2025 Ancient City of Ping Yao Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

1. Yungang Grottoes - Introduction: There are 254 caves and more than 59,000 Buddha statues, all of which are lifelike and unique, showcasing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. - Highlights: Experience the perfect fusion of Buddhist art and history, and witness the vicissitudes and splendor of the thousand-year-old grottoes. 2. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda - Introduction: An ancient wooden pagoda with exquisite architectural skills, it is a miracle of ancient architecture. - Highlights: Appreciate the beauty of unique wooden architecture and explore the wisdom of ancient architecture. 3. Pingyao Ancient City - Introduction: A well-preserved ancient city from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with distinctive city walls, ancient streets, and residential buildings. - Highlights: Stroll through the ancient city, experience the culture of Shanxi merchants, and feel the atmosphere of ancient life. 4. Hanging Temple - Introduction: Built on a cliff, the temple's architecture is breathtaking and spectacular. - Highlights: Appreciate the unique architectural site and structure, and experience the thrilling feeling of being suspended in the air. 5. Jinci Temple - Introduction: The temple is full of ancient buildings, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage. - Highlights: Appreciate ancient architectural art and savor the charm of thousand-year-old history and culture. 6. Huayan Temple - Introduction: A historic Buddhist temple with magnificent architecture and solemn Buddha statues. - Highlights: Experience the atmosphere of Buddhist culture and appreciate the beauty of ancient temple architecture. 7. Hukou Waterfall - Introduction: A famous waterfall on the Yellow River, with turbulent water and majestic momentum. - Highlights: Admire the magnificent scenery of the roaring Yellow River and feel the power of nature. 8. Shuanglin Temple - Introduction: The temple is full of exquisite colored sculptures, with a high artistic value. - Highlights: Appreciate ancient colored sculpture art and experience the charm of Buddhist art. 9. Wang Family Courtyard - Introduction: A large-scale residential building complex with a rigorous layout and exquisite carvings. - Highlights: Explore the rise and fall of the Shanxi merchant family and appreciate the exquisite residential architecture and carving art. These nine attractions are unique, from historical culture to natural scenery, from ancient architecture to art treasures, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique charm of Shanxi.

sunset in the ancient city of pingyao

Solo travel isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it’s rice noodles three times a day, train naps with your neck at a 45° angle, and pretending you’re totally fine after climbing 10,000 steps. But hey — it’s also freedom, stories, and views that punch you in the soul. Here’s how I roamed through central China on a budget, with a backpack, a map, and questionable knee strength. ⸻ Day 1–2: Xi’an — Warriors, Walls & Food Comas I started in Xi’an, ancient capital, home of the Terracotta Warriors and dangerously addictive street food. Stayed near the Muslim Quarter — cheap, central, and smells like grilled heaven. I ate everything I couldn’t pronounce, including something that looked like jelly but burned like chili. Walked the City Wall instead of biking it because, well, free exercise. And because the last time I biked in a foreign country, I almost took out a toddler. Visited the Shaanxi History Museum — it’s free, but so popular you’ll think they’re giving out gold inside. Book early. ⸻ Day 3: Mount Huashan — AKA Leg Day Caught a morning train to Mount Huashan, one of China’s five sacred mountains and probably the birthplace of sore calves. I skipped the cable car (because money and pride) and hiked up instead. It was steep, sweaty, and filled with moments of “Why am I like this?” But — the views from the East Peak? Absolutely worth it. Clouds floating under me like a dream… or maybe that was just my low blood sugar. Pro tip: Don’t buy snacks on the mountain unless you enjoy paying 5-star hotel prices for instant noodles. Bring your own. And maybe a walking stick. Or two. ⸻ Day 4: Pingyao — Time Travel Without the Jet Lag After Huashan humbled me, I caught a high-speed train to Pingyao, a beautifully preserved ancient town. It’s so old-school, even the Wi-Fi moves slower. Stayed inside the walled city in a guesthouse with wooden beams, creaky floors, and suspiciously ghost-like silence. Loved it. Bought a ticket bundle to access the main historic spots — temples, bank museums, and a government office where I could’ve sworn I saw a scroll that said “Thou shall not overspend.” ⸻ Day 5: Pingyao — Strolling & Staring at Doors Kept it slow. Pingyao is made for wandering, squinting at Chinese calligraphy, and trying to figure out if that shop is open or just very mysterious. Had vegetarian noodles in a tiny place where no one spoke English, and I ended up pointing at a drawing of a chicken while saying “No chicken.” The lady smiled and gave me tofu. Win. ⸻ Day 6–7: Beijing — Big City Energy Final leg: Beijing. Took the train in, checked into a cheap hostel in a hutong that was probably 500 years old and maybe haunted by a friendly noodle chef. Did the usuals: Temple of Heaven, Jingshan Park, and wandered the hutongs like a confused cat. Skipped the Great Wall this time (been there, almost froze once). Instead, I had tea, wrote in my journal, and got mildly addicted to red bean buns. The subway is your best friend — fast, cheap, and only

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route Pingyao 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Red Lantern Inn Very nice and very kind people 💡 Tips One day is enough to see the basics of the city. Take the city pass (20$) to enter everywhere.

Whenever I have time these past few years, I've made it a point to visit Pingyao, eat all the delicacies at Lao Hu's restaurant, chat with him, listen to his stories about Pingyao's past, sample the vinegar he brews, and if I'm lucky, even hear him sing a few tunes. It's incredibly enjoyable. Lao Hu is the third-generation successor of the Hu family business. The restaurant was founded in the Qing Dynasty and has served Empress Dowager Cixi, Emperor Guangxu, and Premier Zhou Enlai. The fact that this old establishment has survived to this day speaks to its principles: "Genuine goods at fair prices, benevolence, and integrity." Its very existence is a living history of Shanxi merchants. You could order everything on the menu at Hu Ji Restaurant and it wouldn't cost you more than CNY 300. Moreover, Lao Hu will advise you on what to order based on the number of people in your party, so you don't waste food by ordering too much! Each dish is prepared in a unique way, making it exquisite and delicious. Most importantly, it's authentic and genuine! This recommendation comes from a Shanxi native! Besides eating at Hu Ji, my two other favorite things to do in Pingyao are staying in a Shanxi courtyard-style kang bed and watching the "Encore Pingyao" performance, both of which will allow you to immerse yourself in the charm of Pingyao Ancient City! 📍Detailed addresses: Hu Ji Wan Tuo, Pingyao "Encore Pingyao" Large-Scale Immersive Performance Heyichang Inn, Pingyao 📝Tips: 1. Lao Hu may not open every day, so it's best to call him in advance! 2. Pay attention to the performance times for "Encore Pingyao" and book your tickets in advance. You can search for it directly on WeChat. 3. Inn prices fluctuate depending on the season, so do some research and book in advance! Also, it's recommended to ask the owner if they offer pick-up and drop-off services. 4. There is no admission ticket required for the ancient city, but you will need one for the sightseeing bus. You can take a taxi directly to the ancient city from the high-speed rail station, and if you're driving, you can park in the nearest parking lot!

Pingyao, one of China’s top four ancient cities, stole my heart with its charm and warmth. The people here are incredibly friendly, making every interaction feel like a warm hug. We walked along the Pingyao City Wall, offering panoramic views of the city. Then, we explored the Rishengchang Former Bank, learning about ancient Chinese banking. A leisurely walk down South Street transported us back in time. The former courthouse was a highlight with its well preserved structure. The night laser show at the South Gate was truly magical! It’s an experience you won’t want to miss. Pingyao is a treasure trove of history, culture, and warmth. If you’re looking for a journey through time, Pingyao is your destination! 🚇 Transportation Within the city wall, there are buggies as cars are not allowed. Each side is 10rmb or a day pass at 50rmb 📷 Photo Spots Everywhere is so pretty! 🍜 Local Cuisine Pingyao beef, local vinegar are a must try! 🏠 Accommodation 1.Pingyao Juhongyuan Mansion（Part 2 ). Must stay place! 💡 Tips Getting to Pingyao is easy; it’s just a short high-speed train ride from Xi’an, taking only about 2.5 to 3 hours. This convenience makes it a perfect stop between Beijing and Xi’an. #pingyaoancientcity #xian #ancientown

#chinatransit If you are coming for a day trip by high-speed train, note that the train station does not have a luggage storage facility, which is fairly surprising considering the grand scale of the construction. However, we were able to leave our luggage with the local police officers for the equivalent of a few dollars. 🕰️Business Hours:They do close around 8pm, but that worked well for us as we had a train at 7pm. There’s also the option of taking a bus from nearby cities or even flying into Taiyuan and travelling to Pingyao by road.

#favouriteitinerary A while ago, I visited Pingyao Ancient City, where free entry to the ancient city made exploring easy. An attraction pass, available for 125 RMB, grants access to various sites within the city. The Ancient City Wall, a testament to Pingyao's history, offered breathtaking sunset views from the city tower. Majia Courtyard, once home to Pingyao's richest family, showcased Ming and Qing architectural styles perfect for photography and offered panoramic views of the city. The Pingyao County Government Office, established during the Northern Wei Dynasty, was a miniature palace with over 200 rooms. "Encore Pingyao" is closed on Mondays, and the 3D Light Show at Yingxun Gate may be canceled in bad weather, so planning accordingly was essential. Skipping the pass if visiting for just a day made the visit more convenient. Pingyao Ancient City's rich history and cultural beauty left a lasting impression. I highly recommend exploring its unique allure.

🚇 Transportation We took a taxi from Pingyao ancient city station to our hotel in the ancient city itself, which came at about ¥25. 🍜 Local Cuisine The region is famous for beef dishes. You will find many stores selling dry meat and meat sauces. 🏠 Accommodation 1.Yunzeju Guesthouse 💡 Tips If you plan on staying inside the city walls consider not taking bulky luggage, as you will have to pull it through crowd barriers in the pedestrian streets. There is a day pass for all the attractions in the ancient city, including all the museums and the city wall. You can walk from one place to the other or pay for the electric tourist car. #familytrip #historicallandmarks

Pingyao, this ancient city in China, is seriously awesome. It's like stepping back in time to the Ming and Qing dynasties. And get this, it was basically the "first bank" of China! They had this crazy system called "flying money" back then. Basically, you could write a check and it was good anywhere in the country! Super cool, right? The whole city is like a living museum. You can walk around and see these amazing old houses, temples, and shops. I even visited the Rishengchang Bank, the first private bank in China. It's now a museum, and you can learn all about how they did banking back in the day. The city walls are huge and super impressive. You can walk on top of them and get some amazing views. And don't forget to check out the local markets and try some of the delicious Shanxi food! Overall, Pingyao is a must-see. It's a unique and fascinating place that gives you a real taste of Chinese history.

|2 Days 1 Night, No Detours, Just Go! If you plan to visit Pingyao Ancient City in December or January, make sure to plan your trip in advance! In Pingyao Ancient City, if you don't plan your trip in advance and just wander around, you might miss out on the best attractions. Without a plan, you might miss the highlights and waste time! 🥺 When visiting Pingyao, there are many attractions that can be visited together, making your trip more efficient and ensuring you don't miss any must-see spots! ✅ Itinerary (for reference only) Day 1: Trip Moments - Rishengchang - Yutaixuan - Xietongqing - China Escort Agency - Ma Family Courtyard - See Pingyao Again Day 2: City Tower - County Government Office - City Wall - Confucian Temple - City God Temple - Shuanglin Temple - Zhenguo Temple 🏠 Accommodation Suggestions 📍 Near South Street: This is the main street of Pingyao Ancient City, also known as the food street. There are many attractions nearby, such as Xietongqing and the Escort Agency, making it very convenient for travel. 📍 Near Yamen Street: This street intersects with South Street, and the County Government Office is located here. It is convenient for travel and quieter than the main street, making it suitable for the elderly, children, or those who require a quiet sleeping environment. The courtyards are usually larger. 📍 Near North Street: Away from the hustle and bustle, this area is like a hidden paradise in Pingyao Ancient City. However, avoid choosing places that are too remote, as there might be no streetlights at night. 🚧 City Transportation 🚃 Bus: You can use the "Pingyao Electronic Bus Card" to pay for bus rides. 🚗 Taxi: The starting fare is usually CNY 6 during the day and CNY 7 at night. 🛴 Shared Bikes: Not available in Pingyao! 🚧 Transportation within the Ancient City 🔸 Sightseeing Car: CNY 10 per person, but it doesn't reach the main street or the entrance of attractions. 🔸 Electric Car: Can reach the entrance of attractions, but usually more expensive. If you find this two-day Pingyao travel guide useful, save it for later so you can refer to it when needed… 🥰 Have a great trip! Welcome to Pingyao Ancient City!

In the vast land of China, there is an ancient city that stands quietly, like a living history book. It is the ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi. "One city to see Shanxi, one street for 5,000 years" is no exaggeration. Pingyao Ancient City is the first of the four ancient cities in China. It has been more than 2,800 years since its establishment. When you step into this ancient city, it is as if you have traveled back in time. The tall and majestic city walls surround the ancient city. Although they have been tempered by time and war, they are still as strong as ever, silently guarding the peace within the city. The city gate towers stand tall, with flying eaves and bucket arches, showing the majesty and solemnity of the past. Inside the city, Ming and Qing-style buildings are lined up. The bluestone roads are winding and twisting, and after years of polishing, they shine with a warm luster, as if telling the prosperity of the past. The ancient residential courtyards are laid out in a rigorous manner, with exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings everywhere. Every detail shows the ingenuity and extraordinary wisdom of the ancients. Rishengchang Bank, as the pioneer of modern banks in China, its former site witnessed the glory and honor of Shanxi merchants, making people think of the prosperity of Shanxi merchants who were once the richest in the world. Walking through the streets and alleys of Pingyao Ancient City, the air is filled with the breath of history. The ancient county government office is solemn and solemn, the Pingyao Confucian Temple is full of books, and there are ancient temples and Taoist temples, with incense lingering, carrying people's prayers and expectations for a better life. Here, time seems to slow down, the hustle and bustle of the world gradually fades away, leaving only inner peace and harmony. Pingyao Ancient City is not only a museum of architecture, but also a treasure of traditional Chinese culture. With its unique charm, it attracts tourists from all over the world to explore the history of thousands of years, appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture, and feel the brilliance of ancient wisdom. Come and start a journey to Pingyao Ancient City, let your soul be baptized and sublimated in the long river of history. Pingyao Ancient City·Pingyao

Stepping into the ancient city of Pingyao is like stepping into the long river of history. The ancient city wall is majestic and magnificent, and the blue bricks and stone tiles reveal the vicissitudes of time. Strolling along the quaint streets, you will see rows of shops on both sides selling a wide variety of traditional handicrafts and authentic snacks, which are a feast for the eyes. Occasionally, you can meet tourists wearing ancient costumes, as if you have traveled back to that bustling ancient market. Walking into the ancient houses, you can feel the profound heritage of Shanxi merchant culture. The exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings all demonstrate the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Climbing up the city wall and overlooking the entire ancient city, the well-arranged buildings form a sharp contrast with the modern city in the distance, allowing people to feel the inheritance and changes of culture in the intersection of ancient and modern times. #11月好去2024 #usj #sunway

Light Snow ❄️ | Time to look forward to the ultimate romantic Shanxi snow this season ❄ Light Snow Solar Term As the last autumn leaves 🍂 slowly fall Winter in Shanxi has quietly arrived ⛄️ This is the most peaceful and poetic time of the year A snowfall freezes the world Cleanses the heart and leaves a pure soul! Can't wait to look forward to the ultimate romantic Shanxi snow this season! · ——𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍——— 1️⃣.2️⃣.6️⃣ Pingyao Ancient City 3️⃣.1️⃣6️⃣ Taiyuan Ancient County 4️⃣. Taiyuan Twin Pagodas 5️⃣. Dai County Yanmen Pass 7️⃣.1️⃣5️⃣ Taiyuan Taishan Longquan Temple 8️⃣. Taiyuan Jinci Temple 9️⃣. Dai County Bianjing Tower 🔟. Qixian Qu Family Courtyard 1️⃣1️⃣. Guangwu Ming Great Wall 1️⃣2️⃣. Qixian Zhenhe Tower 1️⃣3️⃣. Taigu Wubian Temple White Pagoda 1️⃣4️⃣. Taigu Old Town 1️⃣7️⃣. Guoyang Confucian Temple 1️⃣8️⃣. Yuci Chang Family Manor

Quick Guide to Pingyao Ancient City! 🛕Stepping into Pingyao Ancient City feels like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ancient city walls are majestic and grand; walking on them offers a panoramic view of the entire city. Must-visit attractions include Rishengchang Exchange Shop, where you can learn about the history of China's banking industry, and the County Government Office, an excellent place to understand ancient official culture. At night, the city is brilliantly illuminated, and the light show is a sight to behold. 🥘When it comes to food, Pingyao beef and Pingyao bowl cake are must-tries. Their unique preparation methods leave a lasting impression. For accommodation, we recommend staying in inns within the ancient city to experience the traditional and quaint living environment. 🤗It's recommended to purchase a pass that includes multiple popular attractions for better value. While exploring, take your time to savor the historical charm and unique atmosphere of the ancient city.

📍Shanxi Pingyao Ancient City 🏯 A city is flattened, a dream is far away Every brick and tile tells a story An ancient city with a long history and culture! As one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China, Pingyao Ancient City has a profound historical and cultural heritage. The city walls here are strong and tall, telling of the wisdom and diligence of the ancients; the streets are narrow and winding, as if time is going back, taking you back to the prosperous ancient times; the houses are simple and elegant, reflecting the traditional architectural art of the Chinese nation everywhere. ✅You don’t need a ticket to visit the ancient city, but you need to buy a ticket to enter the scenic spots. Pass: 125 yuan/person, including access to 22 scenic spots. Attraction opening hours: 08:00~18:00. 👣City wall: There are 72 battlements and 3,000 crenels on the city wall, which symbolize Confucius' 3,000 disciples and 72 sages. 👣County Yamen: The most complete and largest ancient county yamen in China. The entire county government faces south and is 131 meters wide from east to west and 203 meters long from north to south, covering an area of ​​26,600 square meters. The court is in front and the bedroom is in the back, with civil officials on the left and military officials on the right. There are performances at 09:30, 11:00 and 15:30 every day. 👣Xietongqing Bank: It has the largest underground vault in Pingyao. 👣Tongxinggong Escort Agency: One of the top ten escort agencies in China, it was founded by the nationally renowned martial arts master Wang Zhengqing. The gold character on the left of the word "diao" represents 18 kinds of metal weapons, and the ticket character on the right represents the money in the ticket number. 👣Confucian Temple: A temple dedicated to Confucius and also the location of the ancient government school. It is the oldest hall among all Confucian temples in China, and the only surviving Jin Dynasty building among Confucian temples in China. 👣Chenghuang Temple: It is symmetrical with the Pingyao County Yamen from east to west according to the ritual system of "harmony between man and nature". 👣Ma Family Courtyard: The former residence of Ma Zhongxuan, a tycoon in the Qing Dynasty and one of the "four richest businessmen" in Pingyao. ✅See Pingyao performance again ① The performance of "Seeing Pingyao Again" is an interactive performance for the audience. The audience follows the actors and participates in the performance, giving them a full sense of time travel. ✅You can stay inside or outside the ancient city. It is recommended to stay inside the ancient city for easy sightseeing. There are Trip Moments stores everywhere in the ancient city, with different packages to choose from (renting clothes alone; renting clothes + makeup; renting clothes + makeup + photo shooting), and the prices vary.