Datong Two Days Rush Tour

　Day One, in the morning, we will take the coach to Datong by four hours driving. Upon the arrival at Datong, we will take the lunch firstly, then pay a visit to the famous Buddhist Grottoes, Yanggang Grottoes which is one of the three major cave clusters in China, punctuate the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain, Datong. The area was excavated along the mountain, extending 1 km (0.62 miles) from east to west, revealing 53 caves and over 51,000 stone statues. Started in 450, Yungang is a relic of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). Absorbing Indian Gandhara Buddhist art, Yungang sculptures developed traditional Chinese art melded with social features of the time. During the reign of Emperor Xiao Wen a monk named Tanyao took charge of the construction of Yungang Grottoes. The largest cave is No.6. In the 20-meter (65.6-foot)-high cave stands a 15-meter (49.2-foot)-high pagoda-like column decorated with Buddha statues and designs. On the four sides of the tower pillar, and on the east, south and west walls of the cave, 33 embossed panels depict the story of Saykamuni.

　Later on, we will see the Nine Dragon Screen , which was built over 600 years ago, is presently the oldest and largest glazed screen in China today. It is three times larger than that in Beihai Park , Beijing City . The screen, built for the thirteenth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), has been well preserved and remains intact to this day. It is made up of 426 specially-fired glazed bricks, with a height of 8 meters (about 26 feet), 2.02 meters (6.6 feet) thick and 45.5 meters (149 feet) long. The Screen can be divided into three parts, the pedestal, body and roof. There is a pond with a stone bridge located in front of the screen. The reflection of the dragons becomes dynamic, especially when a breeze disturbs the surface of the water.

　Stay in Datong , you will be free in the evening.

　Day Two, after breakfast, we will see the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda , which is l ocated in Yingxian County , it is about 70 kilometers south of Datong . It is the oldest and highest wooden structure in China . It is regarded as the 'First Pagoda in the World' and a gem in the architectural field. It has now also been placed under national emphases under the Cultural Relics Protection Units. Built during the Liao Dynasty (about 1056), it has about 900 years of history. It has a height of about 67 meters, and a 30 meter long diameter at its bottom. The Pagoda appears as a five-storey structure, but in fact it has a total of nine stories with four hidden inside. The Wooden Pagoda is a perfect combination of science, art and religious. It is also the wonder of the wooden architecture field.

　Next, we are going to visit the Hanging Monastery , it stands at the foot of Mt. Hengshan , 3 miles south of Hunyuan County, and 40 miles from downtown Datong City. Since it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground, it is called Hanging Monastery. It was built in 491, has survived more than 1400 years. The extant monastery was largely rebuilt and maintained in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Hanging Monastery is an architectural wonder. A unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, Hanging Monastery appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, Hanging Monastery provides the same scene as other temples. The second attraction of Hanging Monastery is that it includes Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Inside the monastery, the sculptures of Sakyamuni, Confucius and Laotzu appear together, which is unusual. There are 40 halls and cabinets, which contain about 80 sculptures made of copper, iron, terracotta, and stone. The features are vividly carved. Why build a monastery like this? Location is the first reason; building a monastery on the cliff could shield it from floods. In addition, the mountain peak protects it from rain and snow; and the mountain around it also diminishes damage from long-time sunshine. The second reason is that the builders followed a principle in Taoism: no noises, including those from rooster crowing and dog baying; so from the upper ground, all noises drop away. Later on, we will transfer back to Beijing .

　Tour Quotation:

　Remark: Tour price should be discussed during 2008 Beijing Olympic period from July to September

　Remark: the price will be based on per person

　Hotel in all the destinations:

　In Datong -----Tiangui International Hotel

  Tiangui International Hotel is located in the city center, with easy access for business and travel. Room service is available. Chinese & western buffet breakfast valued 68 yuan/person is presented. Free broadband internet access, laundry service, business center and shop are all available. The hot pot and western buffet restaurant give you more choices for dining.

  　All the quotation will be including:

　1.  Private escorted tour

　2.  All the Entrance fees listed in the itinerary

　3.  Meals only including all breakfasts and lunches

　4.  Skillful driver with private vehicle

　5.  Excellent local guide

　6.  Hotel in Datong

　7.  Domestic transportation
   　　* All the ground transfer

　8.  All the quotation is by US Dollars which is based on the rate of Bank of China

　9．  Cancellation policy: Cancellation should be informed three days before departure otherwise should have 10% penalty of total price.

　10.  Payment policy: All the payment should be three days in advance before departure.

　11.  Payment method: cash, credit card and wire transfer

 　 All the quotation will be NOT including:

　1.   International ticket

　2.  All the dinners

　3.  Personal Expenses.

　4.  Gratuities, Tips to guides or drivers

　　Notes: All the quotation would be changed due to the unexpected reason.