[2025 Pingyao Attraction] Travel Guide for Chenghuang Temple (Updated May)

🌿【Southern Shanxi Hidden Gem | A Thousand-Year-Old City More Stunning Than Datong, Home to 16 National Treasure-Level Relaxation Spots】 The fatigue of traveling through Shanxi vanished the moment I stepped into Xinjiang—this small city on the edge of Yuncheng has spent 1,400 years brewing a magical fusion of "architectural museum" and "vibrant local atmosphere." While Datong's splendor inspires awe, Xinjiang offers "a thousand years within reach," making it Shanxi's most perfect corner for a citywalk. 🗺️【One-Day Wandering Route: From Tang Dynasty to Ming-Qing Era】 Fusheng Temple → Xinjiang Confucian Temple → Longxing Temple → Sanguan Temple → Jiangzhou Government Office Scenic Area (Three-story Building + City God Temple + Main Hall + Garden Pool) → Catholic Church ✨ Rhythm suggestion: Visit ancient buildings in the morning, stroll through old streets in the afternoon, and climb the tower at dusk to see the ancient city bathed in twilight. 🚆【Transportation Smart Card】 - Getting there: ✔️ Take high-speed rail to "Yuncheng North" or "Linfen West," transfer to "Houma North Station" (20 minutes), then take a taxi 8km to the Confucian Temple (ride-hailing apps cost about 20 yuan, 50% cheaper than regular taxis). - Getting around: ✔️ Taxis start at 5 yuan (2km), with most attractions just 5-10 minutes apart by car. Taking taxis is recommended to save time. 🌟【National Treasure-Level Attraction Guide】 ① Fusheng Temple: Black Myth: Wukong-style Secret Realm 📍 20km from downtown (recommended to hire a round-trip car for 80 yuan) 🎫 Free (reservation required) ❗️ Must-see: - Guanyin Crossing the Sea Colored Sculpture: Suspended in the main hall, with flowing robes as if riding the waves, featured in the game "Black Myth: Wukong." When light shines through the latticed windows onto the sculpture, it's as stunning as Dunhuang! - Yuan Dynasty Murals: The "Zhong Kui Marrying His Sister" mural inside the gate features fluid lines and details revealing ancient humor. ② Xinjiang Confucian Temple: Premier Confucian Temple of Shanxi 🎫 10 yuan ✨ Highlights: - Dacheng Hall: Ming Dynasty single-eave hip-and-gable roof building with exquisitely carved dragon stone pillars, less solemn than the Confucius Temple in Qufu but with more everyday charm. - Panchi Arched Bridge: Perfect for Hanfu costume photos with reflections in the early morning when no one's around, like traveling back to Ming-Qing imperial examination scenes. ③ Longxing Temple: Overlook a Thousand Years from the Tower 🎫 10 yuan (additional 5 yuan to climb the tower) ⚠️ Note: - Longxing Pagoda only allows one person to climb at a time. It's narrow and steep—those afraid of heights should be careful! From the top, you can see the "seven buildings and eight pagodas" panorama of the ancient city, with the jade-like waters of Jiangshouzhu Garden Pool nestled among the gray tiles. - The temple's "Biluo Stele" is a Tang Dynasty calligraphy treasure, with text between seal and official script styles that remains partially undeciphered—truly "an ancient mystery." ④ Jiangzhou Government Office Scenic Area: A Living Fossil of Sui Dynasty Official Buildings 🎫 40 yuan (includes Main Hall + Garden Pool) ✅ Must experience: - Jiangzhou Main Hall: The earliest existing prefecture government hall in China, once General Guo Ziyi's headquarters during the Tang Dynasty. Seven towering wooden pillars support the "magnificent Tang Dynasty atmosphere"—standing in the hall, you can almost hear the yamen runners shouting. - Jiangshouzhu Garden Pool: China's only Sui Dynasty garden, with ingenious layout featuring "Meridian Beam" and "Whirling Lotus Pool." In autumn, red maples reflect in the pool, rivaling Suzhou gardens. ⑤ Xinjiang Catholic Church: Little Paris of Southern Shanxi 🎫 Free 📸 Photo spots: - Gothic spires combined with blue bricks and gray tiles create a special East-meets-West feel, perfect for vintage wedding photos; - During Sunday morning mass, you can quietly observe the stained glass windows—sunlight streaming through the glass onto the stone floor creates a cinematic scene. 🍲【Southern Shanxi Carb-Loading Guide】 - Must-try local dishes: ✔️ Xinjiang Hot Pot: Copper pot base with tender meat and meatballs, stewed with cabbage and vermicelli into a warming pot, dipped in sesame sauce. Crispy baked mantou dipped in broth makes a perfect winter warmer (recommended: "Laozihaohuo Hot Pot"); ✔️ Lamb Offal with Flatbread: Lamb offal cooked in bone broth with crumbled baked flatbread, sour and spicy—a bowl for breakfast will energize your day; ✔️ Egg Pouches: Fried dough pockets filled with egg mixture, crispy outside and tender inside, 5 yuan each and filling. - Warning: Don't have overly high expectations for "Xinjiang Hot Pot"—it's better for experiencing local flavor, and the taste is relatively mild. 🏨【Accommodation Strategy】 - For day trips: Stay in Yuncheng/Linfen (convenient high-speed rail) for a more comfortable early departure and late return; - For in-depth exploration: "Jiangzhou International Hotel" in the county town offers good value, within walking distance of the Confucian Temple, and at night you can explore the "Gongyuan Street Night Market." ❤️【Why You Must Visit】 While Pingyao builds barriers with entrance tickets, Xinjiang hides its 16 national heritage sites along streets and alleys—the weathered screen wall you might encounter around a corner could be a Ming Dynasty relic, a small temple you casually enter might house Yuan Dynasty colored sculptures, and even the stone steps by the moat bear Song Dynasty water patterns. Here, history isn't a specimen in a glass case but life itself within your reach. If you're tired of "attraction-checking" travel, come to Xinjiang. Measure the bluestone paths with a comfortable pair of shoes, drink a bowl of fu brick tea in the old teahouse next to the Catholic Church, watch schoolchildren run past the red walls of the Confucian Temple, listen to the bell of Longxing Temple echo across a thousand years—this is what travel should be: relaxed yet profound.

1️⃣ Basic Information Address: Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province Transportation: High-speed rail: Taiyuan South Station → Pingyao Ancient City Station (about 30 minutes), then 10 minutes by taxi to the ancient city. Train: Pingyao Station (regular trains), 10-minute walk to the ancient city. Self-driving: About 1.5 hours from Taiyuan, parking lots available around the ancient city (such as the Visitor Center parking lot). Tickets: Combo ticket: 125 yuan (includes 22 attractions, valid for 3 days), half-price with student ID. Free entry: No fee to enter the ancient city, but tickets required for attractions. 2️⃣ Must-Visit Attractions 1. Pingyao Ancient City Wall China's most well-preserved county-level city wall. Walking around it takes about 2 hours. Recommended to climb up from the South Gate (Yingxun Gate) for a panoramic view of the ancient city. 2. Rishengchang Draft Bank China's first bank. Learn about Jin merchants' financial history. Don't miss the underground vault and security system. 3. County Government Office A complete ancient county government complex with daily court session performances (9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:30 PM). 4. Confucian Temple Home to the oldest Dacheng Hall (Jin Dynasty architecture). Features imperial examination exhibitions and the "Dragon Gate" steps experience. 5. Xietongqing Money Shop Impressive underground vault. Touch the "dragon pillar" for good luck and enjoy interactive bank note experiences. 6. Shuanglin Temple (outside the ancient city, separate 35 yuan ticket required) Treasury of colored clay sculptures. The Thousand-Hand Guanyin and Weituo statues are national treasures. Located 6 km from the ancient city, about 15 yuan by taxi. 7. "Encore Pingyao" Immersive Show Immersive performance (238 yuan) telling the story of Jin merchants' escort agencies. Advance booking required. 3️⃣ Classic Itineraries One-day tour: City Wall (South Gate) → Rishengchang → Xietongqing → County Office → Confucian Temple → Ming-Qing Street (lunch) → Escort Agency Museum → City God Temple. Two-day tour: Day 1: Ancient city attractions (as above) + "Encore Pingyao" show in the evening. Day 2: Shuanglin Temple/Zhenguo Temple (Five Dynasties architecture, 12 km from the ancient city) + explore lesser-known alleys in the afternoon (such as Cang Lane, Academy Street). 4️⃣ Food Recommendations Must-try snacks: Pingyao beef (Guanyun brand is the most authentic), Wantuo (cold or stir-fried), Kaolao Lao (steamed oat noodles), Bubble Oil Cake. Time-honored restaurants: Hongwuji Restaurant: Yellow rice cold cake, old vinegar braised beef. Jinsheng Stove Shop: Two-person snack set, sample all local specialties at once. Yogurt Shop: Sea buckthorn stir-fried yogurt. 5️⃣ Accommodation Inside the ancient city: High-end: Pingyao Jinzhai (renovated Ming-Qing courtyard with strong design elements). Value for money: Desheng Lou Inn (kang bed experience, near Ming-Qing Street). Outside the ancient city: Chain hotels (such as Ji Hotel), suitable for self-driving travelers or those on a budget. 6️⃣ Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps 1. Electric cart tours (30 yuan/person) are unnecessary as the ancient city is walkable. 2. Be cautious when buying "antiques" as most are replicas. 3. Unofficial guides may overcharge. Recommended to hire guides from the visitor center (about 120 yuan/tour).

👍🏻Recommendation reason: Coming to Pingyao Ancient City is like traveling back to the ancient "Wall Street"! This is the most complete extant ancient county town in China, with 2,800-year-old city walls, bustling streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and Shanxi merchants' banks where one ticket is accepted throughout the country, and old buildings everywhere that tell stories. During the day, you can visit the city tower to see the blue bricks and gray tiles, and at night, you can walk through the streets and alleys to see the swaying lanterns. Even the air is filled with the aroma of Pingyao beef. History lovers, foodies, and those who love taking photos can all find happiness here. 🗺Attractions introduction: Must-visit core area • Pingyao Ancient City Wall: The 6-kilometer-long "guardian of the ancient city". Climbing up the city wall, you can overlook the chessboard-like layout of the entire ancient city. The mottled marks on the wall tiles are all marks of time. It is recommended to come in the evening to watch the sunset gild the city wall, and any photo you take will have a movie-like feel! • Ming and Qing Street: The entire street is lined with time-honored shops in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Signs selling lacquerware, paper-cuts, and aged vinegar sway in the wind, as if you can see the lively scene of Shanxi merchants riding horses to do business in the past. Remember to visit the "Rising Sun Bank" to see how ancient banks "connected the world"~ • Chenghuang Temple & Xietongqing Bank: The paintings and wood carvings in Chenghuang Temple are very exquisite, and they are very effective in praying for wealth (a must-go for those who are into metaphysics!); Xietongqing Bank has an underground vault, where you can see the ancient "safe" for storing money and the scene of silver exchange, which is both educational and interesting~ Surrounding bonus points • Wang Family Courtyard (1 hour’s drive): Known as the “Folk Forbidden City”, the Hongmenbao complex has layers upon layers of buildings, and the brick carvings, wood carvings, and stone carvings are even more exquisite than those in TV dramas. After visiting it, you can only sigh, “The rich families really know how to live!” 🚗 Transportation to attractions: • Self-driving: Navigate to "Pingyao Ancient City Parking Lot". There are many parking lots around the ancient city. The parking fee is about 30-50 yuan a day, which is very convenient. • Public transportation: ◦ High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail from Taiyuan South Station to Pingyao Ancient City Station, which takes 30 minutes. After exiting the station, take a taxi to the ancient city in 15 minutes. ◦ Bus: There are long-distance buses from Taiyuan, Xi'an, Shijiazhuang and other places directly to Pingyao, and the journey takes 3-5 hours; ◦ Inside the ancient city: Walking is the best way to explore. You can also rent a bicycle (20 yuan/hour) or take an electric car (30 yuan/person, for a circular tour). 🗺Travel route: One-day run version (suitable for tight schedule) Morning: Climb the ancient city wall (the South Gate section is the most spectacular) → Visit Rishengchang Bank → Eat bowls for breakfast at Ming and Qing Street Noon: Check in at the time-honored "Jinshenglu Food Store" and eat Pingyao beef stew + sea buckthorn juice Afternoon: Visit Chenghuang Temple to pray for wealth → Go to Xietongqing Bank to see the underground vault → Buy lacquerware/paper-cuts as souvenirs Evening: Walk the streets when the Ming and Qing street lanterns are lit, buy a bunch of candied haws, and sit on the street to watch the Jin opera performance (the atmosphere is great!) Two-day slow travel version (recommended!) Day 1: In-depth tour of the core area of ​​the ancient city (same as the previous day’s route, but slower pace) Day 2: In the morning, go to Wangjia Courtyard to experience the luxury houses of Shanxi merchants. In the afternoon, go back to the ancient city to visit Pingyao County Government Office to see how the ancient county magistrates judged cases in court. In the evening, watch a live performance at the "See Pingyao Again" theater outside the ancient city (the plot is super tear-jerking, remember to bring tissues!) 🍱Food recommendations: • Pingyao beef: a must-eat! The meat is firm and chewy, salty and tasty, and can be taken away in vacuum packaging. It is a good souvenir. • Bowl holder: A cold cake made from buckwheat noodles, topped with sesame paste, chili and garlic juice. It is very appetizing in summer and it’s very affordable at a roadside stall for 5 yuan each! • Kǎo lǎo lǎo: a noodle-filled nest, dipped in mutton sauce or tomato sauce, with a chewy texture. The old brand "Hongwuji" makes it very authentic~ • Fried pork: A classic Shanxi home-cooked dish, the meat slices are smooth and tender, served with black fungus and cucumber, and mixed with rice. You can eat two big bowls of it! • Oil tea: Salty and fragrant fried noodle oil tea, sprinkled with twisted dough sticks and almonds. A bowl of warm tea in winter is a standard breakfast for locals. 💰Cost related: • Tickets: Free entry to the ancient city, 125 yuan/person for a combined ticket to the scenic spots (including 22 small attractions, valid for 3 days), half price for students and seniors over 60 years old; • Performance: "See Pingyao Again" 238 yuan/person, immersive experience of the Shanxi merchants' story, worth the ticket price! • Food and Beverage: 50-100 yuan per person. Snack street restaurants are cheaper, and regular restaurants are more expensive but not a rip-off. • Shopping: Polished lacquerware (platters, jewelry boxes), Pingyao beef, Shanxi aged vinegar, it is recommended to buy them in regular stores on Ming and Qing Street, the price is negotiable~ 📌Other tips: 1. The cobblestone roads in the ancient city are bumpy, so wear comfortable sneakers! Taking photos in Hanfu will turn out great. There are many Hanfu rental shops in the ancient city (50-100 yuan/set, including makeup). 2. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. There is an international photography exhibition in April, and the weather is clear and cool in October. Remember to bring a hat when it is exposed to the sun in summer. When it snows in winter, the ancient city looks like an ink painting, but some small shops will be closed. 3. Find a local tour guide to explain (about 100 yuan/hour), otherwise visiting the ticket number and money house may be like visiting an empty house. Only after listening to the story can you understand what "Shanxi merchant wisdom" is. 4. Don’t go to bed early at night! Before the lights in the ancient city are turned off (around 22:00), taking photos on Lantern Street when there is no one there will give you a sense of time travel. Any stop will be like an ancient movie. Pingyao Ancient City is really the kind of place that becomes more interesting the more you walk around. Even the brick carvings on the corners and the door knockers of old shops hide stories. It is a good place to calm down and slowly experience it. When you come here, remember to post it on your Moments with the caption "I am in Pingyao, but my soul is in the Ming and Qing dynasties". It's amazing!

✨ A Complete 2025 Guide to Pingyao Ancient City | Avoiding Crowds with Unique Travel Tips + Photography Guide ✨ (Including transportation, hidden photo spots, must-try food - everything you need to explore this "living Ming-Qing Dynasty city"!) 🚗 Transportation Guide - Perfect for Lazy Travelers 1⃣ By High-Speed Rail - Pingyao Ancient City Station: Direct high-speed train access, 15-minute taxi ride (CNY 20) to the ancient city or take Bus 108 to the North Gate - Only 30 minutes from Taiyuan South Station to Pingyao Ancient City Station, perfect for exploring Jinzhong 2⃣ By Car - Route: Beijing/Xi'an → Beijing-Kunming Expressway → Pingyao Exit, navigate to "Pingyao Ancient City East Gate parking lot" (CNY 30/day), 5-minute walk to the ancient city - Traffic tip: Arrive before 9am on weekends to avoid peak hours 3⃣ By Air - Taiyuan Wusu Airport: Take airport bus to Taiyuan South Station, then high-speed rail to Pingyao (about 2 hours total) 🌿 Must-Visit Spots + Hidden Tips 1. Rishengchang Draft Bank & Xietongqing Money Shop - Highlights: China's first draft bank, interactive "old banker writing bills" experience, impressive underground vault - Hidden tip: Touch the "lucky ingot" in Xietongqing's underground vault, take photos with the God of Wealth 2. Pingyao City Wall - Photo spots: Climb South Gate (Yingxun Gate) for sunset silhouettes, use wide-angle lens to capture the "turtle city" panorama - Walking bonus: 1.5-hour walk around the wall, overlooking 72 watchtowers and 3,000 battlements 3. Pingyao County Government Office & City God Temple - Activities: "Magistrate Court Session" performances at 9:30/11:00/15:30 daily, wear Hanfu for photos with NPCs - Cultural must-see: City God Temple's "Triple Stage" and Confucian Temple's "Top Scholar Bridge" for academic blessings 4. Shuanglin Temple & Zhenguo Temple (Highly recommended nearby attractions) - Shuanglin Temple: Over 2,000 colored statues in the "Eastern Treasury of Colored Sculpture Art," impressive Thousand-Hand Guanyin suspended sculpture - Zhenguo Temple: Five Dynasties wooden structure without nails or rivets, Ten Thousand Buddha Hall's bracket systems bloom like lotus flowers 5. Ming-Qing Street Night Tour - Features: Lantern-lit "China's Wall Street," wear Shanxi merchant costumes for night photos, try street-side honey osmanthus cake (CNY 5/piece) 📸 Photography Guide - Outfits & Timing 1⃣ Outfit Suggestions - Rent Shanxi merchant costumes (around CNY 80/day including styling) in dark blue/burgundy, accessorize with abacus or oil-paper umbrella - Modern outfit option: beige/khaki trench coat to contrast with ancient gray bricks 2⃣ Golden Hours - 7:00-9:00 AM: Empty South Street shots, sunlight filtering through signboards onto stone paths - 5:30-6:30 PM: Sunset and chimney smoke from west city wall, time-lapse the changing light 3⃣ Hidden Photo Spots - Ma Family Courtyard Tower: Aerial shots of symmetrical courtyard, using window frames as foreground - Market Tower Corner: Frame with lanterns and shop signs for authentic "millennium-old commercial town" atmosphere 🍜 Food Guide - Foodie Must-Tries 1⃣ Inside Ancient City - Hongwuji Restaurant: Yellow rice cold cake (CNY 18), beef braised in aged vinegar (CNY 58), around CNY 50/person - Jinsheng Food Shop: Two-person set with 12 Shanxi snacks (CNY 98), try knife-cut noodles, bowl holders, and Taolulu 2⃣ Night Market Treats - Yogurt Shop: Sea buckthorn yogurt (CNY 15), sweet and sour palate cleanser - Mr. Liang's Stir-fried Yogurt: Must-try aged vinegar flavor (CNY 10) 3⃣ Souvenir Recommendations - Guanyun Pingyao Beef: Look for intangible cultural heritage label, vacuum-packed (CNY 50/500g) - Tuiguang Lacquerware: Jewelry boxes (from CNY 200), beautiful hand-painted gold designs

🌿Xinzhou Ancient City Private Hot Spring Courtyard | A Millennium Journey of Hot Spring Healing, a Couple's Retreat in an Oriental Aesthetic Painting✨ 💡【Preface】In this thousand-year-old city of Xinzhou, Shanxi, blessed by time, I unexpectedly discovered a hidden paradise beyond imagination - a private hot spring courtyard with gray tiles and white walls, a zen-like space filled with hot spring mist that completely healed my urban anxiety! This comprehensive guide will help you unlock the experience of "staying in a historical hot spring retreat." ### 🌟【The Perfect Location】 📍Location: Deep in Wutong Lane, South Street, Xinzhou Ancient City 🚗Transportation: 1.5h drive from Taiyuan/15min taxi from Xinzhou West High-speed Railway Station ✨Secrecy Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ When the GPS indicated arrival, a breathtaking view unfolded: Ming Dynasty city walls meandering like a dragon, a thousand-year-old Chinese scholar tree casting dappled shadows at the lane entrance, and our destination - "Qiyun Hall" hot spring guesthouse, nestled within this living historical texture. The moment the butler welcomed us with an oil-paper umbrella, it felt like stepping into a Zhang Yimou film's oriental aesthetic scroll. ### 🏡【Living in an Oriental Courtyard of Intangible Heritage Craftsmanship】 Pushing open the heavy carved wooden door, the 270° panoramic courtyard left us speechless - bamboo shadows dancing on bluestone slabs, Taihu rocks adorned with moss, and most impressive, an outdoor hot spring pool in the courtyard center! The pool is lined with old kiln bricks from northern Shanxi, with traditional Chinese medicine bags floating on the surface - the butler explained it's a daily fresh-made angelica and astragalus bath. ✨Room Options: ▫️"Cloud View" Loft: Two-story panoramic glass room + stargazing pool ▫️"Rain Listening" Private Courtyard: Ultra-private Japanese rock garden ▫️"Moon Embrace" Panoramic Suite: Private calligraphy tea room + heated tatami Our chosen "Drunk in Flowers" private villa was stunning! In the three-section courtyard, hand-tied-dyed curtains sway in the breeze, old elm furniture gleams with a warm luster, and surprisingly, there's an incense burner made from intangible heritage Jiangzhou Chengni inkstone by the bed. The best part is the retractable glass roof above the private pool - perfect for stargazing on clear nights or listening to rain, simply romantic beyond words! ### 🌸【24-hour Hot Spring Healing Schedule】 🕖7:00 Morning Soak: Immerse in 42°C natural spring water as sunrise colors the ancient corner tower 🍵14:00 Tea and Zen: Brew aged white tea on charcoal stove, paired with wild sea buckthorn cake from Mount Wutai 🌙21:00 Starlight Bath: Soak with butler's special blend of rose salt + mugwort pack for complete muscle relaxation 💤23:00 Sleep Mode: Drift into deep sleep on buckwheat pillows with cypress aroma Secret tip❗Book in advance for "Traditional Acupuncture + Hot Spring Therapy" - the Chinese medicine doctor's customized 12-hour herbal bath feels like a full-body spa treatment! ### 🍜【Mind-blowing Northern Shanxi Cuisine】 The guesthouse dining exceeded all expectations - we had three bowls! ▪️Breakfast: Fresh soybean milk pudding + yellow rice cake + Pingyao beef stuffed pancakes ▪️Lunch: Dingxiang steamed meat with oat noodles (butler teaches how to roll them!) ▪️Late Night: Copper hot pot with pickled vegetable tofu soup, featuring premium Youyu Salt Pool lamb! Highly recommend the "Mount Wutai Vegetarian Feast": stuffed bitter gourd with mushrooms, zen eight-treasure rice, golden lotus flower with snow fungus... each dish comes with a Buddhist story, leaving you feeling spiritually cleansed. ### 📸【Perfect Photo Spots】 1️⃣ Hanfu photos under the eaves: Free traditional Shanxi merchant's wife-style embroidered robes 2️⃣ Moon gate silhouette: Use lantern lighting at dusk for Wong Kar-wai movie vibes 3️⃣ Aerial pool view: Drone shots of the ink painting-like courtyard 4️⃣ Calligraphy in study: Grind ink on Chengni inkstone to practice Fu Shan's calligraphy ### 🚶【Ancient City Secrets Within Walking Distance】 🌅5:30 Watch sunrise at Xiurong Academy's city wall 🕯19:00 Food tour in Taishan Temple Lane: Bowl holders, Daona cake, date cake fragrance for miles 🎭20:30 Watch intangible heritage shadow puppetry "Yang Family Generals" at City God Temple 📿Special experience: Night exploration of Yuan Dynasty ancient theater with the innkeeper, listening to stories about Liang Sicheng's architectural surveys ### 💌【Honest Tips from Experience】 ✅Best time to visit: Late autumn to early spring (stunning snow scenes with hot springs! Avoid summer peak) 💰Value: 500+ per person including breakfast + free Hanfu experience (200+ cheaper than certain platforms) 👫Suitable for: Couples/honeymoons/friend retreats/cultural deep dives ⚠️Tips to avoid pitfalls: Book view rooms 1 week ahead! Be cautious with standard rooms on rainy days (some rooms have limited natural light) Gazing at stars from the courtyard, I suddenly understood: true luxury isn't about price tags, but about having healing moments for two within the 1,400-year pulse of an ancient city. Xinzhou, this underrated treasure of a city, is absolutely worth a special trip❤️

#favouriteitinerary Chenghuang Temple was a popular destination for people to visit during temple fairs held on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month in ancient times. The temple is dedicated to the City God (Chenghuang) and the God of Wealth (Caishen), making it a significant place for worship and cultural activities. Personal Opinion: In my opinion, Chenghuang Temple provides a unique glimpse into the spiritual and cultural practices of ancient times. The temple fairs and rituals associated with it offer a rich and immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with the traditions and beliefs of the past.

Pingyao City God Temple is a typical Chinese official Taoist temple and a national key cultural relic protection site. In Taoism, the City God Temple is the patron saint of the city, and is responsible for ensuring the peace of the people. It has very strict regulations, and the Pingyao City God Temple was built in the style of local government offices. The founding date of the City God Temple is unknown, but it was rebuilt in the 33rd year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1554). The entire building consists of three groups of buildings: City God Temple, Kitchen God Temple and God of Wealth Temple. There are three courtyards along the central axis, with archways, mountain gates, stage, offering hall, City God Hall, sleeping palace, as well as the Six Ministry's Mansion and Land God Temple. In front of the front yard are the stage and the bell and drum tower, and on the east and west sides are corridors. The central courtyard is the Xiandian and Chenghuangdian. The east side hall houses the Liucao Mansion. At the south end of the Liucao Mansion, next to the bell tower, is the Zhong Kui Hall. There is a land temple in the west side hall, and a reincarnation hall is located at the southern end of the land temple, close to the drum tower. The offering hall is five bays wide, with a hip roof and a gabled roof, a hip-and-gable porch in front, and transparent walls on all four sides. The main hall, the City God Hall, is five bays wide, a seven-purlin front porch-style building with five-step double-lower brackets. A statue of the City God is enshrined in the main hall, with little devils and judges standing on both sides, and a picture of the City God on patrol is painted on the wall. The east side hall is the Liucao Mansion, where statues of the six judges, the Black and White Impermanence and other hell beings are sculpted; the west side hall is the Tudi Temple, where statues of 40 land gods from the 40 districts in Pingyao during the Ming and Qing dynasties are enshrined. The backyard is the sleeping palace, and on the east and west sides are the Kitchen God Temple and the God of Wealth Temple respectively. The sleeping palace is the bedroom where the City God rests. It is a building with a cave dwelling below and a pavilion above. The walls of the palace are painted with murals of "City God Reporting on His Duties" and poems by literati. The main deity in the lower cave is the City God, with the Judge of Life and Death and the Judge of Good and Evil on his left and right. The statues of the City God and his wife are enshrined in the upper pavilion. The main hall of the Kitchen God Temple is the Kitchen God Hall, where the Kitchen God and his wife are enshrined. The Temple of the God of Wealth is located on the west side of the Offering Hall, with two courtyards in front and back. It is a temple within a temple and consists of the mountain gate, the Temple of the God of Wealth, the Zhenwu Tower, the Offering Hall of the God of Wealth Temple, the stage of the God of Wealth Temple and the viewing tower. In the Temple of the God of Wealth are statues of Bigan, the civil god of wealth, and Zhao Gongming and Guan Yu, the military gods of wealth. The Kitchen God Hall is located on the east side of the City God Temple. It has two courtyards, the first courtyard is the temple area and the second courtyard is the Taoist temple. Pingyao City God Temple is extremely rich in historical and cultural content. It integrates traditional Confucianism, Taoism, and folk culture to form a unique scene of "all gods living in the same temple and receiving incense together". It is a well-preserved cultural relic and historical site with rich cultural connotations among the existing county-level City God Temple sites in the country, and is worth appreciating and savoring.

It is unclear when the Pingyao City God Temple was first built. It was renovated in the mid-Ming Dynasty and the late Qing Dynasty, and is now a national key cultural relic protection unit. The Chenghuang Temple is located in the bustling streets of the county, echoing the county government and the Confucian Temple, and ranking first. It faces south and has three courtyards. The temple has a regular layout, symmetrical axis, simple and spectacular, exquisite and gorgeous, with a mountain gate, stage, The Xian Hall, the City God's Hall, the Bedroom, etc. are built on both sides of the Liucao Mansion, the Earth Temple, the Caishen Temple, the Zao Lord Temple, etc. There are temples in the temples, and the three religions are integrated into one. It perfectly integrates ancient official offices with temple architectural art, and has great significance. With its profound historical and cultural heritage, it is one of the main attractions in Pingyao Ancient City. The meticulous light-color murals and glazed tile decorations in the Chenghuang Temple are outstanding examples of Ming and Qing architectural craftsmanship and have high artistic value. It is recommended to watch them carefully. You need to buy a ticket to visit the Pingyao City God Temple. You can buy a pass for the ancient city scenic spots or a ticket for a single attraction. There are two doors for entry and exit. When you visit the innermost "sleep hall", you must climb up the stairs on both sides. Not only can you get a closer look The exquisite and bright glazed roof can also overlook the rows of ancient city houses.

《Pingyao City God Temple Travel Guide》 I. Introduction to the Scenic Spot Pingyao City God Temple was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,100 years. It was extensively renovated during the Ming and Qing dynasties, preserving the architectural style of those dynasties and covers an area of ​​7,302 square meters. The archway of the City God Temple is considered to be the best of Pingyao's ancient buildings, with four pillars, three doors, and eleven-step brackets, and it is tall and magnificent. The couplet on the pillar, "If you are willing to visit this place, you will feel no guilt; if you are unwilling to visit our gate, you will feel terrified" has a profound meaning and is thought-provoking. There are 18 corridors on both sides of the front yard. A month-long temple fair is held starting on the 27th day of the fifth lunar month every year. The corridors are rented to vendors for use, making the place very lively. Further ahead is the Music Tower, a two-story building with a hipped-roof street gate in the middle and hexagonal rear windows on both sides. There are bell towers and drum towers on both sides of the music building, the bell tower on the left and the drum tower on the right. There is a cave-style side door under the bell and drum tower, through which you can reach the main hall of the City God Temple. The theater in the Temple of the God of Wealth is also unique. There is a brick-arched cave-like passage under the stage. The inner doors on both sides of the passage connect to three brick kilns, which also serve as the base of the theater. The brackets of the theater are gorgeous and intricate, with carvings of dragons, phoenixes and white elephant heads, displaying the techniques and style of the Qing Dynasty. The architecture of City God Temple is brilliantly colored. The roofs of the front hall and the stage of God of Wealth Temple are covered with peacock blue and yellow glazed components, which bring visual shock to people. The decorations and gargoyles on the roof are magnificent. Climbing up the Zhenwu Tower, one can overlook the City God Temple and the God of Wealth Temple. The well-arranged buildings seem to be dominated by the concept of the unity of heaven, earth and man. 2. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving If you choose to drive to Pingyao City God Temple, you can use navigation software to locate Pingyao Ancient City. From surrounding cities, drive along the highway, exit at Pingyao, and then follow the signs to the City God Temple in Pingyao Ancient City. There are parking lots around the ancient city for tourists to park. 2. Public Transportation After arriving at Pingyao Station or Pingyao Bus Station by train or long-distance bus, you can choose to take a bus, taxi or walk to Pingyao Ancient City. After entering the ancient city, you can find the location of the City God Temple according to the signs. Bus routes may change, so it is recommended to consult the local bus station or driver before riding. Taxis are relatively convenient, but may cost a little more. You can enjoy the scenery of the ancient city and feel its atmosphere by walking. 3. Tour route 1. Archway When you enter the City God Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the towering and magnificent archway. Appreciate the exquisite carvings and couplets on the archway and feel its unique charm. 2. Front yard veranda Walking along the front yard veranda, imagine the lively scene during the temple fair. Here you can learn about the local folk culture and traditional business activities. 3. Le Tower Climb up the Le Tower to admire its architectural style and unique design. Look out from the back windows on both sides of the Le Tower and feel the beauty of the ancient city. 4. Bell and Drum Tower Visit the Bell and Drum Tower to learn about the ancient timekeeping method and architectural features. Listening to the sound of bells and drums, it feels like traveling back to ancient times. 5. Cave door Go through the cave door and head to the main hall of the City God Temple. Feel the ingenious design and mysterious atmosphere of ancient buildings. 6. Theater of the God of Wealth Temple When you come to the God of Wealth Temple, you can admire the magnificent brackets and unique platform design of the theater. Imagine the grand occasion of opera performances back then. 7. Glazed roofs Look up and admire the glazed roofs of the City God Temple and the God of Wealth Temple, and feel the brilliant colors and exquisite craftsmanship. Take photos to record this beautiful moment. 8. Zhenwu Tower Climb up the Zhenwu Tower and overlook the entire City God Temple and the God of Wealth Temple. Feel the well-proportioned architectural layout and the concept of unity among heaven, earth and man. IV. Food Recommendations 1. Pingyao Beef Pingyao Beef is one of Pingyao’s specialties, with tender meat and rich flavor. You can taste authentic Pingyao beef in restaurants or specialty shops in the ancient city. 2. Pingyao Wantuo Wantuo is a traditional snack in Pingyao, made from buckwheat flour and has a smooth texture. It can be eaten with condiments such as chili oil and vinegar to make it taste better. 3. Pingyao Mooncakes Pingyao mooncakes are famous for their unique craftsmanship and taste. The mooncake skin is crispy and the filling is fragrant, and there are many flavors to choose from. 4. Pingyao Noodles Pingyao has a wide variety of noodles, such as knife-cut noodles, hand-pulled noodles, etc. You can taste authentic Pingyao noodles in local noodle shops. 5. Special snacks There are many other special snacks in the ancient city, such as Pingyao oil tea, Pingyao tofu brain, Pingyao smoked meat, etc. You can choose to taste according to your taste. V. Accommodation Arrangements 1. Inns in the Ancient City Choosing to stay in an inn in Pingyao Ancient City will allow you to better experience the atmosphere of the ancient city. The architectural styles of the inns are mostly traditional buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with beautiful environment and thoughtful service. 2. Hotels outside the ancient city If you want more comfortable accommodation, you can choose to stay in a hotel outside the ancient city. The hotel has complete facilities, convenient transportation and relatively reasonable prices. VI. Precautions 1. Respect religious beliefs Chenghuang Temple is a religious site. Visitors should respect religious beliefs and abide by the temple's regulations when visiting. Do not make loud noises, smoke, litter, etc. in the temple. 2. Protect cultural relics and historical sites Pingyao City God Temple is a historical and cultural heritage. Tourists should protect cultural relics and historical sites and not touch or damage ancient buildings and cultural relics at will. 3. Pay attention to safety During the tour, please pay attention to safety. Especially when climbing to high places such as Le Tower and Zhenwu Tower, you must be careful to avoid falling. At the same time, pay attention to fire prevention and do not use open flames in the temple. 4. Arrange your time properly Pingyao Chenghuang Temple is a large scenic area and it takes a certain amount of time to visit. Tourists are advised to arrange their time reasonably and plan their tour routes in advance to avoid delays. In short, Pingyao City God Temple is an ancient building complex with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is a good place for sightseeing and learning about history and culture. I hope this travel guide can help you with your trip to Pingyao City God Temple, so that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while feeling the charm of ancient architecture and the profound historical culture.

Mysterious cultural heritage The City God Temple is a traditional religious building in China, a temple used to worship the city god. It is one of the important places of folk belief and is considered to be able to protect the peace of the city and the residents. The City God Temple has been established in many cities and towns in China, and its scale varies, but all carry people's respect and prayer for the city god. I am an atheist, but I do not reject the customs rooted in the people. I respect different religious cultures and like to find traces of history in ancient buildings. Therefore, I have been interested in visiting many city god temples in China. Pingyao City God Temple is one of the few county-level city god temples in China that are best preserved. It was listed as a national cultural relic protection unit in 2006. For me who is keen on "brushing protection", I must check in at the City God Temple. Pingyao City God Temple is located in the east section of Chenghuang Temple Street in Pingyao Ancient City. According to research, Pingyao City God Temple was built in the Northern Song Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,100 years. Pingyao City God Temple is a temple of three temples. It is merged with the Stove King Temple and the God of Wealth Temple to form a unique temple in the temple. Its layout reflects the multi-element integration of ancient Chinese religious culture in function. Not only is the layout of Pingyao City God Temple unique, but its architectural style and artistic value are also very high... Shanghai, China

The ancient city itself is free of charge and does not require reservations. The internal attractions require a combined ticket system, which is valid within three days after purchase, and each attraction is limited to one entry. The recommended places to visit are: Chenghuang Temple (5A scenic spot), Xietongqing (the earliest bank and underground money house), Rishengchang Bank, Pingyao County Government (there are three performances every day, the 9:30 show is recommended ⌛️ as it is longer). Walk inward from the New East Gate to the homestay we booked (Pingyao Yueting Jishe Inn). This home has a travel photography service at the lobby, which seems to be the best. The scenery and makeup look pretty good, but because there is really no choice of boys' clothes, we did not experience this. There is a reception desk in the atrium, where a dedicated service butler will help introduce the more worthwhile attractions and delicacies in the ancient city. The room we booked is the 🧑‍🧑‍🧒 family suite, which has a kang and a large bed. The room has good hygiene and smart facilities. The only drawback is that it is on the first floor and may be a little noisy from 8:00 to 21:00. There will be a light show at the Yingxun Gate on the south side. The show starts at 21:00 and lasts for 18 minutes (⚠️This gate is closed from 20:00 to 6:00 every day), so you can either go out early to wait or take a detour from another exit. There is a Luckin Coffee ☕️ near this door. If you are afraid of encountering coffee 🥷 in the scenic area, you can come here to drink. There is a Tingyu Tower in the west, next to the county government office. It is similar to the City Tower. Just choose one to take a photo. We happened to meet a group of "Jin Merchants' Ladies" passing by, and the photos we took actually gave us a feeling of "travel through time"... There is a city building on the north side (very suitable for taking photos), and there is a Qingzhi hand cream store on the road. It is a chain store with Pingyao's special packaging that can be used as a souvenir. The price is the same as 🍑. A short distance across the street, there is a small stall selling millet cakes, which are hollow and filled with brown sugar. They are considered local specialty mooncakes and are very delicious! The food recommended by the B&B is also on this road: Renren Beifang, Baishanxi, and Hongwuji (the queue is quite long) If you don't want to eat at a restaurant that's too complicated, you can choose a snack shop: Dongji Chaowantuo (open kitchen is clean, you can also try the improved version of oil tea, which has a nutty paste feeling), Jinshenglu Food Shop (single-person set meal (small-portion special snack platter, old vinegar egg 👍), Siniu Noodles (20 meters next to the B&B, a very small shop, home-style taste within 100 yuan, delicious!) The performance of See You Pingyao was well-made and immersive, with a lot of interaction between the audience and the actors. The whole process was moving around following the changes in the scene. The actors had a strong sense of conviction and the experience was very strong. (However, the storyline is not suitable for young children. There is a flour-sprinkling segment at the end, so it is best to wear a mask) So was scared, so we left midway. In general, the ancient city of Shanxi is worth a visit, and it has a different charm compared to the ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River!

The City God Temple in Shaxian District is the largest and best-preserved county-level City God Temple in central Fujian. It is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. The Shaxian City God Temple is located in the eastern part of the county. The existing buildings were constructed in the ninth year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1744 AD) and were repeatedly repaired during the Jiaqing and Guangxu periods. The Shaxian City God Temple has a grand architectural scale, covering an area of more than 6,000 square meters, with a building area of 2,890 square meters. Along the central axis of the City God Temple, from front to back, there are the mountain gate, the middle hall, the inverted hall, the side hall, the corridor, and the main hall. The main hall has a width of five rooms, with a total width of 23.27 meters. The beam structure is a combination of platform beams and bucket arches, with a hip-and-gable roof. The City God Temple is structurally solid and reasonably laid out, with distinctive local craftsmanship and artistic features in its construction. It is the most complete and largest Qing Dynasty building preserved in Shaxian. This building not only has certain historical value but also has high architectural value.

|Three treasures of ancient architecture. Changzhi is a clean and beautiful garden city, where there are 3 historical sites hidden. If you come here, you must go! Chenghuang Temple, Shangdang Gate and Guanyin Hall! Chenghuang Temple: Lu'an Prefecture Chenghuang Temple, which was built for the worship of the city god, is one of the larger and better preserved ancient architectural complexes among the known prefecture Chenghuang Temples in the country. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty. Shangdang Gate: It is the gate of the Shangdang County Office in the Sui Dynasty. It was built in the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty. Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji of the Tang Dynasty once carried out large-scale construction in this yamen, adding the Feilong Palace and De Feng Pavilion. At its peak, there were more than 280 pavilions and palaces. It was destroyed by war during the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. The gate of Shangdang Gate was rebuilt in the third year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1370), and it was renovated in the third year of Hongzhi (1490). It was renovated again in 1932. Guanyin Hall: The core is the Guanyin Hall. The three walls inside, the roof beams above, and the top of the doors and windows are all gilded and painted clay sculptures and hanging sculptures. Inside the small three-room hall, there are about 500 existing statues, with colored sculptures and hanging sculptures alternating, and the three religions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexist, either sitting on the altar, leaning against the mountain wall, or hanging from the eaves. You need to find a commentator for a close look!

I will thank you here..🌈🌈🌈 Pingyao is a city very suitable for tourism, but you must make a good strategy before you set off, so you can have more fun, hurry up and take a look! 📖Travel tips 1⃣The weather has recently become cooler, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so you must prepare thicker clothes 2⃣Wear a pair of flat shoes, the comfortable kind, the ancient city is not small and the attractions are scattered 3⃣Don't be greedy for cheap, there are often pitfalls. Ask for the price when buying things, compare the goods with three, and remember to bargain! 🌇Travel essentials list 📣Documents: ID card, student card, driver's license and other valid documents 📣Electronics: mobile phone, charger, headphones, power bank, camera, tripod, etc. 📣Daily necessities: cosmetics, makeup remover, face towel, sunscreen, lotion, toothbrush 📣Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes, you have to walk about 2 steps a day 📣Others: umbrella, sunglasses, band-aids, hat 【Transportation📍】 🚂Train: To Pingyao Station Navigate to 'Xiximen' of Pingyao Ancient City 🚄High-speed rail: To Pingyao Ancient City Station You can choose bus (108 1r) or taxi to any city gate of Pingyao Ancient City 🚗Self-driving: Navigate to the parking lot of the ancient city scenic spot Visitor Center 🔻Below is a brief introduction to the route: 🙈D1 Arrive at Pingyao Ancient City-Check in to the hotel or free activities→Yingxun Gate has a light show at 8 pm 🙈D2 County Yamen→City God Temple→Confucius Temple→South Street (Biaoju and Xietongqing)→Qingxu View→Zhenguo Temple→Rishengchang→Erlang Temple→Ancient City Wall (Go up from the north gate and come down from the west gate)→See Pingyao again→Shuanglin Temple→Return 🙈D3 Rishengchang→Erlang Temple→Ancient City Wall (Go up from the north gate and come down from the west gate)→See Pingyao again→Shuanglin Temple→Return 🔴PS: You can adjust the direction of the itinerary according to your starting point 【Must-visit attractions】 Pingyao Ancient City Wall: Suitable for taking pictures! You can climb the city wall to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Pingyao. Rishengchang Piaohao: Understand the history of ancient banks Xietongqing: China's Money House Museum Biaoju: The earliest logistics industry, the first Biaoju in North China County Yamen Museum: The largest existing county yamen City God Temple: The temple where the people worship the local temple Ming and Qing Street: The busiest street in the ancient city, many attractions, literary and artistic shops, etc. are all concentrated here 📍Visit various gardens Student ticket 64🎫 (half price) There are Rishengchang, Piaohao, Money House…. I think the most shocking is the underground money house, it's really shocking, and there is a ticket made by myself in Rishengchang, although I can't tell what it's called but the old man is really good 10 yuan per person I think it's worth it, you can try it. There are many attractions, and the two of us didn't finish visiting. Pingyao Ancient City Accommodation⛩ 🌈Most of the accommodations in the ancient city are guest houses, with various styles, you can choose your favorite style, we chose the one in the ancient city, if you want to stay in a hotel, you can choose the accommodation at the city gate, it is also very convenient to travel 🌈Recommended food: Pingyao Beef Youmian Luoluo Copper Hot Pot, Fried Bowl Tuo, Knife Shaved Noodles, Over Oil Meat, Cao Family Smoked Elbow Recommended restaurants should choose old brands, good reputation, such as: Yaogong Mansion Restaurant

The entire Pingyao Ancient City is a world cultural heritage. The Chenghuang Temple in the middle section of Chenghuang Temple Street is a relatively special building. The building covers an area of 7,302 square meters. It is magnificent and exquisite. Pingyao Chenghuang Temple was built in the early years of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty. It is a bureaucratic Taoist temple with rich historical and cultural connotations and complete religious regulations. Centered on the main hall of the city, it consists of six major parts, namely Liu Cao House, Land Hall, Zaojun Temple and Caishen Temple (with Zhenwu Building). It is a treasure in the county-level city-level temple. This temple integrates Confucianism, Taoism and folk culture. Various clay sculptures, murals, Yuetai Lelou and woodcut brick carvings show the cultural connotation and artistic features of the northern temple architecture. The buildings of Pingyao Chenghuang Temple pay attention to the carved and painted buildings, which are amazing and exquisite!