The Buddha Path

About this Journey
Take the road less traveled on this exploration of China’s Buddhist history. Specially designed for those of you interested in understanding Buddhism’s influence on Chinese life and culture, this adventure will see you traveling through five provinces as you witness wonders constructed as a result of Buddhist belief. The Hanging Monastery, which has been clinging to a sheer cliff face since the 5th century in apparent defiance of gravity, is just one example of how Buddhist devotion has manifested itself in the most unexpected places in China. Go off the beaten path on this pilgrimage-like journey.

Itinerary
Day 1 - 3 Beijing
Begin your Beijing adventure in style as WanderEastern arranges private access to the concept store and gallery of Ma Ke’s fashion house, Wuyong. • Explore the imposing Forbidden City, where emperors ruled for 500 years • Hike up jingshan and take in a commanding view over the Forbidden City • Weave your way through Beijing’s ancient, interwoven hutong alleys • Uncover a treasure trove of Qing Dynasty curios in the Temple Hotel • Peking duck dinner • Enjoy a champagne picnic on the majestic Great Wall, built to protect China’s heartland from invaders

Day 4 Datong
Stand before the awe-inspiring Yungang Grottoes, a classical masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist art constructed during Buddhism’s peak in the 5th to 6th century • Admire the wondrous Hanging Monastery, an ancient, surreal structure of pavilions clinging to a sheer cliff

Day 5 Wutaishan
Visit Xiantong Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China with a dazzling Bronze Hall with ten thousand gleaming Buddha statues • Explore the wealth of monasteries on Mount Wutai, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains

Day 6 - 7 Pingyao
Visit the Chang Residence, former house of a distinguished merchant-scholar family • Enjoy a walk on Pingyao’s turtle-shaped ancient city wall and take in a commanding view of the old town • Explore what used to be China’s “Wall Street” by strolling through Pingyao’s narrow streets • Head to the old merchant town of Jingsheng and visit the Wang Residence, a sprawling complex featuring Qing Dynasty architecture • Walk through the sutra chanting halls of Shuanglin Temple for a closer look at the countless bodhisattva figurines which grace the temple

Day 8 - 9 Xi'an
View the proudly unflinching, life-sized Terracotta Warriors • Learn about Xi’an’s 1,300 year old Muslim community by visiting the Great Mosque • Practice the calming art of taichi in a private lesson on Xi’an’s ancient city wall • Visit the grand Taoist Temple of the Eight Immortals • Wander through the exhibition halls of the “Treasure Chest of Ancient China,” the Shaanxi History Museum • Admire the towering seventh-century Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built to hold sacred Buddhist texts and artifacts brought back from India

Day 10 Luoyang
Spend a day at the awe-inspiring Longmen Grottoes, where Buddhas hewn in stone tower above you • Optional: Learn about the history of Shaolin kung fu (re-popularized in the 2001 movie Shaolin Soccer) at Shaolin Temple

Day 11 - 13 Dunhuang
Set out for the Mingsha Sand Dunes, which Marco Polo dubbed “the rumbling sands” for the sound they make when the wind blows • Travel to Crescent Moon Lake, an oasis situated in the notoriously inhospitable Taklamakan Desert • Explore the Mogao Grottoes, also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, an ancient treasure trove filled with numerous manuscripts, frescoes, paintings, and sculptures (Optional special access with WanderEastern Expert) • Learn about Dunhuang’s rich past by visiting Dunhuang Museum, home to thousands of ancient artifacts

Hotels

PARK PLAZA BEIJING 4 star
Centrally located just steps away from the famous Wangfujing shopping district, Park Plaza is an oasis in the heart of bustling Beijing.

GARDEN HOTEL DATONG 3 star (Local best)
The Garden is located near the Drum Tower in downtown Datong and is the best hotel in the city. Beds can be firm, but guestrooms are modern and well-kept.

HILTON XIAN 4 star
Conveniently located in downtown Xi’an, the Hilton has spacious rooms and combines contemporary design with traditional Tang Dynasty artwork.

SILK ROAD HOTEL DUNHUANG 4 star
Boasting unbeatable views of rolling sand dunes and a traditional design, this hotel brings out the character and history of the ancient Silk Road.

Details

What’s Included

• All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
• All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
• All meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
• Ground transportation, including airport transfers
• Services of an English-speaking WanderEastern guide
• Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip

What’s Excluded

• International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
• Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
• Travel and medical insurance
• Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
• Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
  

TRIP COST

$6480 USD per person 

Single Supplement $1680 USD per person