Pingyao Travel Guide

Basic information Telephone area code: 0354 Complaint Tel: 0354-5868113 Medical Treatment Pingyao County People’s Hospital Address: No. 61 Shuguang Road Tel: 0354-5624109 Yixian People’s Hospital Address: Near Xixi West Street, Ji County Tel: 0354-5222513 Destination overview Destination sketch Pingyao’s old […]

Basic information

Telephone area code: 0354
Complaint Tel: 0354-5868113

Medical Treatment

Pingyao County People’s Hospital
Address: No. 61 Shuguang Road
Tel: 0354-5624109

Yixian People’s Hospital
Address: Near Xixi West Street, Ji County
Tel: 0354-5222513

Destination overview

Destination sketch

Pingyao’s old town is typically considered the best ancient walled city in China, and is on many lists of the best walled cities in the world.
The old walled city is 2.6 sq. kilometers (1 sq. mile), inhabited, mostly off-limits to cars, and constructed of cobbled streets and buildings almost entirely from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Picture a period film showing ancient China – and you won’t be far off. Perfect for atmospheric wandering, this city is still off the radar of most foreigners. As such, the tourist hordes tend to be over 99% mainland Chinese on any given day.

Best Travel season

September to November is the best time to visit as the weather of Pingyao is cool with not much rain. Try to avoid October 1st to 7th, Chinese National Holiday, when it is quite crowded. In late September every year, the China Pingyao International Photography Festival is held, which is worth a visit. Traveling in January is also a good choice. It is relatively cold, but there are abundant activities and performances during the Chinese New Year celebration.

Consumption level

Pingyao’s consumption is at a medium level, accommodation prices range from 100 to 200 yuan, and youth hostels average 50 yuan for one bed.

Practical information

Pingyao County Tourism Bureau
Address: Nancheng, Gutao Town, Pingyao County
Tel: 0354-5868117

Intercity traffic

Train

Pingyao Railway Station
Address: No. 14 Zhongdu Road, northwest of the county town
Arrival method: not far from the west gate of the ancient city, 10 minutes walk
Tel: 0354-5673197

Jixian Railway Station
Address: Yingbin Road, South of County
Arrival: Walk to Old Street for about 15 minutes, take a tricycle
Tel: 0354-5223074,03543560435

Taigu Railway Station
Address: South side of Tailuo Road, southeast of the old city
Arrival: You can take the bus or taxi to Cao’s compound and walk to Old Street in 15 minutes.
Tel: 0354-6222086

Long-distance bus

Pingyao Bus Station
Address: Railway Station Station Square, 108 km from Taiyuan
Tel: 0354-5624233, 03545673197

Taigu Bus Station
Address: South side of Old Town East 108 National Highway
Tel: 0354-6222014

Traffic in the city

Bus

There are many bus lines in Pingyao City.

Taxi

The taxis in Pingyao, Qixian and Taigu counties are mostly in the form of bargaining, so be sure to talk about the price before get on the bus.

Attractions

Ancient City of Pingyao

The past prosperity of Shanxi lies in Pingyao, while the soul of Pingyao lies in its Old City. Founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 –771 BC) and rebuilt in 1370, the Ancient City of Pingyao is nowadays one of China’s four best preserved It has no unique landscape, green mountain or clear waters. What is unique there, is the well-preserved ancient city with a grand City Wall, traditional residences, former Security guard companies, time-honored shops, and even the previous government office. In 1997, it was inscribed as a world cultural heritage.
Arrival mode: All the attractions in the ancient city can be reached on foot. Bicycles can be rented in many inns and shops. Ordinary bicycles are generally 20 yuan/day.
Opening hours: The ancient city can be accessed all day long. The opening hours of the scenic spots are usually 8:00-18:30 in the peak season and 8:00-17:30 in the low season.
Tickets: full fare 130 yuan, discount ticket 65 yuan
Tel: 0354-5690000

Ancient City Wall

The Ancient City of Pingyao is also called ‘Turtle City’ because of its turtle-like city wall. First on the must-go attractions of Pingyao is ancient city wall. There are six gates along the wall. Four of them are symmetrically set on The east and west sides, looking like the four legs of the turtle. The Southern Gate and Northern Gate resemble the head and tail respectively. Looking down from the top, it is exactly like a giant turtle with the crisscrossing lanes forming the patterns on its Shell.
Address: Inside the ancient city of Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
Opening hours: 8:00-19:30
Tel: 0354-5868113, 0354-5629117

Temple of the City God

Located to the east of the Ancient Ming-Qing Street, the Temple of City God is a sacred place for people to pay homage to the City God, God of Wealth, and Kitchen God. Eminent officers and ordinary people who made great contributions to local With the area of ​​8,800 square yards (7,340 square meters), this traditional temple has many exquisite pavilions and towers. The colored glaze decorations of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are still shining under the sun, making this place even Grander.
Address: 51 Chenghuang Temple Street
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00

Ancient Government Office

The well-preserved Ancient Government Office to the west of the Ancient Ming-Qing Street is the largest one in China with an area of 31,000 square yards (25,920 square meters). 149 magistrates in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 – 1911) And lived there successively. The core area of ​​the site is the solemn law court. If you are good enough, you may see a performance of an old trial at the law court. Deep in the building is the prison. The low-light environment There may make it hurt creepy. You may even find shabby bedding and prisoners’ uniforms, as well as rusty torture equipment there.
Address: Pingyao Ancient City Government Street
Opening hours: 8:00-17:30
Tel: 0354-6681544

Temple of Confucius

This is one of top things to do where people show their respect to Confucius, a representative educator who founded Confucianism. With an area of 10,000 square yards (8,361 square meters), it is the best preserved Confucius Temple in China. This temple was also At that time, the dream of most scholars was to serve as an official. Taking the imperial examination was the only way for them to gain the title. There is an exhibition in the fifth court of The temple, introducing the development and procedure of the old examination.
Address: No. 67, Chenghuangmiao Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
Opening hours: 8:00-19:30 in spring and summer, 8:00-18:00 in autumn and winter
Tel: 0354-5682948

Rishengchang Exchange Shop

The nearly 200-year-old Rishengchang Exchange Shop, located near the center of the Ancient City, is the first ‘bank’ in China’s history and is known as the ‘Father of the Bank in China’. It once controlled the lifeblood of the nation’s economy in the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911), with more than 30 branches throughout the country. It is now an Exchange Shop Museum, displaying historical items and local architecture style. There you can know the development of China’s banks and Jin Merchants, a renowned business group in Shanxi Province.
Address: No. 38 West Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
Tel: 0354-5683261, 0354-5868113

Ancient Ming-Qing Street

Situated on South Avenue of the Pingyao Ancient City, 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, which are all the prototypes of the aged buildings and quite different from the imitation works now. In the granite thresholds of each decent house, two lines of deep trails 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.

Shuanglin Temple

This Buddhist temple complex was founded 1500 years ago and contains over 2000 colorful sculptures of various gods, warriors, Buddha, and other characters, some over 1000 years old. Construction on Shuanglin Temple started during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) at about the same time that the Yungang Grottoes in northern Shanxi were being sculpted. The existing buildings in the complex–ten halls arranged around three courtyards–date from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. As distinctive as the architecture may be, the highlight of this temple, however, is the amazing collection of terracotta and wood sculptures, over 2000 in total. The clay sculptures were made with wooden molds and generally were produced in the Ming Dynasty. Together they form one of the most impressive collections of Ming sculptures, noted for their vivid colors, fine workmanship, and expressive postures. Key buildings in the temple complex include the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Sakyamani Hall, the Hall of the Bodhisattvas, the Wusheng Hall, and the Hall of Arhats. One sad points are most sculptures are under bar which almost kill the scenes. No inside photo allowed (enforced by video camera).
Address: Qiaotou Village, 6 km southwest of Pingyao Ancient City
Arrival method: Take the battery car from the city to Shuanglin Temple, about 20 minutes drive
Opening hours: 8:00-19:00
Tickets: 35 yuan in the peak season, 27 yuan in the off-season, 15 yuan in half price
Tel: 0354-5779023

Zhenguo Temple

Zhenguo Temple is a 1000-year-old Buddhist Temple located to the north of Pingyao. It is the only remaining temple in China built in the architectural style of the Five Dynasties Period (10th century). It shares the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation together with the Ancient City of Pingyao and Shuanglin Temple. Zhenguo Temple was first constructed in 963, during the Northern Han Dynasty, when it was known as Jingcheng Temple. The name changed toZhenguo Temple around 1540, in the Ming Dynasty. This small temple complex is divided into two sections, built around front and back courtyards. At the center of the front courtyard is the most noteworthy building in the temple, the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddha, one of the oldest wooden buildings in China. Originally constructed in 963, this square-shaped hall was restored in 1815 when the brick walls were added. Inside the hall are 11 statues. The plump-looking sculptures, all with distinctive facial expressions, date from the Five Dynasties Period and are considered to be important works of art. The intricate roof design is also considered a noteworthy feature of this historical building, with the tall bracket sets considered a rarity in an ancient temple. In the back courtyard is the Hall of Three Buddha, with the Guanyin Hall and the Hall of the King of Hell on either side. Not many tourists come to this temple; most visit the Shuanglin one instead.
Address: Haodong Village, 15 km northeast of Pingyao County
Arrival mode: The old city outside Shuncheng Street, North Exit Road, there is a 9-way bus to the town of Zhenguo, the fare is 1 yuan; take the electric bike to and from 30 yuan
Opening hours: 8:30-18:00
Tickets: 24 yuan
Tel: 0354-5848041

Chang Family Compound

Like the other family compounds, the Chang Family Compound was built over several generations by a wealthy merchant family to house the many branches of this successful clan. The Chang Family Compound is the largest of the Shanxi merchant family manors; despite its impressive size, however, what remains today is just one quarter of the original 600,000 square-meter compound, which contained over 1500 rooms. As the family prospered and grew in size, the Changs placed a great emphasis on education. This academic focus produced many scholars, painters, and calligraphers, and for this reason this compound is more interesting artistically than some of the other compounds in the region. Each of the courtyards, which are laid out along a 1 km long road, is somewhat different, but the themes throughout are very similar, with grey buildings, archways, smaller courtyards, and gardens in each one. The courtyards are filled with carvings in brick, stone, and wood, and there are many examples of carving which are of very high quality. The garden in one of the courtyards contains a collection of carved stone lions of various shapes and sizes. Originally there were 108 lions in the collection; today only 50+ remain. Behind these courtyards is a large garden, designed in both the northern China and southern China styles, purportedly because the Chang family had to entertain visitors from both north and south. A 29-meter tall Guanji Tower in this garden is the tallest structure in the compound and offers expansive views over the entire compound from the top.
Address : Dongyang Town, southwest of the Yuci District in Jinzhong City

Wang Family Compound

With 54 courtyards and over 1000 rooms, this massive compound is one of the largest of the residential complexes built by successful Shanxi merchants. It is, for instance, four times the size of the Qiao Family Compound. The Wang family started in farming and expanded into trading, then became officials. As the family grew in size and as they prospered, more and more courtyards were added to this residential complex, which was first constructed in the mid 1600s. Just as important as the scale of the complex is the distinctive architectural style and artistic finishing. As one moves from courtyard to courtyard, one can see an impressive collection of decorative lattice screens and windows, shaped openings between rooms and courtyards, and graceful roofs. The houses and courtyards feature carvings everywhere–in stone, brick, and wood–from the eaves of the houses and ridges of the roofs to window frames, timber joints, and doorways. Paintings, calligraphy, and Qing Dynasty furniture also decorate the houses.

Arrival method: Buses from both Taiyuan and Pingyao connect with Lingshi,which is the nearest large town. From Lingshi one can take either a bus or taxi to the Wang Family Compound.

Mian Shan

It is noted for its natural scenery, especially for its cultural and religious relics. It is also the birthplace of Qingming Festival (Grave Cleaning Day), which is one of China’s most important traditional festivals and items of intangible cultural heritage. Mian Shan is located in Jiexiu City 40 kilometers south of Pingyao. Tours often combine this with the Wangjiadayuan and Zhangbi Ancient Castle as they are close together.
Ticket: Ticket includes multiple bus fair (¥110 + ¥50) which seems necessary to buy to get anywhere to the mountain attractions. ¥160.

Qu Family Compound

The Qu Family Compound is another extended family residence built near Pingyao Ancient City by a successful Shanxi merchant clan over a number of generations. This 300-year-old compound was very unusual in having five layers of courtyard, and the entire compound has 8 large courtyards, 19 smaller courtyards, and 240 rooms overall. One enters the compound from a street built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and which still retains the architectural feel of that period. Despite its great size, it is said that what is seen here represents only about one-fifth of the Qu family’s estate. The Qu family was a very successful example of the Shanxi merchant, and their estate used to occupy most of the eastern half of Qi County. Overall, they owned 10 compounds containing over 1000 rooms. During the Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese occupied the compound, and the family had to temporarily relocate their head office to Chengdu. A Japanese observation post built above the roof of one of the buildings in the complex still remains. A few blocks away from the main compound is the Changyuchuan Teahouse, which also belonged to the Qu family. The ticket to the Qu Family Compound also includes entrance to a series of six museums in the area, including those dedicated to rulers, scales, mirrors, and vessels for measuring rice. The most interesting one is an abacus museum which includes a pagoda built completely from 668 abacuses.
Address: No. 33, East Street, Ji County, Jinzhong City
Arrival method: The trains from Taiyuan to Pingyao pass through Jixian, Taiyuan and Pingyao, and there are many shuttle buses to Jixian County.
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
Tickets: 40 yuan
Tel: 0354-5223101

Qiao Family Compound

This extensive compound was originally constructed in 1756 by Qiao Guifa, who made his fortune selling tea and bean curd in Inner Mongolia. He returned to his hometown in Qi County and built his dream house, which was then expanded by later generations of Qiao’s. This magnificent complex is laid out in the shape of the Chinese xi character, meaning “double happiness.” After entering through the main gate, one finds oneself on a long path leading to the main hall, which is the family’s ancestral hall. This path divides the compound into southern and northern sections. Both halves have three courtyards each, and these six courtyards in turn include 20 smaller courtyards, 313 rooms, and a number of gardens spread out over a two-acre piece of land. The compound impressed visitors not just for its size but also for the exquisitie craftsmanship displayed in the brick carvings, woodwork, murals, and inscribed tablets. The wide variety of different roof styles is particularly interesting to see, and there are over 140 chimneys in the compound, each having its own design.
Address: Qiaojiabao Village, Ji County
Arrival method: Qiaojiabao Village, 12 kilometers northeast of Qixian County. 50 kilometers away from Taiyuan, you can take the shuttle bus to Qixian County at Taiyuan Jiannan Bus Station. The fare is 15 yuan and the journey is about 1 hour. There are a lot of cars from the Pingyao to the Qiao Family Courtyard, and the fare is 5 yuan. Take the bus No. 1 in Qixian County, and the fare is 2 yuan. If you charter a car from Qixian County, you will spend around 50 yuan.
Opening hours: 8:00-19:00 in spring, summer and autumn; 8:30-17:30 in winter
Tickets: 61 yuan

Zhang Bi Old Castle

Zhang Bi Old Castle most famous by it’s long and well preserved underground passages, which were serving as place to hide and a secret camp during local wars at Imperial China, and later during Civil war. It has been said that early construction of these passages dates back to Tang dynasty. Now total length of restored part reached 1.5 km, consist of 3 levels and several dozens underground service rooms, such as stable, command post, sleeping place for guards etc. On surface are located inhabited mountain village with several old temples, which interesting to stroll around, since it’s didn’t become a hot tourist spot yet.
Address: It is located about 10 km southeast of Jiexiu city, hostels in Pingyao often makes daily trip there together with Wang Family Compound
Tickets: Some hostels in Pingyao will arrange a round-trip to the castle for 170¥. ¥60 (March 2012).

Activity

Itinerary

One Day trip in Pingyao Ancient City

Pingyao Ancient City Wall- Ancient County Government – Rishengchang Exchange Shop—Qingxuaguan – Shuanglin Temple – Zhenguo Temple

Food

Wantuozi

Wantuozi is a kind of traditional snack in Pingyao County made of wheat or buckwheat flour. The flour is mixed with slightly salted water until it becomes a batter; salted water and rape oil is added proportionally to make the batter thin; this thin batter is put in a saucer and steamed for about twelve minutes. Then, the Wantuozi is ready. It can be mixed cold with vinegar, garlic and sesame oil, or it can be stir-fried with yam or potato shreds. With a fresh and smooth taste, Wantuozi is popular in Pingyao and can be easily found on the streets.

Youmian Kaolao

‘Xiaomian’ means buckwheat flour, and ‘Kaolao’ is the wicker basket or a kind of round storage box. ‘Xiaomian Kaolao’ is a staple food made of buckwheat in Shanxi. The buckwheat batter should be made with boiling water and kneaded until smooth whilst still hot; this thick batter is cut into small blocks and then rubbed into flat pieces on a smooth stone slab; the flat piece are rolled into a cylinder and placed on end in the steamer. After steaming for about 10 minutes, the delicious ‘Xiaomian Kaolao’ is ready. It is eaten with some flavoring like tomato or chili sauce. Buckwheat is rich in fat and calories so it is a good dish for people lived in cold area.

Yam

Pingyao has an abundance of Chinese yams which are rich in protein, starch and many trace elements like calcium, magnesium and zinc. Chinese Yam in Honey is a common dish in Pingyao. The steamed Chinese yam block is fried with hot sugar and honey. It tastes sweet, smooth and soft with a light fragrance of honey and the yam itself. Steamed Chinese yams rolled into balls with some lard is also a staple food.

A stall sells Wantu in Pingyao

A stall sells Wantu Beef: Another famous dish is Pingyao Braised Beef. It is said that Pingyao Braised Beef has been famous since early in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). What’s different from other areas is that old ox is the best choice for Pingyao beef. The beef is divided into sixteen blocks according the structure of the ox; the beef is salted with a kind of local salt for one to three month; the salted beef is stewed with the local salt and alkaline well water for about twelve hours, Pingyao Braised Beef is then ready.

Accommodation

There are not many inns and hotels in Pingyao, and the rooms booking will be in tight situation during the peak season.

Shopping

Hunqi Zhai: The lacquerware available here is famous in Pingyao. What’s more, the Hunqi Zhai is also an ancient residence with typical Shanxi style.

Liuhetai Pillow: ‘Liuhetai’ refers to the harmony and peace of the world in Chinese. The ‘Liuhetai Pillow’ is different from the traditional solid pillow we use. It is almost cuboid with symmetrical communicating apertures on each side. Such a design endows the pillow with an ability to breathe that promotes good health. Because of these special holes, people do not feel pressure on their ears during sleep.

Cloth Shoes
Cloth Shoes: The handmade cloth shoes in Pingyao are commonly seen. Cloth shoes are quite absorbent and ventilate the feet. They are not as hard as leather shoes and so are inclined to be much more comfortable. You will find various kinds of cloth shoes sold in Pingyao’s streets: some in simple black, some are embroidered and some are of damask cloth. All of them may be regarded as exquisite handicrafts as well as practical shoes promoting good to health.

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