A Journey Through the Guangxu Palace, Dreaming Back to the Qing Dynasty's Luxury!

Time travel in the ancient city of Pingyao 🏺 Hello everyone, I’m Tim Yu, and today I want to share a special accommodation experience I had in Pingyao — Guangxu Palace · Imperial Residence. This inn not only has a profound historical background but also a unique charm that makes you feel as if you’ve traveled back to the Qing Dynasty. 🏰 Historical Imprint Stepping into No. 57 Zhaojuren Street feels like entering a beautifully antiquated painting. This was once the residence of Zhao Hongyou, a Qing Dynasty scholar, originally built in the 13th year of the Ming Jiajing era (1534) and renovated in the 29th year of the Qing Qianlong era (1764). The most remarkable fact is that in the 26th year of the Guangxu reign (1900), Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu stayed here overnight while traveling west through Pingyao, hence the name "Guangxu Palace." Today, it has been transformed into a warm and comfortable inn, but the traces of history remain clearly visible. Walking along the bluestone-paved paths, every brick and tile tells a story of time. 🛋️ Exquisite Living Experience The inn consists of two traditional courtyard houses and a rear garden arranged in a staggered layout, with a design symbolizing blessings, longevity, double happiness, and reflecting the elegance of officialdom and nobility. The rooms offer modern amenities such as 24-hour hot water, private showers, internet TV, and WiFi, allowing you to enjoy the antique atmosphere while experiencing the convenience of modern life. I stayed in a family room, spacious and comfortable, with a quiet rear garden just outside the window. Fish leisurely swim in the small pond, adding a special charm. Imagine gently swinging on the swing in the courtyard at night, looking up at the starry sky — the tranquility and beauty are truly indescribable. 🍴 Nearby Food and Attractions It’s about a 3-minute walk from the inn to famous attractions like the Confucian Temple, City God Temple, Ming and Qing Street, Yunlu Style Street, and the Pingyao Ancient City Wall, making the location unbeatable. In the evening, you can enjoy various authentic Shanxi snacks on Ming and Qing Street, such as knife-cut noodles, fried sauce noodles, and Pingyao beef — each one leaving a lasting impression. During the day, you can stroll around the ancient city and soak in the rich historical atmosphere. If you prefer quiet, you can also choose to relax in the inn’s rear garden and enjoy a peaceful moment of your own. 🏆 Thoughtful Service The inn offers very attentive service, with a housekeeper cleaning daily to ensure the rooms are tidy. Additionally, the inn provides children’s toys and family rooms, making it ideal for families traveling with kids. The meeting hall setup also caters to business guests. Whether for family trips or business travel, this place can meet your needs. In short, Guangxu Palace · Imperial Residence is an inn that perfectly combines history and modernity, leaving a deep impression with its environment, facilities, and service. If you have the chance to visit Pingyao, be sure to experience this inn — I believe you will fall in love with it just like I did. ✨