A Historical Journey through Shanxi, China

Dec 18, 2025

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A Historical Journey through Shanxi, China

Shanxi Province is located in north-central China, lies east of the Yellow River and west of the Taihang Mountains. Owing to its strategic position between China’s northern frontiers and the Central Plains, Shanxi has played a crucial role in Chinese history for over two millennia. It served as a political stronghold, a major centre of Buddhism, and later as the heartland of China’s powerful merchant class, preserving the largest concentration of early wooden architecture in China, alongside some of the country’s most important Buddhist monuments and remarkably intact historic cities.

The trip begins in Datong, the former capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty, with visits to the Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Hanging Temple, and key historic temples and museums. It continues to Mount Wutai (Wutaishan), one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, where participants will study major monasteries, including Foguang Temple and Nanchan Temple, where the earliest surviving Tang-Dynasty wooden temples in China are preserved.

The programme then proceeds to Pingyao, a UNESCO-listed Ming–Qing city illustrating late-imperial urban planning and the origins of China’s early banking system, and concludes in Taiyuan, the provincial capital, with visits to Jinci Temple, Shanxi Museum, and other key monuments synthesising Shanxi’s political, religious, and artistic development.

The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage, under the leadership of Mrs Eileen Deeley, Chairperson of the Music and Special Events Committee of The Siam Society, warmly invites you to join this enriching study trip through one of China’s most historically significant regions, Shanxi, from Monday, 6 April to Wednesday, 15 April 2026.

When

Monday, 6 to Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Leader

with Mrs Eileen Deeley

Chairperson of the Music and Special Events Committee of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Monday, 6 April: Bangkok – Shanghai – Datong
09:00 Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, China Southern Airlines check-in counter.
11:20 Depart Bangkok for Shanghai by China Eastern Airlines flight MU8614.
15:10 Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Transit for connecting flight to Datong.
19:05 Depart Shanghai for Datong by China Eastern Airlines flight MU6543.
21:55 Arrive at Datong Yungang International Airport, transfer to the hotel.
Evening: Overnight at Four Points by Sheraton, Datong Pingcheng.
Day 2: Tuesday, 7 April: Datong
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Proceed to visit the Yungang Grottoes, one of the four most magnificent Buddhist grotto complexes in China, alongside the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Henan Province; the Maijishan Grottoes in Tianshui, Gansu Province; and the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu Province. According to historical records, construction of the Yungang Grottoes began around AD 460 during the Northern Wei Dynasty and continued until AD 494 when the capital was moved from Datong to Luoyang. The complex stretches for about 1 kilometre from east to west and includes 45 large caves and 252 smaller niches carved into the cliffside. Inside and outside the caves are more than 59,000 statues, reflecting the golden age of Buddhism in China some 1,500 years ago. In 2001, the Yungang Grottoes were inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:

 

 Visit Datong Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 170,000 cultural relics, focusing primarily on the glorious periods when Datong served as a major political and cultural centre, particularly during the Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin dynasties.
Evening: Visit the Nine Dragon Screen Wall, the largest glazed dragon wall in China, built in 1392 during the Ming Dynasty.
Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Four Points by Sheraton, Datong Pingcheng.
Day 3: Wednesday, 8 April: Datong
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Proceed to visit the Hanging Temple (Xuankong Si), built in AD 491 during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Perched on a sheer cliff face of Mount Hengshan, it appears to hang in mid-air. Remarkably, this architectural marvel integrates Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian shrines under one roof.
Noon: Lunch at local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Huayan Temple, originally constructed during the Liao Dynasty by the Khitan people. Uniquely facing east to honour the rising sun, the temple complex is famed for its large Mahavira Hall, ancient scriptures, and exquisite Buddhist frescoes.
– Visit Shanhua Temple, one of the best-preserved ancient Buddhist temples in Datong, originally built during the Tang Dynasty and renovated in the Liao and Jin Dynasties.
Evening: Leisurely in the old town, the reconstructed ancient city wall.

Dinner at your own arrangement.
Overnight at Four Points by Sheraton, Datong Pingcheng.
Day 4: Thursday, 9 April: Datong – Wutai
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to Mount Wutai, one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
– On the way, visit Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (Pagoda of Fogong Temple), the world’s oldest and tallest wooden structure. Constructed in 1056 without nails or bolts, the 67-meter-high pagoda exemplifies advanced Tang-Liao craftsmanship. Inside stands a solemn 11-meter statue of Shakyamuni Buddha surrounded by vivid carvings.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue to Mount Wutai (Wutaishan), one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Wutai Mountain Marriott Hotel, Wutai.
Day 5: Friday, 10 April:  Wutaishan Temple Visit
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Central Taihuai Temple Cluster.
Proceed to Taihuai Town, the administrative and spiritual centre of Mount Wutai.

The morning program focuses on the principal temples located within walking distance of one another.
The day commences with a visit to Xiantong Temple, the oldest and most historically significant temple on Mount Wutai. Explore its main halls and courtyards, gaining insight into the temple’s role in the development of Chinese Buddhism and the long-standing tradition of pilgrimage at Mount Wutai.
Next, walk to the nearby Tayuan Temple, renowned for the Great White Pagoda, one of the most iconic landmarks of Mount Wutai. Continue on foot to Shuxiang Temple, which is famous for its large statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva, symbolising wisdom.
Following the central temple visits, proceed on foot to Pusa Ding. Situated on higher ground, this temple requires ascending a series of stone steps. Upon arrival, explore the main halls and enjoy panoramic views of the Taihuai area. The site is of particular importance for its historical association with imperial worship and Tibetan Buddhist influence.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant in Taihuai.
Afternoon: Take a shuttle bus to visit temples located outside the central Taihuai area.
The first stop is Longquan Temple. Longquan Si is known for its tranquil surroundings and natural spring. Built in the early 20th century, dedicated to a famous monk, it is known for its exquisitely carved marble archway in imitation of wood carving.
Continue to Jifu Temple. This temple was converted from a monastery commemorating a famous Song Dynasty general to a nunnery in the mid-20th century. It would be interesting to observe the devotional practices and daily life of the nuns.
The final stop of the day is Nanshan Temple, one of the largest and most expansive temple complexes at Mount Wutai. Built along a terraced hillside, the temple features multiple halls and courtyards connected by stone pathways. Visitors will explore the main sections of the complex at a measured and comfortable pace.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Wutai Mountain Marriott Hotel, Wutai.
Day 6: Saturday, 11 April: Wutai – Pingyao
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit two of the earliest and most important surviving examples of Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture at Mount Wutai.
– First, visit Foguang Temple, renowned as one of the finest preserved Tang Dynasty wooden structures in China. Built in AD 857, the temple is famous for its magnificent East Hall, Tang-era clay sculptures, murals, and inscriptions—collectively known as the temple’s “Four Wonders.” The site offers outstanding insight into Tang Dynasty craftsmanship and Buddhist artistic achievement.
Continue to Nanchan Temple, founded in AD 782. The temple houses the Great Buddha Hall, recognised as the oldest preserved timber-frame Buddhist Hall in China. It’s simple, dignified wooden architecture retains much of its original Tang Dynasty structure and reflects the purity and balance of early Chinese Buddhist design.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: After lunch, depart by coach for Pingyao.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Hampton by Hilton Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao.
Day 7:  Sunday, 12 April: Pingyao
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Proceed south to Lingshi County to visit the Wang Family Compound (Wangjia Dayuan), known as “Forbidden City of the Folk”. This compound is essential for understanding the immense fortune and power of the Shanxi merchants. Unlike the smaller, more intimate Qiao Family Compound, the Wang Family Compound is vast, covering 250,000 m² with over 2,000 rooms. It is one of the largest private residential complexes ever built in China.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue to visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle in Jiexiu City. Zhangbi is a unique, well-preserved fortified village that dates back over 1,380 years (to the Sui and Tang Dynasties). Unlike the merchant compounds built for comfort and status, Zhangbi was built primarily for defence. The main highlight here is exploring its extensive underground tunnels. This elaborate, multi-level maze was ingeniously constructed for defence and is rumoured to be part of a larger ancient military network.  The architecture above ground also includes ancient temples and residences that give it a layered, historical feel distinct from Pingyao’s Ming and Qing style.
– Drive back to Pingyao.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Hampton by Hilton Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao.
Day 8: Monday, 13 April: Pingyao – Taiyuan
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Check out of the hotel.
– Full day exploring Pingyao Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, begins by climbing the expansive Ancient City Wall to get a great view of the city’s preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty layout. Inside the city, walk down Ming and Qing Street (South Street), the main commercial area, filled with traditional shops. Key historical stops include the Rishengchang Former Bank—China’s very first draft bank (piaohao); the large Ancient County Government Office (Yamen), which served as the magistrate’s court and prison. then visit two significant temples: the magnificent Temple of the City God (a Taoist site famous for its ornate carvings) and the serene Pingyao Confucian Temple (where the Dacheng Hall, the oldest wooden building in the city, dates back to 1163).
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Proceed to visit the Qiao Family Compound. This immense courtyard residence showcases refined Qing architecture and is internationally known as the filming location for the classic movie, Raise the Red Lantern, a Chinese film directed by Zhang Yimou in 1991, based on Su Tong’s novella Wives and Concubines.
– After that, proceed to Taiyuan.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Wanda Vista, Taiyuan.
Day 9: Tuesday, 14 April: Taiyuan
– Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning: Full day sightseeing in Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi, which is known as “Dragon City” for its long imperial history.
– Visit Jinci Memorial Hall, dating back over 1,400 years, nestled at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain. It is renowned for its wooden architecture, graceful statues, and the Hall of the Holy Mother, which houses vivid Song Dynasty clay sculptures.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Shanxi Museum, the largest museum in Shanxi Province, which houses more than 200,000 cultural relics. Highlights include ancient bronze artefacts, Tang Sancai ceramics, Buddhist sculptures, and exhibits depicting Shanxi’s coal and merchant heritage.
– Visit the Twin Pagoda Temple, also known as Yongzuo Temple, famous for its pair of 54-metre-tall Ming-Dynasty pagodas that are iconic landmarks of Taiyuan’s skyline.
Evening: Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight at hotel Wanda Vista, Taiyuan
Day 10: Wednesday, 15 April: Taiyuan – Kunming – Bangkok
– Breakfast at the hotel.
11.00 Check out of the hotel and transfer to Taiyuan Wusu International Airport.
14:10 Depart Taiyuan for Kunming by China Eastern Airlines flight MU5754.
17:00 Arrive at Kunming International Airport.
20:40 Depart Kunming for Bangkok by China Eastern Airlines flight MU9621.
22:15 Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Important notes:

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.

– The flights mentioned in the itinerary are subject to change, as airline flight schedules are updated every three months. Please kindly wait for our official trip confirmation before purchasing any tickets.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 96,000 (THB 101,000 for non-members). Single room surcharge of THB 16,500. A deposit of THB 30,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. Payment in full will be required 75 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Wednesday, 21 January 2026). There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once the payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

Inclusions:

  • The contribution includes accommodation (sharing basis), meals as mentioned in the programme, transfer and sightseeing cars, entrance fees, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
  • Meal as mentioned in the programme
  • Basic travel insurance, which will only cover participants travelling from and back to Thailand.

Exclusions:                                                                                                                                          

  • All air tickets are not included in the price (Bangkok – Shanghai – Datong, Guangzhou – Guiyang, Guiyang – Guangzhou, and Taiyuan – Kunming – Bangkok).
  • Visa fees (if any), personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumption, etc.

Tourist Visa Policy

Citizens from over 38 countries, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, are eligible to enter China without a visa for tourism purposes for a period not exceeding 30 days.

(Source: https://www.visaforchina.cn/HAM3_EN/tongzhigonggao/277650362838683648.html)

United States and the United Kingdom passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter China. Please be informed that your passport with two passport photos must be submitted to The Siam Society for the visa application process. The list of required documents, as specified by the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, will be provided to you when the trip is confirmed. Kindly note that visa fees range approximately from THB 1,800 to THB 7,000, depending on nationality.

Please ensure that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in China.

**For passport holders from countries eligible for visa exemption. The Siam Society will reconfirm the visa policy once again if we receive any updates/changes regarding each country’s agreement in 2026.

Cancellation charges:

91 days before the start of the trip (before Mon, 5 Jan 2026): Deposit forfeited
90 – 76 days before the start of the trip (Tue, 6 to Tue, 22 Jan 2026): 50% of the tour cost
Less than 75 days or cancellation without notice (Wed, 21 Jan 2026 onwards): No refund

*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 75-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment, as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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