Pingyao Travel Guide

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Pingyao Travel Guide

Ancient City Tower

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Pingyao County is 58.4 miles (94 km) southwest of Taiyuan. It comprises of five towns and nine villages, an area of 486.5 square miles (1,260 sq km) within its jurisdiction. This small county was noted for some magnificent residences in ancient traditional styles rather than any appeal in natural beauty.

The birthplace of the Jin Businessmen (one of the two power houses during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties), it played an important role in the economic development of Shanxi during that period. The first Chinese trading shop was opened there. Then, for the next hundred years, the city was home to almost all of the large trading shops in the country. To a certain extent, the city played a role to China during the eighteenth century what Wall Street is to the US.

It is no longer very prosperous, but the grand Pingyao Old City, which was constructed a thousand years ago, stands the test of time. It was mentioned in the World Cultural Heritage in 1997, alongside with the Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple also in the vicinity. Wandering along the Ancient Ming and Qing Street amidst rows of residences inside the old town, you can still sense its former grandeur.

Attractions

Transportation

There is no designated airport. The closest airport is Taiyuan Wusu International Airport. You get to Pingyao by trains and long-distance buses. Those who want to go by trains can board regular trains from Beijing, Taiyuan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, and Lanzhou as well as bullet trains from Beijing, Taiyuan, Xi'an, and Yuncheng. Long-distance buses are also acceptable means of transport.

Weather

Maps

Dining

Wheat based food is the main local staple. Different kinds of noodles and snacks are served in the old town. Wantuo and Kao Laolao are popular snacks. Beef and yam are served in almost all restaurants here.

Shopping

Once an ancient trade center, shopping is made easy at all times. In the old city, some small specialty stores are dotted here and there, where one can buy exquisite souvenirs. Cured beef, polished lacquer ware, and hand-made shoes are much sought after. Department stores and supermarkets have sprung up in the Old City where one can pick up everyday necessities.

Antique Hotels

Local hotels present unique experiences. Most of them are decorated as a remake of Ming and Qing style, wonderful for visitors who want to go back in times. Yide Hotel is highly recommended in this respect. It is in a quiet little alley a few minutes' walk from South Street (Nan Dajie), the main street. It is a well renovated courtyard house built in the reign of Emperor Qianlong. Yunjincheng Folk Hotel and Tian Yuan Kui Guesthouse are also adequate choices.

Nightlife and Local Shows

Folk cultural performances complete in period regalia, are an attractive way to summarize local history and culture. Nightlife in a small town or suburbia is not like that in large cities, but there are late opening bars in the old town.

Travel Tips

Basic Facts:
Area: 486.5 sq miles (1,260 sq kilometers)
Population: 490,000
Area Code: 0354
Zip Code: 031100

Useful Numbers:
Fire: 119
Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Tourism Ticket Complaints: 0354-5690000
Price Complaint: 12358
Customer Complaint: 12315
Passenger Transport Complaints: 0354-5670270

Book Store
Xinhua Book Store
Address: No.145, Shuncheng Road

Hospital
People's Hospital
Address: No.61, Shuguang Road

Post Office
Old City Branch:
Address: No.5, West Avenue

The County Branch:
Address: No.6, Shuguang Road

- Last updated on Jan. 18, 2023 by Brenda Lian -

Questions & Answers on Pingyao Travel

Asked by Atthatth from THAILAND | Jan. 27, 2020 00:40

Advice please on pingyao. 1 day tour

I will be staying in pingyao for 2 nights, and would like to hire taxi for a day trip outside pingyao. I wonder if I can go to Zhangbi Ancient castle, Shuanglin temple, and Mianshan Scenic Area (cliff plank path) all in one day?

Answers (1)

Answered by Ann from CANADA | Feb. 01, 2020 20:42

Yes, generally speaking, you can tour around these scenic areas in one day. Hiring a car will help you save a lot of time. Have a nice trip!

Asked by Gerard from ESPAÑA | Aug. 06, 2018 10:47

I'm travelling to china next weeking and I would like to go to Pingyao from Beijing.

hi, good afternoon. do you know if there is any bus?

Thanks

Answers (1)

Answered by Robert from USA | Aug. 07, 2018 20:04

There is no direct bus between the two places, but you can take a high speed train from BJ West Railway Station and it takes about 4 hours to get there.

Asked by BARBARA1982 | Mar. 26, 2018 08:05

We are visiting Pingyao for a day in may

Arriving at 6 in the morning, leaving at 8 in the evening.
What should we see, what would you recommend? We would like to include the Ancient Pingyao Once Again Show (14:00-15:30), is it worth to see?
Thanks for your recommendations!

Answers (2)

Answered by Albert from ITALY | Mar. 26, 2018 22:19

The Ancient Town is enough for a day visit! There are many scenic spots inside.
and the show is great and it’s worth to see!
Enjoy your time!

Answered by BARBARA1982 | Mar. 27, 2018 07:46

Thank you!

Asked by Laura Carter from NEW ZEALAND | Dec. 07, 2017 13:31

What is the easiest way to get from Pingyao to Wutai Shan, then from Wutai Shan to Datong?

Answers (3)

Answered by Terra from SINGAPORE | Dec. 07, 2017 19:00

To Wutaishan, you can take a train at 17:43. It takes about 5h and CNY50.5 for a seat, CNY96.5 for a hard sleeper.
To Datong, there is a direct bus from Wutaishan within 4h. The buses leave at 7:30 and 13:00 with a fare of CNY67.

Answered by Laura Carter from NEW ZEALAND | Dec. 08, 2017 02:20

Is there a bus that goes from Pingyao to Wutai Shan?

Answered by Mona | Dec. 08, 2017 02:42

I heard during the high season during May 1 to late Oct. there is a direct bus from local Coach Station to Mt. Wutai, leaving at 08:30. In other time, you need to transfer in Taiyuan if wanting to go by bus.