[2025 Pingyao Attraction] Travel Guide for Yingxun Gate (Updated Oct)

In-depth travel guide to Pingyao Ancient City: A time-travel journey through the Ming and Qing dynasties Pingyao Ancient City is located in central Shanxi Province and is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing county towns in China, with a history of over 2,800 years. It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1997. Every brick and tile here carries the profound heritage of Shanxi merchant culture. Strolling through it feels like stepping into a living "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." 📸 Highlights and must-visit spots 1. Ancient City Wall and Sunset - South Gate (Yingxun Gate): The best spot to climb the city wall! At dusk, the setting sun gilds the blue brick alleys, overlooking the entire Pingyao Ancient City, Rishengchang Draft Bank, City God Temple, Ming and Qing Street, Yingxun Gate, City God Temple, and the turtle-shaped ancient city (named for its "earth" character layout). Every snap is a masterpiece. - Walking the city wall loop: If you have the energy, walk around the city wall (about 1 hour) to fully experience the ancient city’s layout and bustling street life. 2. The Financial Heart of Shanxi Merchants - Rishengchang Draft Bank: China’s first bank, with restored accounting rooms where you can experience writing ancient drafts. Wearing Hanfu and taking traditional-style photos creates a great atmosphere. - Ming and Qing Street (South Street): Known as "China’s Wall Street," red lanterns hang on both sides of the bluestone road. The Escort Agency Museum and Xietongqing Underground Vault (pretend to be a bank manager) are hidden here. 3. Immersive Cultural Experiences - Pingyao County Government Office: The largest ancient county government office in China. At 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM daily, the "County Magistrate’s Court Session" is performed, offering interactive fun. - City God Temple Opera Stage: Red silk wish ribbons flutter, and the ancient stage backdrop naturally adds a time-travel filter, a unique photo spot. - Confucian Temple and Imperial Examination Museum: Feel the thousand-year Confucian atmosphere between red walls and green tiles. Authentic imperial exam papers are worth a close look. 🍜 Must-try local delicacies - Pingyao Beef: Bright red, salty, fragrant, and tender. Highly recommend the old Chen vinegar-braised beef at Hongwu Ji Restaurant, where the vinegar flavor soaks into the meat, perfect with rice. - Two ways to enjoy Wantuo (a local noodle dish): cold and refreshing (Dong Ji stir-fried Wantuo) or hot and chewy (served with fried dough twists or ham). The texture is like cold skin noodles but more springy. - Shanxi Copper Hotpot: Lao Zhao’s charcoal slow stew, with crispy meat, meatballs, and vermicelli blending in bone broth. Dip in special spicy sauce for a warming and satisfying taste. - Unique desserts: Liang Xiansen’s yogurt with aged vinegar is slightly sour and sweet, surprisingly harmonious with sea buckthorn fruit bits. 🏡 Stay in the ancient city: Overnight through a thousand years - Core area of South Street: Deshenglou Inn (ancient-style opera courtyard), Hongwu Ji upstairs, with windows overlooking the bustling Ming and Qing Street. Attractions are within a 5-minute walk. - Quiet courtyards on Yamen Street: Yuchengyuan (a century-old three-entry courtyard), Nanshuyuan (family suites + tea house), peaceful yet not far from the hustle and bustle. - North Street design spaces: Shiman Holiday Courtyard (smart home + Ming and Qing courtyard), parking lot accessible immediately after exiting the north gate for self-driving tourists. ✨ Insider tips: Avoid crowds, play smart 1. Best times: - 7 AM: Enjoy the empty ancient streets and take prime photos with soft light. - 9 PM: 3D light show at Yingxun Gate Square, the ancient city wall transforms into a giant screen. 2. Transportation tips: - Take the high-speed train to Pingyao Ancient City Station, then a 10-minute taxi to the city; for regular trains, choose Pingyao Station, a 20-minute walk to the city. - Walking is the only way inside! The stone roads are uneven, so wear sneakers. 3. Bonus experiences: - Rent Shanxi merchant lady Hanfu (recommended Yun Jin Tang) for dramatic photos at the draft bank and old residences. - Buy lacquerware jewelry boxes and homemade vinegar from the family vinegar shop (hawthorn/persimmon flavors) as souvenirs, crafted with intangible cultural heritage skills. The charm of Pingyao lies in the seamless blend of history and daily life. Explore the escort agency and banks by day, chew beef while watching lanterns light up at dusk, and stay in a century-old courtyard listening to the wind through carved windows—this "living ancient city" awaits you to decode its millennia-old secrets.

A city named Ping, a dream named Yao This ancient city, dating back 2800 years, comes from the north, different from the gentle ancient towns of the south, Pingyao Ancient City reveals the vicissitudes of history Follow this guide, step into Pingyao, and meet the first millennium-old town in the Central Plains . 📍Pingyao Ancient City: The most well-preserved ancient county city in our country, located in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province . 🚄Transportation: ⭐️High-speed train: Pingyao Ancient City Station (about 20 minutes by taxi from the ancient city ⭐️Taxi from the high-speed train station to the ancient city costs 20-25 yuan (it's expensive if it exceeds this price, there is also a bus on the right side of the station that can get there ⭐️Train: Pingyao Station (next to the ancient city, you can walk to the ancient city . 🏡Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Nan Dajie or Yamen Street in the ancient city, which is more convenient for strolling. . 💰Ticket: 100 yuan per person for a pass ⭐️Includes many attractions for internal visits, if you're just strolling the streets, no need to buy a ticket; if you're in a hurry in the afternoon, no need to buy one either, as many attractions close after 5 pm ⭐️Sightseeing car: 10 yuan per person from the city gate to the core area of the ancient town, generally the inn you stay in will include a sightseeing car pick-up service . I personally think Pingyao is not big, the core streets are just two perpendicular ones, consisting of Nan Dajie, Yamen Street, and Chenghuangmiao Street, and the attractions are basically distributed along these two lines and the nearby alleys 🔮Essential tips for must-visit spots: 1️⃣Yingxun Gate (South Gate) - Ticket required for city wall access, free otherwise The most photogenic city gate in the ancient city, especially in the afternoon light, and there's a light show every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at 8 pm 2️⃣Nan Dajie - Free The busiest street in the ancient city, with many attractions for internal visits distributed here 3️⃣County Government Office - Ticket required Located on Yamen Street, it's good if you can catch a trial reenactment performance 4️⃣Tingyu Lou - Free Located on Yamen Street, it's photogenic 5️⃣Baichuan Tong - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, a famous Qing Dynasty bank 6️⃣Escort Agency - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, it introduces the history of the escort agency 7️⃣Xietongqing - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, it's an underground vault and banking museum 8️⃣City Tower - Free Located on Nan Dajie, it's the highest point in the ancient city center, photogenic, and the night view is also here, no night view elsewhere 9️⃣Rishengchang - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, the first private institution specializing in deposits, loans, and currency exchange, a pioneer in the banking industry 🔟Martial Temple - Free Located on Academy Street, the roof is decorated with glazed tile beasts ⏸Confucian Temple - Ticket required Located on Confucian Temple Street, it's a Confucian temple, one of the only remaining Jin Dynasty buildings in China's Confucian temples . 🍜Food: ⭐️To be honest, Nan Dajie and Yamen Street are basically local people selling snacks from other places, not recommended! I went to a local food restaurant and the taste was very average ⭐️Later I found that there are many eateries on the street next to 'Xiaximen', which look more authentic, recommended are knife-cut noodles, dry-fried kaolao lao, although Pingyao beef is famous, but I'm afraid of being cheated in the ancient city ⭐️I transferred in Linfen, for friends who did the same, I recommend Linfen's beef meatball noodles, oily meat noodles, these noodle shops usually have barbecue, also very delicious · 🙆‍♀️I am Fei Shishi, who loves to share and never stops moving 📸Passionate about capturing the beauty of travel with my camera ❤️Follow me🤩 🙌Providing you with more travel photo and play strategies ·

As the birthplace of "China's Wall Street," Jinzhong holds the glorious secrets of the Shanxi merchants spanning 500 years—from the World Cultural Heritage site Pingyao Ancient City, to the "Folk Forbidden City" Wang Family Courtyard, and the ancient village mysteries deep in the Taihang Mountains. This three-day guide takes you from merchant culture to natural wonders, from intangible cultural heritage crafts to authentic Shanxi flavors, immersing you in the dual faces of Jinzhong! Day 1: Pingyao Ancient City · A Timeless Merchant Epic Theme: Stroll the ancient city walls + explore the draft banks + immersive play "See You Again, Pingyao" + night tour of Ming and Qing Street Morning: Pingyao Ancient City Wall · Feel the warmth of history Highlights: Pingyao Ancient City is the best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty city in China, with a 6.4 km perimeter wall featuring 72 watchtowers and 3,000 battlements, symbolizing Confucius’s 3,000 disciples and 72 sages. Climb the wall to overlook the ancient city’s blue bricks and gray tiles, and experience the mysterious "Turtle City" layout. How to play: Enter from the South Gate: ascend the city wall at "Yingxun Gate," walk to "Lower East Gate," photographing city towers and street scenes along the way; Check in at the lookout: take photos at the watchtower lookout with layers of ancient residences in the background. Tips: Ticket 125 RMB (includes 22 attractions), wall open 8:00-18:00; wear comfortable shoes (some steps are steep). Noon: Pingyao Snacks · Taste the lively spirit of Shanxi merchants Must-try: Pingyao Beef: tender and fresh, recommended at the old brand "Guanyun"; Wantuo: steamed buckwheat noodles served cold with chili oil and vinegar; Kaolao: rolled oat noodles steamed and dipped in lamb sauce. Recommended restaurant: "Tianyuan Kui Restaurant" (South Street branch), about 50 RMB per person, with an antique atmosphere. Afternoon: Rishengchang Draft Bank · The "Founder" of Chinese Banking Evening: Xietongqing Money Shop · Touch the "Underground Treasury" for good fortune How to play: The cellar treasury of Xietongqing Money Shop holds 100,000 taels of "replica silver ingots" you can touch, symbolizing wealth and treasure; inside the cellar is the "Divine Dragon Pillar," said to bring good luck if you circle it three times. Night: "See You Again, Pingyao" · Immersive Time-Travel Drama Highlights: Directed by Wang Chaoge, this immersive theater lets the audience walk and watch, traveling back to late Qing Pingyao, following the "Zhao family young master" as he chooses a wife, escorts a convoy, and performs ancestral rites, experiencing the Shanxi merchants’ spirit of loyalty and sacrifice for the greater good. Tips: Regular ticket 238 RMB, VIP 358 RMB; 90-minute show, enter 30 minutes early (no fixed seats). Night Tour: Ming and Qing Street · Shanxi Merchants’ Night Under the Lights How to play: Browse cultural shops: buy "Pingyao Ancient City" themed bookmarks and fridge magnets; Listen to street ballads: singers perform "Pingyao Journey" on the bar street; Watch the 3D light show: projection show at the city tower at 8:00 PM nightly, turning the ancient city wall into a giant screen. Day 2: Wang Family Courtyard + Zhangbi Ancient Castle · The Folk Forbidden City and the Earth Great Wall Theme: Explore Hongmen Fort + underground castle warfare + intangible heritage red glaze making Morning: Wang Family Courtyard · The awe-inspiring "One Residence of Three Jin" Highlights: Covering 250,000 square meters, 1.5 times larger than the Forbidden City, the Wang Family Courtyard is built on a mountain with two major complexes, "Hongmen Fort" and "Gaojiaya," featuring peak brick, wood, and stone carvings, praised by Liang Sicheng as the "Folk Forbidden City." How to play: Focus on the "Three Carvings": the "Lion Rolling the Embroidered Ball" (for children) on the door lintel, the "Grapes and Hundreds of Children" (for many children and blessings) on the window lattice; Climb to the top of Hongmen Fort: overlook the entire courtyard complex, like a giant dragon coiled in the mountains. Tips: Ticket 55 RMB, guided tour 100 RMB (group tours recommended); 1-hour drive from Pingyao, opens at 8 AM with fewer visitors. Noon: Jingsheng Ancient Town · Eat "Hudu" with pickled vegetables Recommended: "Old Wang Family Restaurant" near Wang Family Courtyard, must order: Hudu: thick porridge made from cornmeal and potatoes, dipped in pickled vegetables or chili oil; Guoyou Meat: a famous Jinzhong dish, tender pork slices with wood ear mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Afternoon: Zhangbi Ancient Castle · Earth Fortress Above Ground + Sui-Tang Military Tunnel Below Highlights: Zhangbi Ancient Castle is a miracle combining "Chinese military fortress and astronomical village," with Ming and Qing courtyards above ground and a 3-km-long Sui-Tang military tunnel underground (for passage, troop stationing, and ventilation). How to play: Explore the military tunnel: hold a lantern and enter the tunnel to see soldier hiding spots, wells, and air vents; Find the astronomical village: 28 constellations correspond to 28 courtyards, e.g., "Heart Mansion" corresponds to "Jia Family Courtyard." Tips: Ticket 60 RMB, tunnels are damp, bring a flashlight (rentals available); 30-minute drive from Wang Family Courtyard. Evening: Jiexiu Glass Factory · Make your own "Red and Green Glaze" How to play: Jiexiu is the "Hometown of Chinese Glass," where you can: Shape glass: make small beasts and tile ends from clay (120 RMB/person); Watch masters fire the kiln: see how "red and green glaze" glass transforms from clay into colorful objects. Tips: Experience requires advance booking; finished products can be mailed. Day 3: Taihang Mountains and Shanxi Merchant Folk Customs · Switching Between Nature and Culture Theme: Mianshan Cloud Sea Hiking + Chang Family Manor Confucian Merchant Culture + Yuci Old Town Night Photography Morning: Mianshan Scenic Area · Origin of Qingming Festival and Cliffside Ancient Temples Highlights: Mianshan is the origin of the Cold Food Festival (the day before Qingming), famous for Jie Zitui’s "cutting flesh to feed his lord." The scenic area includes three major zones: Daluo Palace, Tianqiao, and Shuitaogou, combining Taoist culture and natural wonders. How to play: Climb Daluo Palace: a 13-story Taoist palace built on the mountain, known as the "Potala Palace of China"; Walk the Tianqiao plank road: a wooden plank road suspended on a cliff, with a deep abyss below, thrilling and exciting. Tips: Ticket 110 RMB, sightseeing bus 50 RMB; wear non-slip shoes, enter at 7 AM to avoid crowds. Noon: Mianshan Vegetarian Feast · Enjoy the "Buddhist Full Course" Recommended: "Vegetarian Restaurant" inside Daluo Palace, must order: Arhat Noodles: hand-pulled noodles in mushroom broth, light and delicious; Vegetarian Roast Goose: tofu skin wrapped vegetables, crispy outside and tender inside. Afternoon: Chang Family Manor · The "Little Jiangnan" of Confucian Merchants Highlights: Chang Family Manor is the residence of the Shanxi merchant Chang family, covering 120,000 square meters, centered on "Confucian merchant culture." The garden features "Apricot Forest," "Lion Garden," and "Viewing Grain Pavilion," blending the elegance of Jiangnan gardens with the grandeur of northern courtyards. How to play: Photograph the "Hundred Lions Painting": 100 stone-carved lions in various poses on the railings; See the "Screen Wall Calligraphy": the words "Learn to Suffer Loss" on the screen wall reflect the Shanxi merchants’ philosophy of "valuing harmony in business." Tips: Ticket 60 RMB, 1-hour drive from Mianshan; Hanfu rental for photos available inside (50 RMB/hour). Evening: Yuci Old Town · Experience a Millennium of Local Life How to play: Visit the county government office: watch the live "Three Hall Trial" performance (3:00 PM/7:00 PM); Photograph the City God Temple: red walls and green tiles with sunset, perfect for ancient-style photos; Eat "Yuci Guanchang": steamed buckwheat noodles served cold with garlic vinegar sauce. Tips: Yuci Old Town ticket 60 RMB, 30 minutes from Taiyuan Airport, ideal for a stopover before departure. Transportation and Accommodation Guide 1. Transportation Long-distance: Flight: Taiyuan Wusu Airport → Jinzhong (about 40 minutes by taxi, or take the airport shuttle to Yuci District); Train: Jinzhong Station/Yuci Station (high-speed rail), Jinzhong Station is 1 hour by car from Pingyao Ancient City. Local transport: Attractions are scattered; car rental with driver (about 800 RMB/3 days) or self-driving recommended; no vehicles allowed inside Pingyao Ancient City, walking or electric carts (10 RMB/trip) required. 2. Accommodation Pingyao Ancient City: Inside the ancient city: "Deshenglou Inn" (Ming and Qing courtyard, 300-600 RMB/night); Outside the city: "See You Again Wenhua Hotel" (5-minute walk to the city, 500-800 RMB/night). Near Wang Family Courtyard: "Jingsheng Ancient Town Homestay" (200-400 RMB/night), experience Jinzhong residential life. Which Jinzhong attraction amazed you the most? Was it Pingyao’s night, Wang Family’s carvings, or Zhangbi’s tunnels? Share your stories in the comments and let’s cheer for Jinzhong together!

📸 Encounter the Orange Sea sunset at Yingxun Gate tower in Pingyao Ancient City Take a break from the hustle and bustle, come to Yingxun Gate at the southernmost end of Pingyao Ancient City, and experience a poetic sunset! 🌅 ✨Romantically perfect sunset viewing spot: Address: South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (recommended before 16:30) As the sun sets in the west and the afterglow pours down, this ancient city gate built in the Ming Dynasty is dyed orange🍊. The flying eaves and upturned corners outline the rustic silhouette in the glow, and the carved brackets tell the 600-year legend of the Shanxi merchants～✨ 🌟Ancient city gate trivia: The name "Yingxun" means "welcoming fortune and accepting auspiciousness" Ming Dynasty architecture, retaining the complete barbican structure The existing city wall is 12 meters high and 6100 meters in circumference It is the southernmost of the six main gates of Pingyao Ancient City Best photo spots📷: 1️⃣ Third-level viewing platform on the city wall (facing the sunset) 2️⃣ Inside the barbican (best lighting) 3️⃣ By the moat (to capture reflections in the water) 🎁Helpful tips: - The sunset is most beautiful in spring and autumn (best from April to June) - Remember to bring a wide-angle lens - Afterward, you can visit the South Street night market nearby Come here and let the sunset heal your soul～🌅 Ancient city walls, gray bricks and tiles, warm sunset At this moment, it feels like traveling through a thousand years Attached is my location map (p2-p4) Use the hashtag to see more beautiful photos✨

“Autumn scenery waits for no one, miss it and wait a year!” Every year from September to November, the whole country switches to “autumn palette mode.” But if you want to avoid crowds and capture stunning traditional Chinese-style photos that go viral on social media, choosing the right destinations and activities is key. This top-rated Trip.com guide selects 6 lesser-known autumn spots from north to south, covering timing, activities, outfits, and pitfalls to avoid, helping you experience travel like “walking in a painting.” 1. Northern Autumn Scenery: Rich and grand, every frame is a masterpiece of mountains and rivers Northern autumn is a “color carnival,” with golden birch, fiery red maple leaves, and vermilion ancient cities filling the view. It suits travelers who love majestic landscapes. Visit after the National Day holiday to avoid crowds and enjoy the full autumn colors. 1. Xinjiang - Hemu Village (late September to early October): A fairy-tale wooden house in northern Xinjiang Half as crowded as Kanas, with morning mist, golden birch, pointed wooden houses, and winding streams, it looks like a real-life Nordic fairy tale, also hiding a Chinese ink painting vibe. Top 3 must-dos: ① At 7 a.m., wait by the village stream to shoot mist-wrapped wooden houses, with smoke and sunlight weaving a magical scene; ② Hike to the mountaintop viewing platform to overlook the birch forest blanketing the valley; ③ In the evening, eat hand-pulled meat on the wooden house terrace and shoot “people + sunset + wooden house” silhouettes. Outfit: Light apricot new Chinese-style trench coat + white stand-collar shirt, tied with a black embroidered belt, warm against temperature changes and elegant. Tip: Book a wooden house with a terrace one month in advance to shoot the Milky Way at midnight. 2. Liaoning - Benxi Laobiangou (mid to late October): The pinnacle of northeast red leaves The entire valley is dyed fiery red by sweetgum and five-pointed maple, with streams flowing around red stone beaches. The red maples reflected in the water look like cinnabar in ink paintings. Top 3 must-dos: ① At 3 p.m., shoot light and shadow under the “Maple King” tree, using portrait mode on your phone to blur the background; ② Go to the red stone beach for close-ups of “red leaves + red stones + stream”; ③ Stay at a farmhouse, eat iron pot stewed goose, and enjoy red leaves under the starry sky at night. Outfit: Light gray improved Hanfu skirt (embroidered with maple leaves) + matching embroidered shoes, plain colors highlight the red leaves and enhance the traditional style. Tip: The red leaves peak at the end of October; wear anti-slip shoes on rainy days. 3. Shanxi - Pingyao Ancient City (all October): A living Ming and Qing dynasty painting Autumn in Pingyao is free from summer heat. The vermilion city gates and gray tile roofs glow warmly under the sun, like traveling back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Top 3 must-dos: ① At 6 a.m., climb the ancient city wall and shoot side profiles leaning against the wall, with light and shadow contrasts showing the passage of time; ② Visit Xietongqing Draft Bank to experience writing drafts and take “time-travel style” check-in photos; ③ In the evening, watch red lanterns light up in a teahouse and shoot close-ups of “lanterns + gray tiles.” Outfit: Dark navy Chinese-style cross-collar jacket + off-white turtleneck sweater + black cloth shoes, fitting the ancient city atmosphere. Tip: Stay near the South Gate inn and don’t miss the Yingxunmen light show at night. 2. Southern Autumn Scenery: Graceful and elegant, every step is a poetic ink painting Southern autumn is a “diffused ink painting,” with green, red, and yellow blending softly, streams and ancient bridges hidden within. It suits travelers who prefer delicate moods. Visit from late October to November to avoid autumn rains. 1. Zhejiang - Hangzhou Jiuxi Smoke Trees (late October to mid-November): Jiangnan autumn poetry Maple leaves turn red, streams are clear, tea gardens are green, and fallen leaves drift on stone bridges, like scenes from Bai Juyi’s Jiangnan poems. Top 3 must-dos: ① On cloudy days or evenings, hold a light brown oil-paper umbrella and shoot walking away on the stone bridge, capturing the skirt fluttering in slow motion; ② Visit Longjing Village for tea tasting and shoot panoramic views of “tea gardens + red leaves + farmhouse”; ③ In the evening, take group photos by the “Jiuxi Smoke Trees” stone tablet. Outfit: Light pink cotton-linen Chinese-style dress + light gray knitted cardigan, showing Jiangnan’s gentle charm. Tip: Visit on weekdays for fewer people and wear comfortable hiking shoes. 2. Jiangxi - Wuyuan Huangling (mid-October to early November): Folk autumn carnival In the Hui-style rooftops’ drying racks, red chili peppers, yellow corn, and orange pumpkins layer upon layer, with clouds drifting by like a folk painting. Top 3 must-dos: ① At 10 a.m., shoot upward at the drying square, holding red chili peppers against gray tiles and blue sky; ② Go to the terraced field viewing platform for panoramic shots of “clouds + ancient village + red leaves”; ③ Stay in a guesthouse and shoot night scenes of “lanterns + drying racks.” Outfit: Off-white Chinese-style stand-collar shirt + light khaki wide-leg pants, tied with an orange belt to echo the drying racks. Tip: The best light for shooting drying racks is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; try the drying rack feast. 3. Sichuan - Chengdu Qingcheng Mountain (October to November): Ethereal and serene autumn Ancient towering trees, ginkgo turning yellow, Taoist temples hidden in the forest, and morning mist swirling like a fantasy drama scene. Top 3 must-dos: ① Take a boat on Moon City Lake early morning and shoot “fairyland photos” looking out from the railing; ② Shoot scenes of walking under the thousand-year-old ginkgo at Tianshi Cave; ③ After descending, eat tofu pudding in Qingcheng Ancient Town and shoot “covered bowl tea + street scenes.” Outfit: Dark green Chinese-style Tang jacket + white T-shirt + anti-slip hiking shoes, fitting the mountain forest atmosphere. Tip: Shoot traditional Chinese-style photos on the front mountain; the back mountain is good for hiking. Bring a jacket for temperature changes. 3. Practical Autumn Travel Tips (Trip.com expert secrets) 1. Outfit tips: Wear low-saturation colors (white, gray, light apricot) in the north to avoid clashing; add a little bright color (orange, pink) in the south to brighten your complexion; choose cotton-linen and stand-collar styles for a Chinese feel. 2. Photography tips: In the north, shoot before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m.; in the south, use diffused light on cloudy days; leave blank space in compositions, use streams and eaves to guide the eye, and bring oil-paper umbrellas and red leaves as props. 3. Itinerary suggestions: Northern route (Hemu 3 days → Laobiangou 2 days → Pingyao 2 days); Southern route (Jiuxi 2 days → Huangling 2 days → Qingcheng Mountain 3 days). Best to travel after National Day or at the end of October. The beauty of autumn is fleeting — the mist in Hemu, the red leaves in Laobiangou, the lanterns in Pingyao, the streams in Jiuxi, the drying racks in Huangling, the clouds in Qingcheng. Miss it and wait until next year. Take advantage of the perfect autumn light, bring this guide, and pack the mountains and rivers into your photo album!

🎇 Travel Through Ming and Qing Dynasties | Super Detailed Travel Guide to Pingyao Ancient City Come to Pingyao and instantly travel back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, experiencing the vibrant life and elegance of this ancient city🎆 Here is a super detailed guide to help you fully enjoy Pingyao without any regrets! 🏮 Preparation Before Travel Documents: ID card, various discount certificates (such as student ID, senior citizen card, etc.). Clothing: Bring appropriate clothes according to the season. Spring and autumn have large temperature differences between morning and evening, remember to bring a jacket; prepare sun protection in summer; keep warm in winter. The ancient city has stone slab roads, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended👟 Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, charger, power bank. Others: Rain gear, sun protection products, common medicines like stomach medicine💊 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Airplane: You can first arrive at Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, then transfer by high-speed train or bus to Pingyao. There is a direct shuttle bus from the airport to Pingyao Ancient City, about 2 hours by bus. 🚄 High-speed train: Many trains stop at Pingyao Ancient City Station. After exiting, you can take bus No. 108 (fare 1 yuan) or a taxi to the ancient city. Taxi takes about 30 minutes and costs 30-40 yuan. 🚞 Train: Pingyao Station is very close to the West Gate of the ancient city, within walking distance. Follow the signs after exiting the station, it takes about 15 minutes to enter the ancient city. 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations 📍 Inside the Ancient City: - Yuchengyuan Inn: A typical northern-style siheyuan courtyard surrounded by greenery🌳 The rooms have small antique decorations with strong Jin merchant characteristics. Families can choose the cave house suite, spacious and comfortable. Located near the main street, convenient for travel. - Nanshuyuan Inn: Close to the county government office and ancient city wall, with sightseeing buses directly at the door. A three-entrance courtyard, perfect for Jin merchant style photo shoots. Rooms feature Pingyao’s characteristic cave house kang beds, plus a large leisure area for playing chess and drinking tea. 📍 Outside the Ancient City: - Duolanda Hotel: A newly popular hotel, over 100 yuan per night including two breakfasts, very cost-effective. Fully equipped with smart devices, featuring the same zero-pressure latex memory pillows popular online, very comfortable for rest. A 5-minute drive to the ancient city, 2.6 km from the Youjian Pingyao Theater. 🎯 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Pingyao City Wall: A must-visit! Originally built during the Western Zhou Dynasty under King Xuan, the current structure dates from the Ming Dynasty’s Hongwu third year expansion. You can enter the city wall from Yingxun Gate or the North Gate, rent a bicycle🚲 to circle the wall and overlook the entire ancient city. It’s recommended to visit at dusk to see the stunning sunset🌅 2. Pingyao Ancient County Government Office: The most complete and largest ancient county government office remaining in China. There is a daily performance of the county magistrate holding court and passing judgment, allowing you to experience ancient official culture. 3. Rishengchang Draft Bank: The pioneer of China’s banking industry, here you can learn about the glorious history of Jin merchants and the operation model of draft banks. 4. Xietongqing Qianzhuang: Home to the largest underground vault still existing in China. Walking into the vault feels like traveling back to the era when Jin merchants dominated. 5. Majia Courtyard: Former residence of Ma Zhongxuan, the richest man in Pingyao during the Qing Dynasty. It features typical northern Ming and Qing large family architecture with exquisite courtyard layout, worth savoring in detail. 🍜 Food Guide 1. Hongwuji Restaurant: Pingyao Jin cuisine TOP1! Signature braised beef with aged vinegar, beef is tender and flavorful, with a slightly sweet vinegar aroma; the sauce is perfect for mixing with rice. The yellow millet cold cake is soft and sticky, wrapped with osmanthus honey, refreshing and relieving greasiness. 2. Dongji Fried Wanton: A century-old wanton specialty store. Must-try are ham twist fried wantons, buckwheat wantons are chewy and soft, twists are fragrant; eat the bubble oil cake hot, crispy outside with a red bean molten center. 3. Mr. Liang’s Yogurt: Original aged vinegar yogurt and sea buckthorn yogurt are very distinctive. The shop also sells Pingyao-themed cultural and creative fridge magnets. 📸 Photo Spots 1. Ancient City Wall: With the panoramic view of the ancient city as the background, every shot is a great photo. 2. Majia Courtyard: The hanging flower gate and courtyard are excellent photo locations. Wearing traditional costumes for photos is very atmospheric. 3. Ming and Qing Street: At night, red lanterns light up, creating a full atmosphere perfect for shooting ancient style masterpieces. 🎭 Show Recommendation "You See Pingyao Again": A must-see immersive performance telling the story of a Jin merchant family, from choosing a wife, escorting journeys to returning home, showcasing the benevolence and responsibility of Jin merchants. It offers a deep experience of Pingyao culture. The show lasts about 1.5 hours, remember to book tickets in advance.

#chinatravel 📍𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗫𝗶｜Pingyao Step into a living museum—Pingyao Ancient City is a rare gem where every brick and tile tells a thousand-year story. At Yingxun Gate, the classic grey-brick roofs and narrow lanes transport you back in time. This well-preserved Ming–Qing era walled town is filled with red lanterns, ancient city walls, and centuries-old architecture. Whether you’re wandering along the cobblestone streets or gazing up at the majestic gate towers, it truly feels like walking through history. #travel #trip #china #staycation #thingstodo #myitinerary

Transportation 🚄 High-speed Rail: Taiyuan South to Pingyao Ancient City Station (about 30 mins), a 10-min taxi ride from the station. 🚗 Car: About 1.5 hrs from Taiyuan, there is a large parking lot outside the ancient city (10 CNY/day). 🎫 Tickets 🔴 Pass 125 CNY (including 22 attractions, valid for 3 days) ⚠️ Note‼️ Entering the ancient city is free, tickets are only required to enter the attractions! 💚 Recommended Spots 1️⃣ Climb the Ming Dynasty City Wall: Best at dawn or sunset, overlooking the entire turtle-shaped ancient city (Yingxun Gate has the best view). 2️⃣ Wear Jin Merchant Clothing: For makeup and styling, Pingyao Guse Trip Moments (Chenghuang Temple Main Store) is recommended. They have a courtyard that's great for photos. You can also rent clothes in the ancient city for dozens of CNY and take photos yourself (as a young lady or a Jin merchant's wife). 3️⃣ Yingxun Gate Square: There is a light show every night at 21:00, but the Yingxun Gate closes at 20:00, so find a good spot in advance. 4️⃣ When the red lanterns light up, there is a unique atmosphere. You can watch the "Encore Pingyao" show (238 CNY/person). 🏠 Accommodation It is recommended to stay inside the ancient city for convenient travel. We stayed in a guesthouse that was said to be converted from a courtyard house. It had various styles, and we experienced a classic dragon and phoenix bed, which was very unique. There are many guesthouses in the ancient city with varying prices. Choose a suitable one based on your itinerary, preferably on the main street, as small alleys may not have streetlights at night💡

✨ 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