Pingyao Travel « China Travel Tips

Archive for the ‘Pingyao Travel’ Category

Top 10 Attractions in Pingyao (Tips, Photos & Map)

Tuesday, January 4th, 2022

Plan your Pingyao Tour? Located in central Shanxi Province, about 100 km south of Taiyuan, Pingyao is a tiny ancient city built in the Western Zhou Dynasty. It boasts a history of over 2,700 years. There is no charming landscape. No green mountain or clear water. What is unique in Pingyao is the well-preserved ancient city with its grand, solemn city wall, and its residence.

Check out How to Visit Pingyao for more detailed information.

1. Pingyao Ancient City Wall

Ancient City Wall is one of “Three Treasures” of Pingyao, the other two being Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple. This city wall enjoys the longest history compared with the others across China and remains almost intact.

The walls measure about 12 meters high, with a perimeter of 6,000 meters. A 4-meter wide, 4-meter deep moat can be found just outside the walls.

Check out Pingyao Ancient City for more information.

The Pingyao City Wall has an exquisite structure and intensive design and construction. It shows the wisdom of ancient labor men. The City Wall is an indispensable part in the world heritage of Pingyao ancient town.

Ticket Price: the joint tickets of 120Yuan per person covering the admission fee for 20 attractions such as the ancient street.

2. Rishengchang Draft Bank

Located in the west street within the ancient city of Pingyao, Rishengchang covers an area of 1,700 square meters. The economical use of land and deliberate structure show us exquisite design.

After being greatly rebuilt in 1995, “Rishengchang” has been renamed “the museum of Chinese `piaohao`”, here we can see the complete managing business of Rishengchang, lots of valuable materials and material objects.

Check out Pingyao Rishengchang Piaohao for more information .

In addition, there are lots of history material showing us something about Pingyao piaohao, Shanxi piaohao and Chinese piaohao. In a word, we can feel the up and down of Chinese piaohao in “Rishengchang”.
Location: West Street, Pingyao ancient city.

Ticket Price: the joint ticket of 120Yuan covering the admission fee for 20 attractions such as Rishengchang Draft Bank

3. Qiao’s Courtyard

The Qiao Family Courtyard lies in the beautiful and richly endowed Jinzhong basin of Shanxi, not far from Pingyao. It is greatly admired as a very special artistic treasure by both common people and architects; it is also one of the ten best tourist spots in Shanxi Province.

Check out Visit Qiao Family Courtyard for more information.

Qiao’s Courtyard displays the special characteristics of North China residences of the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911). It occupied 8,724.8 square meters of land, consisting of 6 large yards and 20 small yards with 313 houses in total.

Location: Xichang Street, Qixian, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
Ticket Price: 40Yuan
Opening Time: 08:00-18:30 (Autumn-Winter) 07:00-19:30 (Spring-Summer)

4. Wang Family Compound

The Wang’s Courtyard, situated in Lingshi County of Shanxi Province, is 35 kilometers from the Ancient City of Pingyao, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

This residence was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty, covering a floor area of 250,000 square meters. There are a hundred plus compounds and a thousand rooms in antique flavor.

Check out How to Visit Wang Family Compound for more information.

Rows of courtyard houses are laid out symmetrically

The Grand Courtyard of the Wang’s is a cultural heritage site of China’s outstanding traditional architecture and an art treasure of folk house
Ticket Price: 66Yuan
Opening Time: 08:00-19:30 (Summer)
08:00-18:00 (Winter)

5. Chang’s Courtyard

Chang’s Courtyard is the private manor of Chang family. The tall gateway faces the east, surrounded by a river outside, the white stone arch bridge set up at the entrance of the gate. A flagstone against the gate is stretching from east to west. The repaired houses rank in rows.

Check out Vsit the Former Residence of Family Chang for more information.

A 100-acres garden corresponds with the houses. It was said that one courtyard of Qiao family is equal to two streets of Chang family. The constructing scale of Chang family is the first of its kinds in Shanxi province.
Ticket Price: 60Yuan
Opening Time: 08:00-18:00

6. The Ming-Qing Street

Situated on South Avenue within the ancient city of Pinyao, the Ancient Ming-Qing Street was the noisiest centre of business at that time. The street is not very wide, with various kinds of shops orderly arranged along the road. These shops were all built with bricks and stones completely in the style of Ming and Qing architecture.

Check out Pingyao Ming and Qing Street for more information.

In the granite thresholds of each decent house, two lines of deep traits left by the running-over carriages can still be found, which provides evidence of the former bustle of business and also the pride held for them in the old days. However, many shops have been rebuilt to be used as museums or restaurants now.

Ticket Price: the joint ticket of 120Yuan covering 20 attractions such as Ming-Qing Street

7. Shuanglin Temple

The Shuanglin Temple is reputed to be the ‘ancient painted sculptures museum’. About 6km to Pingyao, the temple The temple houses more than 2,000 colorful sculptures reflecting the exquisite skills of the artisans of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Check out How to Visit Shuanglin Temple for more information.

It is a famous historic and cultural county in China. With a whole area of 15 thousand square meters (3.7 acres), the whole structure of the temple is very strict and imposing. Since it was opened to the public in 1979, Shuanglin Temple has attracted increasing numbers of visitors.

Ticket Price: 25Yuan
Opening Time: 08:00-19:00

8. Zhenguo Temple

Zhenguo Temple is a Buddhist temple located 10 km away from Pingyao in the village of Hadongcun, in Shanxi Province, China. The temple’s oldest hall, the Wanfo Hall, was built in 963 during the Northern Han dynasty, and is notable for featuring very large brackets that hold up the roof and flying eaves.

Check out How to Visit Zhenguo Temple for more information.

The contemporary sculptures inside the hall are among the only examples of 10th century Buddhist sculpture in China.
Ticket Price: 20Yuan
Opening Time: 07:00-18:00 (Apr.-Oct.)
08:00-17:00 (Nov.-Mar.)

9. Bodyguard Office in Pingyao

The Bodyguard Office is named “Biao Ju” in Chinese, which is an establishment providing escorts for a fee in old times. In old times, the commerce need the protection from the Bodyguard office, so the flourish of commerce in Pingyao results in the development of Bodyguard office.

Check out The Chinese Bodyguard Office in Pingyao for more information.

The Chinese Bodyguard office is the site of the bodyguard office in the early period of Qing Dynasty, located in No.61, Nan Da Jie, Pingyao Ancient city. It has been a museum mainly introducing the phylogeny of the Chinese bodyguard office, the anecdotes of those famous bodyguard offices, especially providing rare material for Wushu school.

10. Zhangbi Ancient Castle

lan your Pingyao tour? A side trip to Zhangbi Ancient Castle (张壁古堡) is highly recommended. Unlike the touristy Pingyao ancient city, Zhangbi Ancient Village still remains untouched, residential and unimproved.

Check out How to Visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle for more information.

You will see a series of military defence network above the ground and the fascinating series of the tunnels underneath. The three layers tunnels with a length of 1500 meters are restored and open to the public. An English speaking tour guide is compulsory in case you are lost.

Tip: Hassle-free Pingyao & Shanxi Guided Tours

If you don’t want to do a self-guided tour and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for organized tours to Pingyao and Shanxi Province:

Pingyao Tour
Pingyao Car Rental with Driver

Datong Tour
Datong Car Rental with Driver

Taiyuan Tour
Taiyuan Car Rental with Driver

Shanxi Tour

How to get to Shuanglin Temple

Shuanglin Temple is located in Qiaotou Village 7km to the southwest of Ping Yao ancient city. You may look for a local taxi and bargain with the driver for a return ride to the temple (approx. RMB 60 return taxi fare). If you like cycling, it is a breeze to rent a bike for an easy ride to get there.

If you are an irrepressible bus goer, you may use the public bus No.108, getting on from Pingyao Railway Station, Pingyao Bus Station or the Northern Gate to Pingyao Ancient City, and get off at the bus stop of Shuanglin Temple (双林寺). Note: at the northern gate bus stop, you need to hail the bus to stop for the ride.

Location of Shuanglin Temple ( Google Map)

Entrance Ticket: 35 yuan
Opening Hours: 08:30-19:00 (January 1 – December 31, Monday – Sunday)
Address: 8 Shuanglin Zhengjie, Pingyao County 平遥县双林正街28号
Inquiry: 0354-5779023; 0354-5673200

ABC of Shuanglin Temple

Shuanglin Temple was originally named “Zhongdu Temple” built in 571 ( it is said the actual making of the temple was much earlier ).

In Song Dynasty, Zhongdu Temple was renamed “Shuanglin Temple” according to the Buddhist doctrine. “Shuanglin” literally means “twin trees”. Here “Shuanglin” is taken from the legend about Sakyamuni’s death, which goes like that the Sakyamuni Buddha died under twin sala trees, by the Ajitavati River, in the city of Kushinagar, India.

Later, Shuanglin Temple was destroyed and rebuilt for several time. The present style of its buildings dates back to Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 – 1911).

The present Shanglin Temple has an area of 11620 square meters with its main entrance facing south. An impressive complex of halls forms three courtyards housing a number of intricately carved painted clay statues.

Shuanglin Temple looks more authentic than many restored Buddhist temples you’ve seen in China. It is worth your exploring here for 2-3 hours.

Virtual Tour of Shuanglin Temple

Now follow me to have a virtual tour of Shuangling Temple. All the indoor halls are forbidden to take pictures. So we cannot present you the ornately carved clay statues.

This is a traditional Chinese archway ( Pailou ) stands facing west outside the compound of Shuangling Temple.

The traditional Chinese archway ( Pailou )

When you enter the pailou, straight ahead, you will see colored Bodhisattva decorated with several arms.

The colored Bodhisattva decorated with several arms

On your left side is the entrance facing south to the temple itself.

The southern gate, the main entrance to Shuanglin Temple

Enter the temple complex, the first hall is the Hall of Heavenly Kings. Outside the hall there are four guardian warriors and inside the hall four heavenly kings and 8 bodhisattvas. These vibrant sculptured were made in Yuan Dynasty ( 1279 – 1368 ) the hall was rebuilt in Ming Dynasty ( 1368 – 1644 ).

A plaque intricately carved with four Chinese characters hanging over the entrance to the Hall of Heavenly Kings.

A plaque intricately carved hanging over the entrance to the Hall of Heavenly Kings

Glazed tiles carved with ornate and beautiful patterns decorate the roof of the Hall.

Its roof top is decorated with Buddhist images in glazed tiles. Two dragon heads atop the roof ridge of the Hall.

To the north of the Hall of Heavenly Kings is the Hall of Sakyamuni, the main hall in the first courtyard formed also by other 4 smaller side halls.

The Hall of Sakyamuni, the main hall in Shuanglin Temple

This is one of the main halls in Shuanglin Temple. Sakyamuni is the title of the Buddha. More than 200 sculptures combined with mountains, stones and buildings in shallow and deep relief tells the life story of the Buddha.

The dragon head atop the each side the roof ridge of the Hall

To the north of Sakyamuni Hall is the second courtyard formed by the Precious Hall of Mahavira and other two side halls. The Precious Hall of Mahavira is the tallest building in the temple. The clay sculptures of the welcoming buddha and three main Buddhas and the frescoes were made in Ming Dynasty ( 1368 – 1644 ).

A plaque written with four bold Chinese characters of the Precious Hall of Mahavira hanging over the entrance to the Hall.

A plaque hanging over the Precious Hall of Mahavira

Burn incense sticks and prayer for talk to Buddha

Yellow Dragons and Buddhist figures atop the roof of the Precious Hall of Mahavira.

To the north of the the Precious Hall of Mahavira is the third courtyard formed by the Hall of Fertility Goddess. This hall was originally built during the reign of Emperor Zhengde ( 1506 – 1521 ). The present sculptures were made in Qing Dynasty ( 1368 – 1644 ) depicting women praying for children.

A group of elephants and dragon heads atop the roof ridge of the Hall of Fertility Goddess.

Tip: Hassle-free Pingyao & Shanxi Guided Tours

If you don’t want to do a self-guided tour and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for organized tours to Pingyao and Shanxi Province:

Pingyao Tour
Pingyao Car Rental with Driver

Datong Tour
Datong Car Rental with Driver

Taiyuan Tour
Taiyuan Car Rental with Driver

Shanxi Tour

How to get to Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Zhangbi Ancient Castle is located in Zhangbi Village (Zhangbicun) about 16km to the east of Jiexiu and 43km to the south of the ancient city of Pingyao. People visiting Pingyao often take a side trip to Zhangbi ancient Castle and Wang Family Courtyard.

Pingyao-Wang Family (王家大院) -Zhangbi-Pingyao Road Map ( 126 km loop)

Zhangbi Village is situated on the northern foot of Mt.Mianshan with its other three sides being surrounded by deep gullies, a place difficult for attack and easy for defence. It is actually a tiny castle with a 1300m long and 10m wide city wall. The 300m long main cobblestoned street connects the south gate and the north. All the courtyard houses along the main street have high walls. If all the doors were closed, intruders would be easily kept off.

Many guesthouses in Pingyao arrange join-in or a private day tours bringing you to this castle-like ancient village. You may also use public transport from Pingyao Bus Station to Jiexiu Bus Station, then from Jiexiu, try to find a local bus running for Zhangbi Village.

The entrance is RMB 75. Basically people need approx. 2-3 hours to visit the ancient castle of Zhangbi.

With high walls and castles above the ground and the three layers of tunnels underneath, Zhangbi Village (Zhangbicun) is often nicknamed as “Zhangbi Ancient Castle” or “Zhangbi Underground Castle.

Zhangbi Village is situated on the northern foot of Mt.Mianshan with its other three sides being surrounded by deep gullies, difficult for attrack and easy for defense. It is actually a tiny castle with a 1300m long and 10m wide city wall. The 300m long main cobblestoned street connects the south gate and the north. All the courtyard houses along the main street have high walls. If all the doors were closed, intruders would be easily kept off.

ABC of Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Zhangbi Village is situated on the northern foot of Mt.Mianshan with its other three sides being surrounded by deep gullies, a place difficult for attack and easy for defence. It is actually a tiny castle with a 1300m long and 10m wide city wall. The 300m long main cobble-stoned street connects the south gate and the north. All the courtyard houses along the main street have high walls. If all the doors were closed, intruders would be easily kept off.

The military part of the village was said to be originally built in the year of 617AD by General Liu Wuzhou ( in late Sui Dynasty), a local king who led his army fighting against Li Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China).

Zhangbi Ancient Castle is also well known for its religious sites and splendid architectures above the ground, which were said to be over 20 temples and among them still well preserved are Khan Temple, Guandi Temple, Xuanwu Temple,and Kongwang Ancestral Temple.

Zhangbi Ancient Castle is a live showcase for the vernacular dwellings and architectures in Shanxi represented by Kunxing Pavilion and local residential houses.

The most mysterious part of Zhangbi Ancient Castle is its association with Chinese traditional astrology and geomancy. The whole ancient fortress follows the traditional principle five Yin and Yang elements. Over 35 above ground buildings have been found corresponding to the constellations. The name of Zhangbi derived from the 28th constellation – Zhang Xiu and Bi Xiu.

In a word, Zhangbi Ancient Castle is a treasure trove of Chinese culture worth your 2-3 hours’ exploration.

Virtual Tour of Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Now please follow me to have a glimpse of this ancient and mysterious Zhangbi Ancient Castle.

A side trip to Zhangbi often follows your visit to Wang Family Courtyard, and the two sites are only 20km apart. People would dine at the restaurant named Ancient Castle Restaurant by Zhangbi Village for lunch before start their two-hour exploration into the ancient castle in the village.

Ancient Castle Restaurant by Zhangbi Village

This restaurant makes a very delicious noodles known as “Baopi Noodle” , mixed flour with wheat and sorghum.

This is the south gate to the ancient village. The south gate is higher than the north gate due to its high terrain. The gate is a solid stones paved tower with a stone archway and glazed tile eaves.

The south gate to the ancient caste in Zhangbi Village

Walking through the arch gate brings you back in time!

Ascending the stone steps inside the south gate takes you to the Khan Temple.

When Khan Temple was originally was still unknown. Khan Temple was dedicated to Liu Wuzhou, a general in late Sui Dynasty.

One high platform in the compound of Khan Temple is the highest viewing point where you can have a bird’s-eye of the village.

The entrance to the 1500-meter restored tunnels is inside the temple.

The three layers of tunnels look like a labyrinth.

The 300 meters long cobble stoned street is the main street in the old castle in Zhangbi village linking the south gate with the north gate.

The 300 meters long cobble stoned street is the main street in Zhangbi Castle

All the courtyard houses along the main street have high and thick walls. If all the doors were closed, intruders would be easily kept off.

Zhangbi Ancient Castle is still inhabited by over 400 villagers. They go on with their lives unaffected by visitors.

Zhangbi Village is still inhabited by over 400 villagers

Behind the hugged trees on the high platform is the Buddhist Temple known as Xinglong Temple.

At the northern end of the north-south street is the Zhenwu Temple built in 1808 dedicated to Xuanwu and Wudang Mountain is his seat.

The north gate is a barbican (the double gate system).

Beside the main street, on the east side the main street there are 3 lanes and west side 4 lanes, where you may wander for more interesting finds – vernacular dwellings, temples and more.

An old section of the wall of the castle like village.

The courtyard with cave house style buildings.

Tip: Hassle-free Pingyao & Shanxi Guided Tours

If you don’t want to do a self-guided tour and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for organized tours to Pingyao and Shanxi Province:

Pingyao Tour
Pingyao Car Rental with Driver

Datong Tour
Datong Car Rental with Driver

Taiyuan Tour
Taiyuan Car Rental with Driver

Shanxi Tour

Archive for the ‘Pingyao Travel’ Category

Top 10 Attractions in Pingyao (Tips, Photos & Map)

1. Pingyao Ancient City Wall

2. Rishengchang Draft Bank

3. Qiao’s Courtyard

4. Wang Family Compound

5. Chang’s Courtyard

6. The Ming-Qing Street

7. Shuanglin Temple

8. Zhenguo Temple

9. Bodyguard Office in Pingyao

10. Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Tip: Hassle-free Pingyao & Shanxi Guided Tours

Further Readings

How to Visit Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao (Tips, Photos & Map)

How to get to Shuanglin Temple

ABC of Shuanglin Temple

Virtual Tour of Shuanglin Temple

Tip: Hassle-free Pingyao & Shanxi Guided Tours

Further Readings

How to Visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle (Tips, Photos & Map)

How to get to Zhangbi Ancient Castle

ABC of Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Virtual Tour of Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Tip: Hassle-free Pingyao & Shanxi Guided Tours

Further Readings

About Us

Beijing China Travel Tips

Our Travel Service