Pingyao Travel Guide
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.
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.
Click to see all Pingyao Attractions Recommended Pingyao Tours
2-Day Private Pingyao Tour from $309 4-Day Tour to Pingyao & Datong from $649
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
Xinhua Book Store
Address: No.145, Shuncheng Road
Hospital
People's Hospital
Address: No.61, Shuguang Road
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
Old City Branch:
Address: No.5, West Avenue
The County Branch:
Address: No.6, Shuguang Road
- Last updated on Jul. 22, 2024 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Pingyao Travel
Asked by Naoya from UNITED STATES | Jan. 31, 2024 22:13
Reply
ReplyTransportation from Taiyuan Wusu Airport to Pingyao
I am going to Pingyao by airplane. Is there any way I can get to Pingyao from Taiyuan airport? Thanks!
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Feb. 01, 2024 22:45
0
0Reply
00ReplyAs I know, there are only private cars available to direct to Pingyao and it costs CNY 100 per person. Or you can take a bus to Taiyuan Station or Taiyuan South Station for a high speed train to Pingyao.
Asked by Daniela from UNITED KINGDOM | Jan. 17, 2024 12:29Reply
ReplyTransports to/from Pingyao
Hi! I'm trying to organise a trip to Pingyao from Beijing but I find it hard to check publick transport. Is there a site or an app you recommend where you can check transports and timetable? Google maps doesn't work for China and it doesn't even know public transport there. I would like to go to Pingyao from Beijing and then next day from Pingyao to Xi'an. Any recommendations about public transport will be so much appreciated. Is it possible to book trains and buses on the day?
Also, any recommendations about platforms to book hotels there? Thank you in advance! Daniela
Also, any recommendations about platforms to book hotels there? Thank you in advance! Daniela
Answers (1)
Answered by Jessica | Jan. 17, 2024 17:3700Reply
00ReplyYou can take high speed train from Beijing Fengtai Station to Pingyao Ancient Town Station, and it takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival, you can take Bus Line 108 directly to the ancient town.
You can try Bing map for public transportation as the more detailed Gaode map only has Chinese version.
It is suggested to book train tickets in advance in case of selling out on the day.
You can try Bing map for public transportation as the more detailed Gaode map only has Chinese version.
It is suggested to book train tickets in advance in case of selling out on the day.
Asked by Yu Beng Chua from PHILIPPINES | Nov. 17, 2023 17:47Reply
ReplyAre there hotels in Pingyao Ancient City?
Answers (1)
Answered by Rosy | Nov. 19, 2023 23:5200Reply
00ReplyYes, of course. Many hotels are available in the ancient city.
Asked by Atthatth from THAILAND | Jan. 27, 2020 00:40Reply
ReplyAdvice 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 20:4200Reply
00ReplyYes, 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 10:47Reply
ReplyI'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
Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Robert from USA | Aug. 07, 2018 20:0400Reply
00ReplyThere 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.