In ancient China, Shanxi used to be a strategic outpost guarding the invasion of nomadic raiders from across the Yellow River into Central Plains, as a result, long stretches of the Great Wall and numerous fortified military settlements were built along the hills and ridges on the Loess Plateau here. Today, the remains of forts and walls are scattered in various villages and open fields. This trip shall explore various wild stretches of the Great Wall yet to be touched by refurbishment, fortified settlements and ancient river ports along the Yellow River, traditional cave-homes (troglodyte villages) adapted to the arid environment and climate. Let’s journey to the Loess Plateau in Shanxi to learn of its history, culture, and evolution.
Board a flight to China’s capital city Beijing, upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
After breakfast, 3 hours car transfer to Gu Bei Kou, the trailhead for a trek on the Great Wall. This stretch of the Great Wall was first built 1500 years ago, later, it was strengthened during the Ming Dynasty in 14th century, to guard against the Mongol invasion. Overnight in a village in Gu Bei Kou.
Rise early to trek the Jinshanling stretch of the Great Wall, admire the view of ancient walls bathing in morning sun rays. After lunch, car transfer back to Beijing, in the evening, board a high-speed train to Datong in Shanxi province, upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Morning visit to Yungang Grottoes, a Unesco World Heritage Site, with over 200 caves and numerous Buddhist art and statues. Afternoon explore Datong “Soil Forest” with unique landscape of protrusive loess and grit sediment due to crustal movement, wind and water erosion. After dinner, take a leisure stroll in Datong Old City.
After breakfast, 1.5 hours car transfer to Zuoyun, the trailhead for another Great Wall trek. While the Beijing Great Wall was built mainly with stones, here in Shanxi was made of compacted earth and soil due to the natural surroundings. Armed with pre-packed lunch and sufficient drinking water, trek through this wild stretch of the Great Wall, crossing ravine, passing farmland, and ending in Bataizi village, where a century-old church is located. Car transfer to Youyu for overnight stay.
After breakfast, explore the Tiger-Killing-pass Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty. It used to be a checkpoint for people from inland China to cross over to Mongolia and further north into Russia. Historical sites include remains of an ancient trail and centuries-old fortress. Visit Youyu Great Wall Museum and Tiger-Killing Fort. After lunch, car transfer to Lao Niu Wan, with view of the Great Wall along the way.
After breakfast, visit the ancient outpost fortress. Lao Niu Wan is set by the Yellow River at the border of Inner Mongolia and Shanxi. Explore the Old Village of Lau Niu Wan with centuries-old grottoes-settlement against the backdrop of the Great Wall, watch tower, Yellow River, and Loess Plateau.
After breakfast, 4.5 hours car transfer to ancient town Qikou, which was an important trade post by the Yellow River during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The town has well preserved cave-homes and retains a slow pace of traditional lifestyle. Overnight in a traditional guesthouse by the Yellow River.
Explore nearby ancient village Xiwan, known for its unique architecture of residential homes carved into the Loess Plateau. Home visits and mingle with local villagers, learn about local history and stories. After lunch, visit Yellow River Corridor, take a boat ride to admire the Loess Plateau landscape shaped by wind and water erosion.
After breakfast, drive to the isolated Lijiashan village hidden deep in the hills. The village retains some of the most traditional cave homes, and the villagers lead an isolated lifestyle. Afternoon, transfer to Pingyao ancient city.
Ancient city of Pingyao is a Unesco World Heritage Site, an exemplary town planning of Imperial China, with well developed road system made of 4 main avenues, 8 roads, and 72 streets crisscrossing the city. It was an important trading town with an established banking system. Visit buildings of ancient banks known to be the richest during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, explore imperial government offices, peep into ancient merchant escort guard offices, and climb up to the well-preserved city walls.
Car transfer to Taiyuan, board a high-speed train back to Beijing. Overnight in Beijing.
Morning airport transfer, take a flight back to Kuala Lumpur. End of tour.
A *security deposit of RM 2,000 is payable to secure booking. Balance fee RM 6,200 to be collected upon booking deadline or when the tour is fully booked.
*Security Deposit is refundable subjected to below conditions:
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Lam Yuet is an avid traveler, leaving her trails in four continents of the world. She had once spent two years making an Asia-Europe overland journey. Her tales from the road have been published under three titles – The Grand Overland Voyage, A State Called Home, and My Private Map.
She was a feature journalist, specialized in travel writing. As her former job involved lots of oversea assignments, she had experienced luxurious business tour as well as travel on a shoestring. Backpacking is still her preferred choice.
