often stops operating due to weather and may also be closed in the off-season. Queues are long during peak season. Be sure to confirm in advance. 2. Hiking up the 1,080 steps takes about half an hour or more and requires a certain level of physical fitness. It is recommended to allow at least half a day. Optional Activity at Mount Wutai: "Encore Mount Wutai" Performance (peak season only) If you still have energy, Mount Wutai has a large-scale live performance, "Encore Mount Wutai," China's first large-scale drama with Buddhism as its theme. In the 90-minute performance, 180 actors tell the story of an ordinary person climbing Mount Wutai, seeking answers from the Buddha, and ultimately attaining enlightenment. Be sure to confirm the performance time in advance.

Of the four surviving Tang Dynasty wooden structures in China, two are in Shanxi. Today, you will visit these two thousand-year-old temples hidden deep in Mount Wutai — Foguang Temple and Nanchan Temple — following in the footsteps of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin to experience the true "lingering charm of the Great Tang." Afterward, head to Taiyuan to visit Jinci Temple. First, you will drive about 2 hours (about 50 kilometers) to visit Foguang Temple. [Foguang Temple] was first built in 857 AD (Tang Dynasty), with a history of over 1,160 years. It is not only one of the filming locations for the game Black Myth: Wukong, but also a "pilgrimage site" in the hearts of countless ancient architecture enthusiasts. But you may not know that it was rediscovered in 1937, when the Society for the Study of Chinese Architecture, to which Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin belonged, found clues in the "Mount Wutai Map" in Cave 61 of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. Following the map, they finally found this Tang Dynasty hall forgotten for a thousand years. This discovery single-handedly shattered the assertion by Japanese scholars that "there are no Tang Dynasty wooden structures left in China." East Great Hall: Four Tang Treasures in One The essence of Foguang Temple is concentrated in the East Great Hall at the highest point on the east side of the temple. It is China's second-oldest surviving wooden structure (after Nanchan Temple, which you will visit later), and Mr. Liang Sicheng praised it as "China's No. 1 national treasure." Why is it so important? Because the East Great Hall preserves four original Tang Dynasty elements in a single hall: Tang Dynasty wooden structure: It has the highest-ranking seven-tier dougong (bracket sets) still extant, magnificent in scale. Tang Dynasty painted sculptures: Of the roughly 70 surviving Tang Dynasty temple painted sculptures in China, more than 30 are in the East Great Hall. Tang Dynasty murals: Though faded, the Tang style remains. Tang Dynasty inscriptions: It was Lin Huiyin's discovery of ink inscriptions on the beams inside the hall that finally confirmed the construction date of Foguang Temple. Please pay special attention: on the Buddha altar in the hall is a painted sculpture of Ning Gongyu. She is not a Buddha or a Bodhisattva, but an ordinary woman who funded the construction of Foguang Temple. Mr. Liang Sicheng called her "the female benefactor of Foguang Temple." That her statue could sit on the Buddha altar and be worshipped alongside Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is extremely rare in ancient times. Other highlights in the temple Manjushri Hall (Jin Dynasty): The hall uses a special "column-reduction method," making the space exceptionally open. Tang Dynasty tomb pagoda (Patriarch Pagoda): South of the East Great Hall, a simple ancient pagoda, one of the earliest structures of Foguang Temple. Two Tang Dynasty stone pillars: Standing in front of and behind the hall, inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and construction records. Afterward, you will drive about 1.5 hours (about 50 kilometers) to Nanchan Temple. [Nanchan Temple] is 75 years earlier than the East Great Hall of Foguang Temple. It was first built in 782 AD (Tang Dynasty), over 1,200 years ago, and is the oldest surviving wooden structure in China, bar none. Great Buddha Hall: Greatness in Simplicity Nanchan Temple is not large, facing south, a traditional courtyard house. The main hall, the Great Buddha Hall, has a single-eave hip-and-gable roof covered with gray cylindrical tiles. At first glance it looks plain, but it is precisely this plainness that makes it more precious. Stepping inside, you will notice an astonishing detail: the entire hall has no ceiling (exposed roof structure) and no interior columns. The weight of the roof is transmitted entirely through the outer columns and beams layer by layer. The walls are non-load-bearing, serving only as partitions and windbreaks. This simple, transparent structure is a typical feature of large wooden buildings from the mid-Tang Dynasty. 17 Tang Dynasty Painted Sculptures: Masterpieces of Tang Sculpture On the Buddha altar in the hall, 17 Tang Dynasty painted sculptures are completely preserved, treasures of Tang Dynasty sculptural art. In the center is Sakyamuni Buddha, in the earth-touching mudra (right hand hanging before the knee, palm inward), seated on a waisted Sumeru pedestal. On either side are: two disciples — Ananda (young) and Kasyapa (elderly); two Bodhisattvas — Manjushri (riding a lion) and Samantabhadra (riding an elephant); as well as Heavenly Kings, offering Bodhisattvas, and child attendants. Each has different expressions and drapery, with smooth lines and full faces, carrying the confidence and serenity unique to the High Tang. After the visit, you will drive to Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province (about 130 kilometers, about 2.5 hours). Taiyuan is a historic and cultural city with over 2,500 years of history and the largest city in Shanxi. It is famous for its vinegar culture and noodle culture. When in Taiyuan, be sure to try authentic Shanxi knife-cut noodles, cat's ears, stir-fried bulaozi, and other noodle dishes, paired with a dish of aged vinegar — delicious. In addition, Taiyuan is Shanxi's transportation hub, making travel very convenient. In Taiyuan, you can visit Jinci Temple (you can walk through Jinci Park, about 1 kilometer, or take a sightseeing bus at your own expense). [Jinci Temple] is China's earliest and largest surviving royal sacrificial garden, the only well-preserved royal ancestral hall, and a national first-class museum, praised as a "museum of ancient Chinese architecture." Here, you can see ancient buildings from five dynasties — Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing — as well as a 3,000-year-old Zhou cypress. They stand quietly together in harmony, like a three-dimensional history of Chinese architecture. "Without visiting Jinci, a trip to Taiyuan is incomplete." Jinci Temple was built to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding monarch of the State of Jin. Tang Shuyu was the younger brother of King Cheng of Zhou, and the famous historical story "cutting a tung leaf to enfeoff a brother" is about him. His son Xie changed the state name from Tang to Jin, which later became one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period. Today, the main hall of Jinci, the Hall of the Holy Mother, enshrines Tang Shuyu's mother, Yijiang (queen of King Wu of Zhou, said to be the daughter of Jiang Ziya). When visiting Jinci, be sure to see the "Three Wonders, Three Treasures, Three Plaques" ① Three Wonders (the three old objects you must not miss) Zhou Cypress: An old cypress leaning for over three thousand years, like a hunched old man quietly watching people come and go. Song Dynasty Painted Sculptures in the Hall of the Holy Mother: Thousand-year-old painted clay statues — 43 attendants, eunuchs, and female officials, each with different expressions, vividly lifelike. It is said that the Peking opera master Mei Lanfang long observed the Holy Mother statue here, deeply attracted by its expression of "every frown and smile revealing a lifetime." Nanlao Spring: The source of living water for Jinci, clear and never drying up. Its name comes from the Book of Songs: "forever granted, never aging." ② Three Treasures (three treasures of the temple) Fish Pond Flying Bridge: A cross-shaped ancient bridge about 1,500 years old, China's earliest bridge connecting water and land. Standing on it feels like stepping into ancient times. Offering Hall: A Jin Dynasty building (1168 AD), used to display sacrificial offerings. It has fence walls on all sides, excellent ventilation, like an "ancient refrigerator." Its wooden structure makes the beams and columns bear the weight, with non-load-bearing walls. Hall of the Holy Mother: The main hall of Jinci, a masterpiece of Song Dynasty architecture. The front corridor has eight wood-carved coiled dragons, the earliest surviving wood-carved dragons in China, with bared teeth and claws, vividly lifelike. ③ Three Plaques (three old plaques with stories) Shuijing Terrace: The stage plaque at the entrance. This building is one of the prototypes for the scene of Sun Wukong battling Erlang Shen in the 1961 animated film Havoc in Heaven. Duiyue: From the Book of Songs, meaning "repaying the ancestors' grace." Nanlao: The plaque hanging over Nanlao Spring. Tips 1. Ask your guide to take you to an excellent photo spot where you can frame the Zhou Cypress, Hall of the Holy Mother, Nanlao Spring Pavilion, and other historic sites in one photo. 2. If you are a fan of the 1986 TV series Journey to the West, many scenes were filmed at Jinci — you can check in at those scenes. After visiting Jinci, drive to Pingyao for the night.

Today you will spend a full day leisurely exploring Pingyao Ancient City. Pingyao Ancient City has a history of about 2,800 years (first built during the reign of King Xuan of Western Zhou). It is one of the best-preserved ancient county towns of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China and the birthplace of Shanxi merchant culture. It was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1997 and is the stop many people look forward to most in Shanxi. The whole city is shaped like a divine turtle—the six city gates symbolize the turtle's head, tail, and four feet, while the four main streets, eight small streets, and seventy-two lanes inside resemble the patterns on the turtle's back. In traditional Chinese culture, the turtle is a symbol of longevity and good fortune. You can climb up the ancient city wall from Yingxun Gate and look down over the layout of this northern ancient city. The wall is tall and complete, and together with the six city gates and barbicans, it makes the city seem like an impregnable fortress. From the 19th to the early 20th century, Pingyao was the "financial center" of all China and was known as "Little Beijing." Strolling through Pingyao, weaving between the plain gray brick walls and heavy old wooden doors, you can trace that glorious era of "remittance across the world" and feel the legend of the Shanxi merchants who "ranged across Eurasia for nine thousand li and dominated the business world for five hundred years." Must-Visit Attractions in Pingyao Ancient City 1. County Government Office—Watch a "Magistrate Holding Court" The Pingyao County Government Office is the largest and best-preserved ancient county office in China. If the timing works out, be sure to watch a free court trial performance (about 20 minutes; please check the day's performance times on site). The actors wear Qing dynasty official robes, strike the gavel, and shout "Wei-wu"—quite interesting. Through the many official artifacts collected here, you can glimpse how ancient officials worked and handled cases. 2. Rishengchang—China's First Draft Bank Founded in 1823, Rishengchang was China's first draft bank (an ancient bank), praised as the "country grandfather of modern banking." At its peak, it opened 35 branches nationwide, with business reaching as far as Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia, truly achieving "remittance across the world." Today it has been converted into the China Draft Bank Museum. Facing south and backing north, it is divided into the central courtyard and east courtyard, and is the most complete and imposing representative of Ming-Qing draft bank architecture. The museum houses a large number of account books, drafts, and seals from that time—a living textbook of Chinese financial history and an excellent place to learn about Shanxi merchant culture. 3. Xie Tong Qing—Explore the Underground Vault (optional if time permits) If time is ample, you can turn into Xie Tong Qing (founded in 1856). Now called the China Money Shop Museum, its biggest draw is its huge underground vault—you can walk down and see with your own eyes where real gold and silver were once stored. 4. China Escort Agency Museum—How Was Silver Transported? How was a draft bank's money safely transported from one city to another? It relied on escort agencies. Here you can learn about the stories of the ten great escort agencies and ten great escorts of the time, and see the weapons, hidden projectiles, and escort boxes used to protect shipments. 5. Ming-Qing Old Street—China's "Wall Street" Finally, leave some time to wander freely along the Ming-Qing Old Street. This street was once China's "financial street," and today both sides are lined with old gray-brick houses selling vinegar, liquor, paper cuttings, cloth shoes... Lively as it is, if you listen closely, it seems you can still hear the sound of abacus beads from the draft bank clerks over a hundred years ago. Optional Performance in Pingyao: "Encore Pingyao" If you still have energy in the evening, we highly recommend the live performance "Encore Pingyao," about 90 minutes long, closed on Mondays (be sure to confirm in advance whether it is performed that day and the specific showtimes). Directed by the famous director Wang Chaoge, the story tells of Zhao Yishuo, the head of a Pingyao draft bank in the late Qing dynasty, who spent his entire fortune to hire 232 escorts to travel abroad and protect the journey of the descendant of a manager far away in Russia. It lets you immersively feel the spirit of the Shanxi merchants, who valued righteousness over profit and held integrity as their foundation.

Today you will drive to explore two treasures hidden in the land of Jinzhong: one is the Wang Family Compound, the "Folk Forbidden City," and the other is Zhangbi Ancient Fort, the "No. 1 Astrological Village in China." The Wang Family Compound is a complex of residences built by the Wang clan over more than 300 years through the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is praised as the "Folk Forbidden City." It perfectly embodies the saying "the home is a courtyard, the courtyard is a city" — rather than a courtyard, it is a fully functioning castle. At its peak, the Wang Family Compound covered about 250,000 square meters, an extremely grand scale. It was built against the mountain, occupying the high ground, and various defensive designs were hidden within the courtyards. Because the Wang clan both traded and held official posts, the residence has both the grandeur of an official mansion and the everyday warmth of a common dwelling — strict separation between men and women, and order between masters and servants; every brick and tile is inscribed with rules. What to see? Architectural layout: courtyards within courtyards, high walls linked to high walls — it is easy to get lost inside. You can experience what a "deep mansion and large courtyard" really means. The art of the three carvings: the brick carvings, wood carvings, and stone carvings of the Wang Family Compound are outstanding. Doors, windows, beams, columns, wall corners... almost every surface that can be carved is covered with carvings, with motifs including auspicious birds and beasts, opera stories, and auspicious flowers — every cut reveals the refinement of the old Shanxi merchants. Next, visit Zhangbi Ancient Fort, where "there is a city above ground and a city below ground," located in Jiexiu City, known as the "Hometown of Glazed Art." It is a miniature castle built deep in the mountains. The most amazing thing about Zhangbi Ancient Fort is this: an open fort above ground and hidden tunnels below ground — it is one of the most completely preserved ancient military defensive villages in China. The No. 1 Astrological Village in China The fort's name comes from Zhang and Bi, two of the Twenty-Eight Mansions of the Chinese constellations. The layout of the entire village secretly corresponds to the constellations, which is why it is called the "No. 1 Astrological Village in China." The buildings on the ground correspond to the Twenty-Eight Mansions in the sky, forming the wonder of "the Kuixing star in heaven, Zhangbi on earth." Locals say that walking into Zhangbi is like stepping into the starry sky — a romantic way of putting it, but you can indeed feel the ancients' obsession with "one star in heaven, one city on earth." Highlights of Zhangbi Ancient Fort 1. Underground Great Wall: 10 km of ancient tunnels Beneath the fort lies a network of ancient tunnels stretching about 10 km (explored so far), dating back about 1,600 years. It was originally a military stronghold, and later villagers used it to escape the chaos of war. The tunnels extend in all directions, with traps, ventilation holes, observation openings, ambush positions, drainage ditches... and even meeting rooms and storage rooms. You can crawl through an open section, bending low and feeling the walls, to personally experience the ancients' wisdom for "staying alive." 2. Above ground: temples built on the city wall Zhangbi is very small, only 0.12 square kilometers, yet it has as many as 16 temples — and most of them are built on top of the city wall. Main highlights include: Zhenwu Hall, Erlang Temple, Guandi Temple, and others. Standing on the city wall, turn your head one way and there is a temple, turn it the other way and there is a tunnel entrance — this mixed-up feeling is unique. 3. Glazed roofs: art that glows Jiexiu has been famous for glazed ware since ancient times. The temple roofs on the walls of Zhangbi Ancient Fort are covered with exquisite glazed ridge ornaments — flying dragons, phoenixes, running auspicious beasts, blooming peonies, warrior figures... After hundreds of years of wind and rain, they remain brightly colored and sparkle in the sunlight. After the tour, your 6-day Datong, Mount Wutai, Taiyuan, and Pingyao journey will come to an end. Suggestions for Extending the Itinerary 1. If you wish to extend your trip and explore other famous attractions in Shanxi, such as Datong, Mount Wutai, Pingyao, Taiyuan, and others, we can help arrange the itinerary. 2. If you plan to continue exploring other cities in China, such as Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai, please feel free to let us know.