Private Day Trip to Qiao Family Compound & Pingyao Ancient City from Taiyuan

Tour Highlights
• Visit Qiao Family Compound, a fine example of a traditional private residence in China built in the 18th-century.
• Marvel at Pingyao, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Chinese city, founded in the 14th century.

About This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Taiyuan
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
• Pickup Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pickup & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Taiyuan
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour. We recommend having a substantial breakfast and bringing snacks in case you get hungry while sightseeing. If you'd like to experience authentic local cuisine for lunch, feel free to inform your guide, who will be happy to assist.

Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Taiyuan
• Drive to Qiao Family Compound (about 54km)
• Visit Qiao Family Compound
• Lunch on your own
• Drive to the Ancient City of Pingyao (about 42km)
• Visit the Ancient City of Pingyao
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Taiyuan (about 80km)

Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during National Day (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year, and Labor Day (May 1-5).

Price Inclusions
• Professional English language speaking tour guide.
• Air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.
• Admission tickets to sightseeing places.
• All government taxes.

Price Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Your personal expenses.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

Additional Information
• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations made 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour's start time or after the tour begins are non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed within 2-5 business days, with refunds issued within 14 working days.

Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs
• If you want to customize this itinerary, contact us via WhatsApp (+86 139 1083 0737) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com). We'll create a tailor-made tour package just for you.

Know Before You Go
• Keep your passport with you throughout the tour; it may be needed to buy entrance tickets.
• Pickup time, guide's name, and contact information will be confirmed via WhatsApp or email.
• Your guide will be at the meeting point, holding a GGC pickup sign with your name.
• Meals are not included; please feel free to ask your guide for recommendations.
• If you book an Airbnb, please note that door-to-door pickup and drop-off might not be provided.
• There's a 20-minute grace period for waiting. Failure to show up will result in tour cancellation & no refund.

Hotel Pickup, Transfer to Qiao Family Compound
Your private guide will be holding GoGrandChina pick-up sign and waiting for you in your hotel lobby (or other appointed meeting place) at the appointed time. You will be transferred to Qiao Family Compound (about 54km) in a comfortable private vehicle.

Visit Qiao Family Compound
The Qiao Family Compound, originally the Zaizhong Hall and officially Qiao's Grand Courtyard, is a courtyard house located approximately 30 kilometers (20 mi) northeast of Pingyao. It is the residential compound of well-known financier Qiao Zhiyong (1818—1907), who was the most famous member of the Qiao family. Construction began in 1756 during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor in the Qing dynasty and was completed sometime in the 18th century. The estate covers 9000 square meters and has 313 rooms with 4000 square meters within 6 large courtyards and 19 smaller courtyards. Architects consider it to be one of the finest remaining examples of imposing private residences in northern China. It has been converted into a museum and has many period furnishings. It is famous for being the chief location in the Zhang Yimou film Raise the Red Lantern.

Drive to the Ancient City of Pingyao (about 42km)

Lunch at Your Own Expense in the Ancient City of Pingyao
Please feel free to ask your guide for suggestions and recommendations

Visit the Ancient City of Pingyao
Explore the Ancient City of Pingyao from Rishengchang Exchange House. This establishment, which was founded in 1823, was the first draft bank to be set up in China. In a compound with three courtyards, Rishengchang Exchange House offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the early financial system and its operations. Next, visit the Armed Escort Museum to try out all the martial arts training setups and exotic weapons you've seen in Chinese movies. Continue with a visit to County Government Office which contains such facilities as a prison, a courtroom, meeting rooms, a garden, as well as residential quarters and offices for governmental officials. You may experience an court case reenactments of the late Qing dynasty here. Next, visit Pingyao’s oldest surviving building, the Confucius Temple which is where bureaucrats-to-be came to take the imperial exams in ancient China. Afterwards, visit the Temple of City God, divine protector of the ancient city of Pingyao. Finally, visit Pingyao City Wall. Built in 1370, the city wall of Pingyao stretches over a distance of about 6 km (3.73 miles). Climb up the stairs by the South Gate, where you'll get a panoramic view with the City Tower, the Confucius Temple and the City God Temple as backdrop.

Transfer Back to Your Hotel
Your guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Taiyuan (about 80km)