Middle Kingdom Journeys

A Short Cast of China's Buddhism

2010 Departures: All year round

Trip Length: 8 days

Activity Type: Touring

Trip Price: From $ 1,242 per person

It is a Private Group Journey.

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Trip Highlights:

Presentation of the Buddhism history at the beginning of the trip;

Meditation by monk

Study Leader

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 1:

Beijing to Datong, This morning, we depart for Datong, a strategic border town along the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, which had defeated numerous Mongolian invasions. En route, we stop to visit the Juyongguan Great Wall and Cock Crow Post, both important heritage sites along an ancient trade route linking the Mongol empire and the rich inner land of the Middle Kingdom. After a simple lunch organized at the local farmer’s houses in the Cock Crow Post, we drive for another two hours on the well-paved highway before we arrive in Datong. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and have a rest before our dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2:

Datong, In the morning, we will visit Yungang Shiku or the Cloud Ridge Caves, our expert here will join us at the caves for a special visit. Then we will drive to the north of Datong, and visit an ancient Great Wall fortress village, which is one of the most outstanding examples of such constructions. A local noodle lunch will be prepared in the village. Return to town in the afternoon, we will enjoy a royal banquet hosted in a restaurant in town famous for its excellent Shanxi cuisines.

Day 3:

Datong to Yingxian to Wutaishan, After breakfast, we will conclude our sightseeing in Datong at the Huayan Monastery, and then drive to visit the spectacular Hanging Temple with its first construction from the 6th century. Following lunch, we will drive to Sakyamuni Pagoda at Yingxian. We will continue on to Wutaishan, site of one of China’s most sacred Buddhist mountains.

Day 4:

Wutaishan, Today we will undertake full-day explorations in beautifully scenic Wutaishan, regarded since ancient times as an ideal place for escaping summer heat. Highlights of the day will include visits to Pusa Ding (Bodhisattva Summit); Xiantong Temple, famed for its halls dating back to the Ming and Qing eras; and the Tibetan-style Big White Dagoba (Tayuan Temple). A couple of other temples will be included in today’s tour, depending on pace of our visit. Tonight, we will enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian feast in one of the local restaurant.

Day 5:

Wutaishan to Taiyuan, After breakfast, we head for some amazing Tang Dynasty architectures in Wutaishan area, the Foguang Monastery. Besides the architecture itself, the murals from the Tang Dynasty are of great aesthetic value as well.  We will organize a simple and lovely picnic lunch outside the courtyard of Foguang Monastery. After lunch, we may also visit the village and learn about the local farmer’s efforts in preserving these ancient heritages. Then we will continue to drive to Taiyuan. Arrive in Taiyuan in the late afternoon. Check in and rest from the long drive tonight.

Day 6:

Taiyuan to Pingyao, After breakfast in the hotel, we proceed for Pingyao, stopping at the Jinci Shrine en route, a northern Song Dynasty temple known for its well preserved architecture and sculptures. In the afternoon, we arrive in Pingyao, one of the China’s best preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty cities. Upon arrival in Pingyao and check into our lovely courtyard style inn.

Day 7:

Pingyao, We will be joined by our history expert today and walk on the ancient City Wall, which is marked with a watchtower every 50 meters (164 ft) and visit several of the ancient courtyards and a complex of old private houses exhibiting their collection of art and furniture, all converted into museums. In addition to appreciating the ancient architecture, we may also learn about how the banking system started in China over a century ago here in Rishengchang.

Day 8:

Pingyao to Taiyuan to Beijing, This morning after breakfast, we drive to visit Zhangwang village followed by al visit to the Cixiang Monastery, which is famous for its Buddhist Murals from the Yuan Dyansty (1271 – 1368 A.D.). Then we proceed to the Lingshi County to visit the Wang Residence, one of the best preserved residence of the Shanxi Merchants in the late Qing Dynasty. After lunch, we spend some time stroll around at the Wang Residence. Afterwards we drive to Taiyuan and connect our flight back to Beijing. Trip ends

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