Pingyao Ancient City: A Complete Guide to Pingyao

In the vast historical river of China, there is such a city, lying quietly on the land of central Shanxi, telling the story of its past glory and vicissitudes with a humble yet proud posture. This is Pingyao Ancient City, a magical place where time slows down. If you yearn for the antique streets and the profound historical and cultural heritage, then please follow my steps and enter this living millennium-old city. Attractions Introduction: A historical scroll, every brick and tile has a story • Ancient City Wall: As the first stop in Pingyao, walking around the ancient city wall is an essential experience. Standing on the mottled wall and looking into the distance, the panorama of the ancient city is in full view, as if you can hear the echoes of history. • Rishengchang Draft Bank: Known as the 'ancestor of modern Chinese banks,' entering Rishengchang allows you to witness the wisdom and splendor of ancient finance and feel the cross-temporal business legend. • County Government Museum: Stepping into the county government office is like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, experiencing the daily operations of the ancient government and understanding the rigor and fairness of the ancient judicial system. • Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple: These two temples are famous for their exquisite colored sculpture art. Each Buddha statue is lifelike, making them a treasure trove for studying ancient Chinese sculpture art. Itinerary: Two days and one night, in-depth tour of the ancient city Day 1: Start from the south gate of the ancient city in the morning, stroll along the city wall, then head to Rishengchang Draft Bank. For lunch, it is recommended to taste authentic Shanxi noodles at 'Tian Yuan Kui Restaurant' within the ancient city. In the afternoon, visit the County Government Museum, and in the evening, you can stroll along the Ming and Qing Street, buy handicrafts, and experience local customs. Day 2: In the morning, head to Shuanglin Temple to feel the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple. In the afternoon, move to Zhenguo Temple to appreciate ancient colored sculpture art. In the evening, consider attending the large-scale situational drama 'Meet Pingyao Again,' which will put a perfect end to your cultural feast and journey. Food Exploration: The taste of Pingyao • Pingyao Beef: The meat is fresh and rich in flavor, a must-try local specialty. • Kaolao Lao: Shaped like a honeycomb, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique taste when paired with special sauce. • Knife-cut Noodles: One of the representatives of Shanxi's noodles, where the chef performs the noodle-cutting skill on-site, resulting in chewy noodles with a rich broth. Transportation Strategy: Easy arrival, comfortable tour of the ancient city • Airplane: The nearest airport is Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, from which you can take a long-distance bus or train directly to Pingyao. • Train: Pingyao Railway Station is located on the edge of the county, with multiple trains connecting to various parts of the country, making it the most convenient way to reach the ancient city. • Internal Transportation: It is recommended to walk or rent a bicycle within the ancient city for a better experience. Outside the ancient city, electric sightseeing cars are available for convenience and speed. Tips: • The best travel seasons are spring and autumn, with pleasant weather, avoiding peak human traffic during National Day and Chinese New Year. • It is more cost-effective to buy a through ticket, which allows you to visit most of the main attractions. • The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so carry an appropriate amount of clothing. • Respect local culture and keep the environment clean. Pingyao Ancient City is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual purification. Here, every step is in rhythm with history, and every breath is filled with the charm of culture. Are you ready? Let us set off together to Pingyao, to meet those stories that have been gently treated by time.