2-Day, 1-Night Group Tour: Handan Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes North Area + South Xiangtang Grottoes + Shuiyu Temple Grottoes + Northern Dynasties Archaeological Museum + Ye City Archaeological Museum.

This 2-Day, 1-Night Group Tour takes you through the historic sites of Handan, including famous Buddhist grottoes and archaeological museums. The tour provides an immersive experience of the ancient culture and art of Handan (邯郸), with visits to the Ye City Archaeological Museum (邺城考古博物馆), Northern Dynasties Archaeological Museum (北朝考古博物馆), and the stunning Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes (响堂山石窟). Guests will also explore tranquil Buddhist temples and experience traditional vegetarian meals. Enjoy the serene beauty of these historical sites and dive deep into the ancient legacy of China.

Key Highlights:

• Ye City Archaeological Museum: Discover relics from the Northern Dynasties and explore ancient tombs and artifacts.

• Northern Dynasties Archaeological Museum: Explore archaeological treasures from the Northern Dynasties, including Buddhist statues and relics.

• Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes: Admire the stunning stone carvings and ancient Buddhist artwork in the scenic Xiangtang Mountain area.

• Buddhist Temple Vegetarian Meal: Experience a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal at Xiangtang Temple.

This tour provides an excellent opportunity for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those looking to immerse themselves in the ancient wonders of Handan.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Handan and Exploring the Museums

12:50 PM – Meeting Point

Location: Handan Museum, Congtai District, Handan City

Description:

Gather at the Handan Museum in Congtai District for the start of the tour. Ensure to arrive 10 minutes before the meeting time.

Guests will check in at the meeting point where the tour leader will introduce the day’s activities and provide any necessary instructions.

1:00 PM – Departure

Transportation:

The group departs promptly at 1:00 PM from Handan Museum to the first location, the Ye City Archaeological Museum.

Travel distance: Approx. 35 km (Approx. 60 minutes by bus)

2:00 PM – Ye City Archaeological Museum (邺城考古博物馆)

Description:

The Ye City Archaeological Museum is dedicated to showcasing relics from Ye City, the capital of the Wei and Jin Dynasties. It provides an in-depth look at ancient Chinese culture and history through a wide array of artifacts.

Key Features:

Collections include ancient tombs, pottery, and artifacts, giving insight into the Northern Dynasties.

The museum is a treasure trove for those interested in Chinese archaeology.

Entry Fee: Free (Reservation required online)

Visit Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours

Things to Do: Explore the exhibits, take photographs, and listen to informative guides.

3:30 PM – Depart for Northern Dynasties Archaeological Museum (北朝考古博物馆)

Transportation:

After visiting the Ye City Archaeological Museum, the group will travel to the Northern Dynasties Archaeological Museum.

Travel distance: Approx. 26 km (Approx. 30 minutes)

4:00 PM – Northern Dynasties Archaeological Museum (北朝考古博物馆)

Description:

The Northern Dynasties Archaeological Museum provides a comprehensive exploration of the Northern Dynasties (386–581 AD), with exhibits on the history, culture, and art from this period.

Key Features:

The museum features artifacts such as Buddhist statues, tombstones, and ancient relics from the era.

Visitors can learn about the development of the region during the Northern Dynasties and their influence on Chinese culture.

Entry Fee: Free (Reservation required online)

Visit Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours

Things to Do: Explore the museum’s exhibits, enjoy the historical displays, and participate in guided tours if available.

5:30 PM – Depart for Xiangtang Mountain (响堂山)

Transportation:

After completing the museum visits, the group will head to North Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes for check-in at the hotel.

Travel distance: Approx. 31 km (Approx. 60 minutes)

6:30 PM – Hotel Check-In at Handan Xiangtang Mountain Residence Hotel

Hotel: Handan Xiangtang Mountain Residence Hotel (响堂山风景名胜区店)

The hotel is located near the scenic Xiangtang Mountain area, providing a peaceful environment and a great base for the following day’s explorations.

Hotel Features: Comfortable rooms, beautiful views of the mountain, and proximity to the cultural sites.

7:00 PM – Dinner

Description:

Dinner will be at the hotel, allowing guests to relax and enjoy a peaceful evening after a busy day of sightseeing.

Menu: A simple meal can be arranged for guests, or individuals can opt for local restaurants nearby.d

Reference Price: 50 CNY per person

Meal Duration: Approx. 1 hour

Day 2: Grottoes and Cultural Exploration

8:00 AM – Breakfast

Description:

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Guests can enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast, with options like porridge, steamed buns, and eggs.

Meal Duration: Approx. 30 minutes

8:30 AM – North Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes (北响堂山石窟)

Description:

Begin the day by exploring the North Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes, a major Buddhist site with impressive stone carvings, statues, and religious artwork.

Key Features:

The grottoes contain a variety of Buddhist sculptures and murals, carved into the natural cliffs of Xiangtang Mountain.

Visitors can appreciate the ancient artwork that has been preserved for centuries.

Entry Fee: Included

Visit Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours

Things to Do: Walk around the grottoes, take photos, and immerse yourself in the historical significance of the site.

11:20 AM – Lunch at Xiangtang Temple (响堂寺)

Description:

The group will have lunch at Xiangtang Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple known for its serene atmosphere.

Menu: Vegetarian meal (30 CNY per person)

Experience: Enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal, an essential part of the cultural and spiritual experience.

Meal Duration: Approx. 1 hour

12:30 PM – Depart for Shuixu Temple Grottoes (水浴寺石窟)

Transportation:

After lunch, the group will travel to Shuixu Temple Grottoes.

Travel distance: Approx. 16 km (Approx. 30 minutes)

1:00 PM – Shuixu Temple Grottoes (水浴寺石窟)

Description:

Explore the Shuixu Temple Grottoes, a historic site featuring Buddhist sculptures carved into the mountain rocks, surrounded by lush greenery.

Key Features:

The grottoes are famous for their spiritual ambiance and impressive Buddhist carvings.

Visitors can experience both the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of the site.

Entry Fee: Included

Visit Duration: Approx. 1 hour

2:00 PM – Depart for South Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes (南响堂山石窟)

Transportation:

The group will then head to the South Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes.

Travel distance: Approx. 14 km (Approx. 30 minutes)

2:30 PM – South Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes (南响堂山石窟)

Description:

Explore the South Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes, an equally impressive site with Buddhist sculptures and carvings.

Key Features:

The grottoes are known for their beautiful surroundings and well-preserved artwork.

They are a popular spot for visitors looking to explore more Buddhist caves in the region.

Entry Fee: Included

Visit Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours

4:00 PM – Depart for Handan Museum (邯郸市博物馆)

Transportation:

After visiting the South Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes, the group will return to the starting point at Handan Museum.

Travel distance: Approx. 45 km (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)

5:30 PM – End of Tour

Location: Handan Museum, Congtai District, Handan City

Description:

The tour concludes at Handan Museum, where guests will disband after completing the tour.

End Time: Approx. 5:30 PM (Actual time may vary depending on the pace of the group and traffic conditions)

This detailed itinerary ensures a thorough exploration of Handan’s historical and cultural landmarks, with ample time for sightseeing, reflection, and relaxation.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.