Shanxi Vernacular Dwellings Tour

Arrival at Taiyuan by train or flight, met by our English speaking tour guide and get on a private air-conditioned vehicle for Qikou. Qikou Ancient Town is situated about 230km down southwest of Taiyuan. It is a pleasant 2.5 hours'drive along the highway till Lishi where we'll turn northwest driving along a county road for about 48km before we get to Qikou Ancient Town.

Tonight you will settle at Qikou Coutyard Inn, a 300-year-old courtyard with kang beds and internet. It is an open, large and friendly place where you are able to have a nice view of the Yellow River if you climb up the stone stairs in the yard.

Meal: Chinese dinner

Hotel: Qikou Coutyard Inn

Today you are going to visit Qikou Ancient Town itself and its neaby Lijiashan Village , the big draw on your trip to Qikou.

Qikou ancient town is situated along the west edge of Yellow River. For its special port situation, Qikou ancient town attracted many merchants centuries ago. Houses in the style of Ming and Qing Dynasty stand along the streets, which are granted as the first views in Qikou Ancient Town. The ancient town is worth visiting for its stone courtyards and cobbled pathways, leading to Black Dragon Temple, where you can overlook the Yellow River.

Lijiashan Village is well known for their cave houses hugging the hillsides with terraces of crops, a great charm for travelers who want to experience the vernacular dwellings in Shanxi. It was once home to over 600 families in its Qing heyday.

Meal: Breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner

Hotel: Qikou Coutyard Inn

After breakfast, say goodbye to Qikou and drive eastward about 180km to Zhangbi Underground Castle .

Today you will visit Zhangbi Underground Castle. This is a 1400-year-old network of ancient defence tunnels in Zhangbi Village not far from Jiexiu County south of Pingyao. The tunnels were used for military purposes over several hundred years with three levels of underground tunnels. The ancient town above contains old temples and houses. This fascinating Yuan-dynasty village is still inhabited by villagers.

After Zhanbi Village tour, you will move on to Pingyao, about 50km north of Zhangbi Village. For the remainder of the day, you will explore the Pingyao Ancient City on your own. Stay overnight at Dejuyuan Guesthouse.

Meal: Breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner

Hotel: Dejuyuan Guesthouse

After breakfast, first visit the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao City. The city of Pingyao is one of the four remaining well-preservedancient cities in China. The city wall has a perimeter of 6.4 kilometers and is over 12 meters high and 3.5 meters wide. Then visit the Rishengchang Exchange Shop. It is the earliest bank in China, first opened in the 18th century.Rishengchang was the first money exchange shop in the history of China.

Afterwards, move on to the Mingqing Street. Ming and Qing Street, also called Nanda Jie. It is one of the busy and interesting streets in which to experience ancient Chinese culture. It is 440 long, Ming and Qing Street used to be the commercial center of Pingyao ancient city. Then move on to Armed Escort Company Museum. It offers an eye-opening armed escorts in protecting commerce. Cash moving from one area needed the armed escort firm to thwart of thieving hands. Finally visit County Government Office, an ancient city hall and law court.

Meal: Breakfast and lunch

Hotel: Dejuyuan Guesthouse

Today you are free at your leisure to explore the ancient city on your own. Then you are transfered to Pingyao Railway Station or Taiyuan Railway Station to continue your trip to Beijing or Xian ( tickets excluded ).

Meal: Breakfast