The Hanging Monastery
Visit the hanging monastery precariously perched on the cliff face.
This fabulous holiday idea to China showcases some of the classic sites as well as less known gems such as the walled city of Pingyao and the Buddhist caves at Datong.
Visit the hanging monastery precariously perched on the cliff face.
Gain privileged access to the curators restoration room.
Stay in a Qing Dynasty Mansion and explore the cobbled streets of the old town.
Take a private cycling tour through the backstreets of Shanghai for a view into local life.
A fabulous holiday for lovers of history, this trip is crammed full of ancient cities and sacred sites. Places synonymous with China such as the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall are of course included but these are combined with other sites that may often be overlooked on a first-time visit. The trip concludes with a few nights in Shanghai where glass skyscrapers hide a charming world of alleys and gardens to finish your explorations of ancient China.
Day 1
Beijing
Day 2 - 4
Beijing
Day 5
Beijing - Datong
Day 6
Datong - Wutaishan
Day 7
Wutaishan - Pingyao
Day 8
Pingyao
Day 9
Pingyao - Xian
Day 10
Xian
Day 11
Xian - Shanghai
Day 12 - 13
Shanghai
Day 14
Shanghai
Day 1
Beijing
Day 2 - 4
Beijing
Explore the sites in and around Beijing, from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall.
Day 5
Beijing - Datong
Visit the hanging monastery precariously perched on the cliff face.
Day 6
Datong - Wutaishan
Day 7
Wutaishan - Pingyao
Day 8
Pingyao
Stay in a Qing Dynasty Mansion and explore the cobbled streets of the old town.
Day 9
Pingyao - Xian
Day 10
Xian
Gain privileged access to the curators restoration room.
Day 11
Xian - Shanghai
Day 12 - 13
Shanghai
Take a private cycling tour through the backstreets of Shanghai for a view into local life.
Day 14
Shanghai
Known for being the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Route, Xian is as well known for the collection of terracotta warriors and horse figures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. A visit to this incredible burial site is without doubt a highlight of any visit to China. In addition you will also visit the less known miniature warriors which date from approximately 80 years later and although smaller in size are no less fascinating with even more variety. Your visit will include, by special arrangement, privileged access into the Curator’s Restoration Room.
Datong is home to the most spectacular collection of Buddhist stone carvings in China. Most of them date back to the Northern Wei period, when the capital of this small dynasty was located at Pingcheng, the present-day Datong. There are 55 caves, of which 21 may be visited, with a total of 51,000 bas reliefs and statues, ranging in size from a couple of centimetres to more than 16 metres. They exhibit Indian, Byzantine, Persian, and Greek artistic influences.
Over the centuries traders have removed the heads from thousands of the statuettes for sale to collectors. The most impressive caves are numbers five to thirteen and you enter cave five you are greeted by a 17 metre-high Buddha with his gold face in calm contemplation.
During the Qing Dynasty, Pingyao was a financial centre of China. It is now renowned for its well-preserved ancient city wall and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was built in 1400 and still retains its city layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Spend a day exploring the narrow streets and city walls by bike, stopping to visit the Ancient Government Court and First bank of China.
Southeast, some 75 kilometres from Datong is the Hanging Monastery, built halfway up a sheer cliffs above the Jinlong Canyon. There has been a temple on this site since the Northern Wei however they were often destroyed by flooding and were rebuilt, each time getting higher and higher. The buildings are connected by corridors, boardwalks and bridges and contain statues of gods and Buddhas in stone, bronze and iron. Most notable is the Three Religions Hall where Buddha, Lao Tzu and Confucius sit side by side.
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Around Beijing and the mountainous areas such as Tibet, winter can get very cold, with some snow. However, there are also many crisp days with clear skies across the country.
Chinese New Year takes place in late January or Early February, and is the biggest event in the calendar. Fireworks and lanterns light up the night sky, but be aware that public transport and accommodation may be hard to come by.
The start of spring see temperatures rise across the country and fruit trees start to blossom. Although not as widespread as Japan, the blossoms in rural China can still be stunning.
The spring blossoms are in full swing, and the countryside is lush. The north and mountainous areas may still be chilly, but generally, spring is a good time to visit most places.
A very good time to visit many places in China. Southern regions are getting very warm, but there is an increased chance of rain. The northern and mountainous regions are pleasantly warm but lack the humidity of the summer.
A very good time to visit many places in China. Southern regions are getting very warm, but there is an increased chance of rain. The northern and mountainous regions are pleasantly warm but lack the humidity of the summer.
The ideal time to get out into the mountains of Tibet and Yunnan province. The alpine landscape is verdant and enjoys long hours of sunshine. Temperatures can be sweltering, especially in the south.
The hot weather prevails throughout the country as it is the peak of summer. Many places, especially in the south are unpleasantly hot and humid to travel. The mountains are the perfect place to escape the heat.
Temperatures decline gradually, but it is less humid and wet than summer in many regions. The mountains are still a good place to hike in, especially as snow has receded as far as possible. This makes it an excellent time for journeying along the Silk Road.
The majority of October is perfect for travelling, with widespread mild temperatures and little rain. However, it is worth avoiding the first week of October, as it is a national holiday.
This is the time to take in the beautiful autumn colours, especially in the northern and central regions. Snow may begin to fall in the north, but the tourist hotspots are much less busy as locals don’t tend to travel at this time.
It is cold in most of China at this time, but it is a great time to visit Beijing and surrounding areas. There are many cold and crisp days, and the tourist hotspots will be much quieter. Western China is bitterly cold though and Southern China is milder but damp.
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