Yellow River Hukou Waterfall roars into Winter, Shanxi Province

See the 1500 year old stone budda at Yungang Grottoes

Stay at the character filled Pingyao Grand Theater Guild Hall East Garden Hotel

Hanging Temple in Hunyuan County, 1500 years old, Datong

Enjoying a chinese banquet

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Shanxi: Ancient China in Winter

Explore Shanxi’s ancient architecture, winter landscapes and regional cuisine on a guided cultural journey.

China

8 Days from

$2350 USD

Trip Code: SXW

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement

$350 USD

Duration

8 Days

Activities

8 days adventuring touring

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

7 nights hotels

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Adventure touring
The theme behind most of our trips is action holidays and the fitter you are, the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. On a trekking trip such as this you need to be in general good health and moderately fit. The grading overall would be moderate, with some "strenuous" activity. Before departure aerobic-type exercise, which increases your breathing, is an obvious advantage. We recommend that for about two to three months prior to departure you try to exercise most days for 30 - 45 minutes or aerobic type activity.
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Adventure touring

Trip highlights

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Yungang Grottoes and their extensive collection of Northern Wei Buddhist carvings
Visit the Hengshan Hanging Temple, built into a sandstone cliff above the valley floor
See the 67.31m / 221ft Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, constructed using traditional timber joinery without metal nails
Travel with experienced local guides, vehicle support and carefully designed logistics throughout
Discover UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pingyao Ancient City, including its walls, historic streets, temples and merchant heritage
View the seasonal ice formations of Hukou Waterfall along the Yellow River during northern China’s winter

Overview

Travel from Beijing into Shanxi province to explore Buddhist grottoes, cliffside temples, ancient wooden architecture and walled towns in their winter setting. The journey links Datong, Xinzhou, Pingyao and Linfen by first-class rail and private vehicle, with visits to the Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and several historic temple complexes. Time in Pingyao reveals traditional lanes, merchant history and courtyard architecture, while regional meals introduce the hearty flavours of northern Shanxi. The journey concludes at Hukou Waterfall, where winter conditions may create ice falls, icicles and frozen formations along the Yellow River.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Beijing you will need to make your own way to the group hotel. The afternoon is free time for sightseeing in the central city district. Perhaps barter for a bargain in the colorful silk markets or do as the locals do and hire a bike for a spin through the bustling back roads of this vibrant city. This evening we will meet in the hotel lobby at approximately 18:00 (please check with reception to confirm this time) for a group meeting before we head out to enjoy our first meal together. Accommodation: Dong Fang Hotel or similar

Meals: D

This morning we board a first-class high-speed train to Datong (2 hours), the historic northern gateway to Shanxi Province. After sampling Datong's famous sliced noodles for lunch, we visit the magnificent Yungang Grottoes, one of China's finest collections of Buddhist cave art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved into sandstone cliffs during the Northern Wei Dynasty, the complex contains more than 51,000 Buddhist statues ranging from tiny carvings to monumental figures. During winter, snow-covered cliffs create a striking contrast against the ancient sculptures, offering exceptional photographic opportunities in a peaceful setting with fewer visitors. This evening enjoy a regional dinner featuring local Shanxi specialities. Accommodation: Ailai Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today we explore two of Shanxi's most extraordinary architectural masterpieces. Our first stop is the remarkable Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si), dramatically suspended from a sheer sandstone cliff approximately 50 metres (164ft) above the valley floor. Built in 491 AD, the temple uniquely combines Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions within its timber halls and walkways clinging to the mountainside. Continuing east, we visit the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the world's oldest and tallest surviving all-timber pagoda. Constructed in 1056 without the use of a single metal nail, this remarkable 67.31-metre (221ft) structure has withstood earthquakes and harsh winters for almost a thousand years. Snow resting on its layered eaves highlights the beauty of its traditional timber construction before we continue to Xinzhou for the evening. Accommodation: Fanhua Jinlun Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural mineral waters of Qicun Hot Springs, a welcome opportunity to unwind before continuing our journey south. This afternoon we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pingyao Ancient City, one of China's best-preserved walled towns. After checking into our hotel within the ancient city walls, there's time to wander the narrow laneways lined with traditional courtyard houses, merchant shops and glowing red lanterns. In winter, a light covering of snow transforms Pingyao into one of northern China's most atmospheric historic towns, creating a memorable introduction to this remarkable living museum of Ming and Qing dynasty China. Accommodation: Pingyao Grand Theater Guild Hall East Garden or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Spend today discovering the rich history and architecture of Pingyao Ancient City. Walk sections of the impressive city wall before exploring historic merchant streets, the renowned Rishengchang Draft Bank and beautifully preserved courtyard residences that illustrate the wealth of Shanxi's influential merchant families. This afternoon we visit Shuanglin Temple, renowned for its remarkable collection of more than 2,000 painted clay sculptures, before continuing to Zhenguo Temple, home to one of China's oldest surviving timber buildings dating from the 10th century. The quiet winter setting provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate these important cultural treasures before returning to Pingyao for the evening. Accommodation: Pingyao Grand Theater Guild Hall East Garden or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Pingyao behind, we travel south towards Linfen, stopping to visit the impressive Guangsheng Temple. The temple is famous for its magnificent Feihong Pagoda, whose colourful glazed tiles create a striking contrast against the surrounding winter landscape. Later we continue to the Hongtong Great Pagoda Tree, one of China's most significant ancestral sites. For centuries this landmark symbolised the departure point for large-scale migration during the Ming Dynasty and remains an important place of remembrance for countless Chinese families. We arrive in Linfen later this afternoon for a two-night stay. Accommodation: Swan International Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Today's highlight is a full-day excursion to Hukou Waterfall, the second-largest waterfall on the Yellow River. Winter transforms this powerful river into one of China's most spectacular seasonal landscapes as freezing temperatures create dramatic icefalls, crystal icicles and frozen curtains of ice stretching across the gorge. Depending on seasonal conditions, sunlight reflecting through the frozen formations may create colourful displays above the snow-covered valley. After spending time exploring this remarkable natural phenomenon, we return to Linfen for our final evening in Shanxi. Accommodation: Swan International Hotel or similar

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we transfer to the railway station for the first-class high-speed train back to Beijing. Train journey is 09:50-15:38. On arrival, a transfer is provided to the airport where our journey concludes.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

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3 scheduled departures between 27 Dec 2026 and 21 Feb 2027.

Departs 27 Dec 2026 – ends 3 Jan 2027 (8 days)
Departs 17 Jan 2027 – ends 24 Jan 2027 (8 days)
Departs 21 Feb 2027 – ends 28 Feb 2027 (8 days)

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What's included?

Included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners as indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees and sightseeing specified in the day-to-day itinerary
Comfortable (4* and 3*) hotel accommodation on a twin-share basis
First-class rail travel from Beijing to Datong and Linfen to Beijing
Expert local guides and a tour leader throughout
Airport transfer on the final day

Not included

International airfares and departure taxes
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Arrival transfer to hotel in Beijing
Meals and drinks not listed as included
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Dong Fang Hotel Beijing

Ailia Hotel, Datong

Zinzhou Fanhua Jinlin Hotel

Swan Hotel, Linfen

Pingyao Grand Theater Guild Hall East Garden

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Winter temperatures vary across Shanxi, with Pingyao Ancient City typically being the coldest destination on the itinerary. Daytime temperatures generally range from -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F), while Datong is usually slightly milder, with temperatures ranging from approximately 2°C to -6°C (36°F to 21°F).

Bring thermal base layers, fleece clothing, a down jacket, waterproof outerwear, warm headwear, a scarf, waterproof gloves and anti-slip winter boots. Sunglasses are also recommended because reflected light from snow can be intense.

No. The trip is scheduled for winter and the itinerary is designed around seasonal scenery, but snowfall and the extent of ice formations are natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

The itinerary uses first-class rail between Beijing and Datong and between Linfen and Beijing. Private vehicles are used for regional touring and transfers within Shanxi.

Meals focus on northern Shanxi cuisine, including noodles, dumplings, mutton dishes, pork, hot pot, millet products and local specialities. Seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners are included.

The principal sites have walkable paths, but snow and ice may make surfaces slippery. Travellers should use caution and wear anti-slip footwear, especially at mountain temples and Hukou Waterfall.

Follow a structured route through Shanxi using first-class rail services and private chartered transport
Travel with guided sightseeing throughout the principal touring days
Stay in centrally located hotels, including accommodation within Pingyao Ancient City
Combine major architectural sites with regional cuisine, historic towns and a winter hot spring visit
Visit Shanxi’s key cultural sites in winter, when visitor numbers are much lower than during peak seasons
Strong balance of culture, history and food

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Shanxi: Ancient China in Winter

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Map

Elevation

Ready to start your adventure?