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Home → Beijing Tours → Beijing Side Trips → Pingyao Tour
If you want to experience a real ancient city in Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911) - the most prosperous period in Chinese history, Pingyao is your ideal choice, a small ancient city in central Shanxi Province.
It lies about 700 km from Beijing and 80 km from the provincial capital - Taiyuan. Pingyao used to a financial center of China. Now it is well known for its well preserved ancient city wall, city layout and housing structures in Ming and Qing dynasties.
The streets and storefronts still largely retain their historical outlook. If you are in Beijing, it is worth making a side trip to Pingyao. In 1997, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your visit to Pingyao will visualize what you have seen on films and TV, or read regarding the disappeared ancient cities in Ming and Qing dynasties in China.
Train travel to Pingyao
There are loads of trains linking Pingyao to the outside world. But the problem is Pingyao is a small city with only passing by trains. Getting a train ticket for Pingyao is very difficult, especially on weekends or Chinese holidays. Pingyao Railway Station is located outside the west gate of the ancient city of Pingyao. You may take a short taxi ride or local electric car from the station to the city downtown.
The destinations covered by the frequently used trains to and from Pingyao including Beijing, Datong, Taiyuan and Xian. The city of Taiyuan is a springboard often chosen by travelers as transportation hub of flight, train and bus linking to Pingyao.
The major trains between Beijing and Pingyao ( soft rmb 250 - 300 ):
Beijing West - Pingyao K603 (17:03 - next morning 05: 12); 1163 (19:03 - next morning 07:33);
Beijing - Pingyao 2602 (23:45 - next day 13:58 )
Pingyao - Beijing 2604 (13:15 - next morning 04:00); Pingyao - Beijing West K604 (18:47 - next morning 06:48)
Pingyao - Beijing West 1164 (21:48 - 10:23)
The trains between Datong and Pingyao ( soft, rmb 120 - 187 )
Datong - Pingyao 2602 (06:15 - 13:58); K7807 (07:45 - 15:03); 2462 (22:57 - 06:25)
Pingyao - Datong 2672 (07:11 - 15:19); 2604 (13:15 - 21:21); 2464 (20:39 - next morning 04:35)
The trains between Xian and Pingyao ( soft rmb 133, 139, 232)
Xian - Pingyao 2670 (20:52 - next morning 06:01); K690 (22:33 - next morning 07:43); 2672 (22:48 - next morning 07:08)
Pingyao - Xian 2671 (00:34 - next morning 08:43); K689 (10:16 - 20:13); 1095 (20:47 - next morning 07:22); 2669 (21:38 - next morning 06:55)
Note: Many visitors also choose first to go to Taiyuan by train, and from Taiyuan they either connect taxis or buses to Pingyao.
Flight travel to Pingyao
Though no airport in Pingyao, many travelers prefer first to take flight for Taiyuan, which is only 80km northwest of Pingyao. Then take a public bus or taxi to Pingyao from Taiyuan.
Overland Travel to Pingyao
Considering it is quited stressed to get the train tickets to and from Pingyao, people often use the public buses running from Taiyuan to Pignyao and vice versa. The buses between Taiyuan Jian Nan Bus Station and Pingyao operate every 20 minutes from 6:40 to 18:00.
So you are requested first to get to Taiyuan by bus, train and flight, then connect the buses at Taiyuan Jian Nan Bus Station (just south of Taiyuan Railway Station) for Pingyao.
Travel to Pingyao by bus allows you to flexibly stop at Qiao Family for a short visit, then board a passing bus or local cab again for Pingyao.
When to Visit in Pingyao
The best time to travel to Pingyao is autumn and winter, since the landscape of Pingyao is most beautiful during this time. But different seasons give the ancient city different appearances. So when to visit Pingyao all depends on your budget, tolerance for large crowds and your personal interests.
Pingyao City Layout
The ancient city wall of Pingyao is 6km in circumference, like a shortened Xian city wall which has a perimeter of 14 km. The similarity of the two ancient cities also lies in their street grid pattern layout featuring four main streets in the two walled cities, e.g. North Street, East Street, South Street and West Street. Each street is linked a gate.
The south and west streets in Pingyao walled city are most important, rife with souvenior stalls, restautants, hostels, hotels as well as major attractions. The tallest City Building in Ming & Qing Style is situated on the south street.
On the south street, you find Tong Xing Gong Armed Escort Agency, Chinese Armed Escort Agency Museum, Xie Tong Qing Draft bank. Som popular hotels are also located on the south street, like Tian Yuan Kui Hotel, Tong Tai Mao Hotel, Jin Jing Lou Hotel.
The must see Ri Sheng Chang (the First Draft Bank of China) is on the west street. Yun Jin Cheng Hotel, a five star folk-custom hotel is on the west street too.
Both Pingyao Railway Station and Pingyao Bus Station are located outside the west gate (linked to the west street of the ancient city). The south gate is the main gate. The fact is that each gate has its unique feature.
To Zhangbi Underground Castle, Wang Family Courtyard and Shuanglin Temple, further outside the walled city, it is advisable to hire a car around RMB 300 for an excursion day trip.
Get around in Pingyao
The walled Pingao city is easily navigated on foot. If you don't have strong legs, you may use the local electric cars or rent a bike careening down the narrow streets within the four main streets. As a small ancient city, the walled Pingyao has no public buses, no taxis.
Where to Stay in Pingyao
Most of the first time visitors to Pingyao would like to stay inside the walled city which is teemed with accommodations, budget, mid-range and high end.
Beside on the four main streets, various hotels are also clustered on Yamen Street where the ancient Pingyao Government Building is located, the Cheng Huang Temple Street where Cheng Huang Temple and Confucian Temple are located. Some hotels are scattered around the narrow lanes in the grid pattern of the city.
For normal season, you don't have to prebook your stay in Pingyao. But in high season as well as on Chinese holidays and weekends, you are advised to reserve your accommoations in advance. Hotel booking is simple, send an email, or just give a call. See below the hotel list with phone numbers:
What to See in Pingyao
Situated at a place 80kms south of Taiyuan, Pingyao is the best preserved ancient city in China. There are many cultural relics and historical sites in Pingyao, such as the most intact ancient county city wall in China, which was made of bricks and stones and built in the early days of the Ming Dynasty, China's first Rishengchang Draft Bank, Ming and Qing Street, the Chinese Bodyguard Office (armed escort agency)...
Where to Dine in Pingyao
In age-old Pingyao, its traditional snacks transfer the centuries-old culture just as its ancient architectures. Local staple food in Pingyao is mainly wheaten products like noodles and clay oven rolls.
Among these simple food or snacks there are many special ones: Pingyao Beef, Wantuo, Qiaomian Kaolaoloa, Mao Erduo, Yam...
What to Buy in Pingyao
The historical prosperity of Pingyao established in ancient times has left this city of many millennia imposing city walls and a series of ancient buildings as well as a vitality for handcrafts and local products.
Wandering on Ming and Qing Street, you could find these almost every where.
How to Enjoy Nightlife in Pingyao
Pingyao is one of the hottest tourist sites in Shanxi Province. When night approaches, the ancient city is enveloped in gentle colorful neon light.
Numerous red lanterns hang in the avenues highly portraying a grand air. However, besides for some main avenues, most of the streets and lanes become dark for most shops in this Old City close early in the evening. Pingyao people keep to their original life style far away from the fascinating nightlife of the modern city. But Ming and Qing street is also noisy, involving by the red light.
Pingyao Travel Guide
Located in central China, Pingyao climate is typically temperate. Annual average temperature of Pingyao is about 10ºC . Winter is very cold while summer is often rainy and hot.
April and November are the best time to visit there. Temperate, continental, monsoonal climate; long and cold winters and mild summers. Average Temperature: -16 - -2ºC in January while 19-28ºC in July.
Reservation Notes:
1. Please use our online booking or send your travel request via email to
. You are also welcome to call us at 00 86 10 67160201 ext 1006 or 1007. For non-office hour emergency booking, please dial 0086 13520598855, 13901312027 ( English speaking staff on duty available from 8:00 to 22:00 daily).
2. Our real trip advisors will have your booking confirmed no more than one working day. When your booking is confirmed, you will get a confirmation email or call from us, which includes the confirmed detailed itinerary with prices.
3.Way of Payment
Prepayment is needed to hold your reservation. Cash payment, credit card payment or wire transfer. Both RMB and US$ or other hard currencies are acceptable.
Terms & Conditions
Here is only for Questions and Answers. ( For anyone who wants to have an enquiry or tour booking, please fill in our Online Enquiry. )
Pingyao Tour
If you want to experience a real ancient city in Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911) - the most prosperous period in Chinese history, Pingyao is your ideal choice, a small ancient city in central Shanxi Province.
It lies about 700 km from Beijing and 80 km from the provincial capital - Taiyuan. Pingyao used to a financial center of China. Now it is well known for its well preserved ancient city wall, city layout and housing structures in Ming and Qing dynasties.
The streets and storefronts still largely retain their historical outlook. If you are in Beijing, it is worth making a side trip to Pingyao. In 1997, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your visit to Pingyao will visualize what you have seen on films and TV, or read regarding the disappeared ancient cities in Ming and Qing dynasties in China.
| Choose your favorite Pingyao tours below: |
| Check out Pingyao travel information below: |
| Pingyao Day Tours |
| Pingyao Private Day Tour ( PY-01 ) from US$70 p/p | |
| Attractions: Pingyao Ancient City, the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the Ancient Ming and Qing Streets, The Armed Escort Museum, County Government Office Travel Service: Personal Guide & Driver + Private car / van+ entrance fees & lunch |
 |
| Pingyao Taiyuan 2 Day Private Tour ( PY-02 ) from US$140 p/p | |
| Attractions: Former Residence of Family Chang, The Ancient City Wall of Pingyao, The Rishengchang Draft Bank, The Ming-qing Street, The Armed Escort Museum, County Government Office Travel Service: Personal Guide & Driver + Private car / van+ entrance fees & lunch, |
 |
| Beijing Pingyao Tour Packages |
| Beijing Pingyao One Day Private Tour - Round Trip by Flight ( BPY-01 ) from US$290 p/p | |
| Attractions: Former Residence of Family Chang, Pingyao Ancient City, the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the Ancient Ming and Qing Streets, The Armed Escort Museum, County Government Office Travel Service: Domestic Flight + Personal Guide & Driver + Private car / van + entrance fees & lunch |
 |
| Beijing Pingyao One Day Private Tour - Round Trip by High Speed Train ( BPY-01A ) from US$210 p/p | |
| Attractions: Former Residence of Family Chang, Pingyao Ancient City, the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the Ancient Ming and Qing Streets, The Armed Escort Museum, County Government Office Travel Service: High Speed Train + Personal Guide & Driver + Private car / van + entrance fees & lunch |
 |
| Beijing Pingyao 2 Day Private Tour - Round Trip by Flight ( BPY-02 ) from US$390 p/p | |
| Attractions: Former Residence of Family Chang, The Ancient City Wall of Pingyao, The Rishengchang Draft Bank, The Ming-qing Street, The Armed Escort Museum, County Government Office, enjoy the drama of Wild Jujubes in the evening Travel Service: Domestic Flights + Hotel + Personal Guide & Driver + Private car / van+ entrance fees & meals |
 |
| Beijing Pingyao 2 Day Tour - Round Trip by High Speed Train ( BPY-03 ) from US$ 275 p/p | |
| Attractions: The Ancient City Wall, The Ming Qing Street, Armed Escort Agencies Museum and more... Travel Service: Train tickets, Personal Guide & Driver + Private car / van+ entrance fees & meals, |
 |
| Beijing Datong Pingyao Xian Luoyang Tour (various 5-8 day combo tours) |
From Beijing Beijing Datong Xian 5 Day Tour from $ 430 Beijing Luoyang Xian 5 Day Tour from $ 470 Beijing Datong Pingyao Xian 6 Day Tour from $ 440 Beijing Datong Xian Luoyang 7 Day Tour from $ 640 Beijing Datong Pingyao Xian Luoyang 8 Day Tour from $ 680 From Xian Xian Datong Beijing 5 Day Tour from $ 412 Xian Pingyao Beijing 5 Day Tour from $ 310 Xian Pingyao Datong Beijing 7 Day Tour from $ 480 Xian Luoyang Beijing 4 Day Tour from $ 365 |
| Pingyao Travel Information |
There are loads of trains linking Pingyao to the outside world. But the problem is Pingyao is a small city with only passing by trains. Getting a train ticket for Pingyao is very difficult, especially on weekends or Chinese holidays. Pingyao Railway Station is located outside the west gate of the ancient city of Pingyao. You may take a short taxi ride or local electric car from the station to the city downtown.
The destinations covered by the frequently used trains to and from Pingyao including Beijing, Datong, Taiyuan and Xian. The city of Taiyuan is a springboard often chosen by travelers as transportation hub of flight, train and bus linking to Pingyao.
The major trains between Beijing and Pingyao ( soft rmb 250 - 300 ):
Beijing West - Pingyao K603 (17:03 - next morning 05: 12); 1163 (19:03 - next morning 07:33);
Beijing - Pingyao 2602 (23:45 - next day 13:58 )
Pingyao - Beijing 2604 (13:15 - next morning 04:00); Pingyao - Beijing West K604 (18:47 - next morning 06:48)
Pingyao - Beijing West 1164 (21:48 - 10:23)
The trains between Datong and Pingyao ( soft, rmb 120 - 187 )
Datong - Pingyao 2602 (06:15 - 13:58); K7807 (07:45 - 15:03); 2462 (22:57 - 06:25)
Pingyao - Datong 2672 (07:11 - 15:19); 2604 (13:15 - 21:21); 2464 (20:39 - next morning 04:35)
The trains between Xian and Pingyao ( soft rmb 133, 139, 232)
Xian - Pingyao 2670 (20:52 - next morning 06:01); K690 (22:33 - next morning 07:43); 2672 (22:48 - next morning 07:08)
Pingyao - Xian 2671 (00:34 - next morning 08:43); K689 (10:16 - 20:13); 1095 (20:47 - next morning 07:22); 2669 (21:38 - next morning 06:55)
Note: Many visitors also choose first to go to Taiyuan by train, and from Taiyuan they either connect taxis or buses to Pingyao.
Flight travel to Pingyao
Though no airport in Pingyao, many travelers prefer first to take flight for Taiyuan, which is only 80km northwest of Pingyao. Then take a public bus or taxi to Pingyao from Taiyuan.
Overland Travel to Pingyao
Considering it is quited stressed to get the train tickets to and from Pingyao, people often use the public buses running from Taiyuan to Pignyao and vice versa. The buses between Taiyuan Jian Nan Bus Station and Pingyao operate every 20 minutes from 6:40 to 18:00.
So you are requested first to get to Taiyuan by bus, train and flight, then connect the buses at Taiyuan Jian Nan Bus Station (just south of Taiyuan Railway Station) for Pingyao.
Travel to Pingyao by bus allows you to flexibly stop at Qiao Family for a short visit, then board a passing bus or local cab again for Pingyao.
When to Visit in Pingyao
The best time to travel to Pingyao is autumn and winter, since the landscape of Pingyao is most beautiful during this time. But different seasons give the ancient city different appearances. So when to visit Pingyao all depends on your budget, tolerance for large crowds and your personal interests.
Pingyao City Layout
The ancient city wall of Pingyao is 6km in circumference, like a shortened Xian city wall which has a perimeter of 14 km. The similarity of the two ancient cities also lies in their street grid pattern layout featuring four main streets in the two walled cities, e.g. North Street, East Street, South Street and West Street. Each street is linked a gate.
The south and west streets in Pingyao walled city are most important, rife with souvenior stalls, restautants, hostels, hotels as well as major attractions. The tallest City Building in Ming & Qing Style is situated on the south street.
On the south street, you find Tong Xing Gong Armed Escort Agency, Chinese Armed Escort Agency Museum, Xie Tong Qing Draft bank. Som popular hotels are also located on the south street, like Tian Yuan Kui Hotel, Tong Tai Mao Hotel, Jin Jing Lou Hotel.
The must see Ri Sheng Chang (the First Draft Bank of China) is on the west street. Yun Jin Cheng Hotel, a five star folk-custom hotel is on the west street too.
Both Pingyao Railway Station and Pingyao Bus Station are located outside the west gate (linked to the west street of the ancient city). The south gate is the main gate. The fact is that each gate has its unique feature.
To Zhangbi Underground Castle, Wang Family Courtyard and Shuanglin Temple, further outside the walled city, it is advisable to hire a car around RMB 300 for an excursion day trip.
Get around in Pingyao
The walled Pingao city is easily navigated on foot. If you don't have strong legs, you may use the local electric cars or rent a bike careening down the narrow streets within the four main streets. As a small ancient city, the walled Pingyao has no public buses, no taxis.
Where to Stay in Pingyao
Most of the first time visitors to Pingyao would like to stay inside the walled city which is teemed with accommodations, budget, mid-range and high end.
Beside on the four main streets, various hotels are also clustered on Yamen Street where the ancient Pingyao Government Building is located, the Cheng Huang Temple Street where Cheng Huang Temple and Confucian Temple are located. Some hotels are scattered around the narrow lanes in the grid pattern of the city.
For normal season, you don't have to prebook your stay in Pingyao. But in high season as well as on Chinese holidays and weekends, you are advised to reserve your accommoations in advance. Hotel booking is simple, send an email, or just give a call. See below the hotel list with phone numbers:
| Hotel Names | Folk Custom Hotel Class | Phone (0354) |
| Yun Jing Cheng Hotel | 5 star | 5888888 |
| Hongshanyi Hotel | 5 star | 5689000 |
| Tian Yuan Kui Hotel | 4 star | 5680069 |
| Yi De Hotel | 4 star | 5685988 |
| De Sheng Yuan Hotel | 3 star | 5680788 |
| Xi Ren Tai Hotl | 3 star | 5683211 |
| Xin Cheng Hao Hotel | 3 Star | 5687000 |
| Yu Feng Heng Hotel | 3 star | 5686558 |
| Hong Fa Hotel | 3 star | 5686555 |
| Changtai Yongmin | 3 star | 5680172 |
| Zhengjia Hotel | 3 star | 5684466 |
| Si Sheng Qing Hotel | 3 star | 5686777 |
| Yun Yang Yi Hotel | 3 star | 5687666 |
| Ya Men Hotel | 3 star | 5683539 |
| Zhong Du Hotel | 2 star | 5675888 |
| Shi Hua Hotel | 2 star | 5671718 |
What to See in Pingyao
Situated at a place 80kms south of Taiyuan, Pingyao is the best preserved ancient city in China. There are many cultural relics and historical sites in Pingyao, such as the most intact ancient county city wall in China, which was made of bricks and stones and built in the early days of the Ming Dynasty, China's first Rishengchang Draft Bank, Ming and Qing Street, the Chinese Bodyguard Office (armed escort agency)...
Where to Dine in Pingyao
In age-old Pingyao, its traditional snacks transfer the centuries-old culture just as its ancient architectures. Local staple food in Pingyao is mainly wheaten products like noodles and clay oven rolls.
Among these simple food or snacks there are many special ones: Pingyao Beef, Wantuo, Qiaomian Kaolaoloa, Mao Erduo, Yam...
What to Buy in Pingyao
The historical prosperity of Pingyao established in ancient times has left this city of many millennia imposing city walls and a series of ancient buildings as well as a vitality for handcrafts and local products.
Wandering on Ming and Qing Street, you could find these almost every where.
How to Enjoy Nightlife in Pingyao
Pingyao is one of the hottest tourist sites in Shanxi Province. When night approaches, the ancient city is enveloped in gentle colorful neon light.
Numerous red lanterns hang in the avenues highly portraying a grand air. However, besides for some main avenues, most of the streets and lanes become dark for most shops in this Old City close early in the evening. Pingyao people keep to their original life style far away from the fascinating nightlife of the modern city. But Ming and Qing street is also noisy, involving by the red light.
Pingyao Travel Guide
Located in central China, Pingyao climate is typically temperate. Annual average temperature of Pingyao is about 10ºC . Winter is very cold while summer is often rainy and hot.
April and November are the best time to visit there. Temperate, continental, monsoonal climate; long and cold winters and mild summers. Average Temperature: -16 - -2ºC in January while 19-28ºC in July.
Reservation Notes:
1. Please use our online booking or send your travel request via email to
. You are also welcome to call us at 00 86 10 67160201 ext 1006 or 1007. For non-office hour emergency booking, please dial 0086 13520598855, 13901312027 ( English speaking staff on duty available from 8:00 to 22:00 daily).2. Our real trip advisors will have your booking confirmed no more than one working day. When your booking is confirmed, you will get a confirmation email or call from us, which includes the confirmed detailed itinerary with prices.
3.Way of Payment
Prepayment is needed to hold your reservation. Cash payment, credit card payment or wire transfer. Both RMB and US$ or other hard currencies are acceptable.
Terms & Conditions
| Questions & Answers: |
Here is only for Questions and Answers. ( For anyone who wants to have an enquiry or tour booking, please fill in our Online Enquiry. )
