Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese traveler who’s roamed across dozens of countries. What touches my heart most deeply has never been the skyscrapers—it’s the land that tells stories. China is vast, but places like the Ancient City of Pingyao, where time seems to slow down and history lingers in every brick, are rare gems. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through one of China’s most vivid living ancient towns—not just with your eyes, but with the lens of history, culture, and curiosity.

Summary

Introduction to the Ancient City of Pingyao

Pingyao Ancient City is one of the best-preserved ancient county towns in all of China. The city is shaped like a turtle crawling southward, earning it the nickname “Turtle City.” The entire town is a vast architectural complex made up of old city walls, storefronts, traditional homes, temples, and winding streets.

It is symmetrically designed, with the city tower at its center and South Street as its main axis. This layout follows feudal Confucian hierarchy—with the City God Temple to the left and the county yamen (government office) to the right, the Confucian Temple on one side and the Military Temple on the other, plus Taoist temples in the east and Buddhist temples in the west. Covering an area of 2.25 square kilometers, the town’s street network forms a character for “earth” (土) in Chinese, reflecting the ancient Bagua geomancy philosophy. Its main commercial thoroughfares—South Street, East Street, West Street, Government Office Street, and City God Temple Street—form a distinctive pattern that once buzzed with economic life.

Pingyao is a 5A-rated national tourist site and, along with Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple nearby, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Location: Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening hours: Open 24 hours; attraction areas operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM; light show starts at 9:00 PM (Yingxunmen Square)
  • Recommended visit time: 4–6 hours (a full-day visit is ideal)
  • Best seasons to visit: Year-round
  • Ticket prices: Entry to the ancient city is free; specific attractions charge separately
Street view of the Ancient City of Pingyao with traditional shops and lanterns

Pingyao Ancient City Map

Tourist map of the Ancient City of Pingyao showing main attractions and layout

Why You Should Visit the Ancient City of Pingyao

A Deep Historical Legacy

Pingyao dates back to the reign of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it grew into a financial center, thanks to its strategic location and the ambition of Shanxi merchants. Institutions like Rishengchang, the first draft bank in China, once operated here. Today, their former buildings vividly showcase the wealth, courage, and innovation of ancient Chinese entrepreneurs.

In addition, Pingyao stands out as one of China’s most intact ancient cities. Its layout follows a symmetrical design—City Tower at the core, South Street as the axis—with temples and government buildings placed according to strict Confucian spatial logic. This structure not only reflects urban planning concepts of the Ming and Qing periods but also serves as a living example for scholars studying historical Chinese cities.

Rich Cultural Experiences

Pingyao’s ancient streets are home to landmarks like Rishengchang Draft Bank, the Pingyao County Government Office, and the Confucian Temple. These places offer more than static exhibitions—they immerse you in old-world China through reenactments and well-preserved architectural scenes.

Visitors can witness how ancient courts operated, how Confucian teachings shaped daily life, and how financial systems developed centuries ago. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s stepping into another era and sensing its rhythm.

Top Things to Do in the Ancient City of Pingyao

Main Attractions

Pingyao Confucian Temple

The Pingyao Confucian Temple is one of the oldest and best-preserved county-level Confucian temples in China. Originally built during the Western Han Dynasty, it was renovated and expanded multiple times throughout the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The architecture is rigorous and the layout reflects traditional rituals, making it a valuable site for studying ancient Chinese education and Confucian culture. Take a moment in front of the Dacheng Hall to reflect on the ancient reverence for knowledge and virtue.

Dacheng Hall inside the Confucian Temple in the Ancient City of Pingyao

Pingyao County Government Museum

As the administrative center of the ancient county system, the Pingyao County Government Office is a classic example of feudal government architecture, complete with full functional sections. The museum hosts regular reenactments of courtroom trials, vividly bringing ancient judicial procedures to life. It’s a great experience for families and history lovers alike.

  • Performance Times: 3–4 shows daily at 08:30, 11:00, and 15:30; an extra show at 16:50 on Saturdays and Sundays
Courtroom reenactment at the County Government Museum in the Ancient City of Pingyao

Rishengchang Draft Bank Museum

This site is home to China’s very first draft bank, widely considered the “origin of Chinese banking.” Founded during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, Rishengchang expanded Shanxi merchants’ financial network across the country and even abroad. Stepping into the museum feels like entering a 19th-century financial hub—complete with accountant rooms, vaults, and secret passageways—making it an excellent place to appreciate ancient commercial wisdom.

Historical courtyard of the Rishengchang Draft Bank in the Ancient City of Pingyao

China Escort Agency Museum

If you’re intrigued by martial arts culture, don’t miss this. The China Escort Agency Museum is housed in the original Tongxinggong Escort Bureau and showcases traditional bodyguard practices, escort codes, and historic trade routes. Visitors can get an authentic feel of the old “no cargo left unprotected” world. The display of weapons and escort contracts attracts many history and photography enthusiasts.

Entrance of the China Escort Agency Museum in the Ancient City of Pingyao

“See Pingyao Again” Immersive Theater Show

Directed by renowned artist Wang Chaoge, “See Pingyao Again” is an immersive theatrical performance blending lighting, sound, and interactive storytelling. Set in a custom-built venue just outside the ancient city, it places actors and audience members in close proximity, recreating scenes from the lives of Shanxi merchants and local residents with strong emotional impact.

  • Schedule: Closed on Mondays; usually two shows daily at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; extra shows during peak seasons
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
Scene from See Pingyao Again live immersive show

Attraction Ticket Guide in Pingyao Ancient City

The Ancient City of Pingyao does not require a general admission ticket. However, entry to specific attractions such as the city wall, draft bank, escort agency, county office, and Confucian Temple does require a ticket. Since most of these attractions do not sell individual tickets anymore, it’s best to purchase the combined pass, which grants access to 22 major attractions inside the city.

Ticket Prices for Attractions in Pingyao Ancient City

  • Adults: 125 CNY
  • Children: 65 CNY (ages above 6 but under 18)
  • Students: 65 CNY (undergraduate and below)
  • Free Admission: Children under 6 years old or below 1.2 meters in height, and seniors over 60 years old

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: via official WeChat public accounts or third-party travel platforms
  • Offline: Purchase at the ticket window inside the County Government Office

Suggested Walking Route Inside Pingyao Ancient City

Start at Xiaonanmen Gate → Wumiao/Lei Lvtai Residence → Pingyao County Government Museum → Yingxunmen Gate (city wall access) → Confucian Temple → City God Temple → China Escort Agency → Xietongqing Bank → City Tower → Rishengchang → Ma Family Courtyard → Gongji Gate → “See Pingyao Again”

  • Note: Cars are not allowed inside the ancient city. If you find walking difficult, you can check for shuttle services near the visitor center.

Tianyuankui Restaurant (Head Office)

Braised beef with Shanxi vinegar from Tianyuankui Restaurant in Pingyao
  • Why visit: Famous for Shanxi cuisine, this is one of Pingyao’s most well-known restaurants. Must-try dishes include: Braised Beef with Mature Vinegar, Long Eggplant, and Beef Kao Lao Lao (steamed buckwheat wraps).
  • Address: No. 73, South Street, Inside Ancient City, Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Mon–Sun, 09:00–23:00
  • Average Cost: 50 CNY per person

Hongwuji Restaurant

Clay pot beef with eggs served at Hongwuji Restaurant in Pingyao
  • Why visit: A popular spot for authentic Shanxi cuisine. The taste speaks for itself—just try it! My favorites: Braised Beef in Vinegar, Vinegar Eggs, Yellow Millet Cake, and Sweet & Sour Pork Balls.
  • Address: No. 84, South Street, Ancient City, Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Mon–Sun, 10:30–23:00
  • Average Cost: 60 CNY per person

Liangxiansen Yogurt

Local yogurt with vinegar and sea buckthorn in Pingyao Ancient City
  • Why visit: You won’t find this flavor outside Shanxi! The only shop inside the ancient city offering this specialty. Try the Aged Vinegar Yogurt and Sea Buckthorn Yogurt—both invented by the owner. A must-have every time I visit.
  • Address: No. 92, South Street, Ancient City, Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Mon–Sun, 08:00–23:00
  • Average Cost: 15 CNY per person

Cars are not allowed inside Pingyao Ancient City. You must either take a shuttle from the visitor center or arrange pickup with your hotel. While this means you’ll have to pull your luggage through the gate area, staying inside the ancient city offers a far more authentic experience and much better access to attractions. We strongly recommend choosing a hotel near South Street—the main road of the old town and also its food street. It’s central, lively, and incredibly convenient for exploring.

Juxiange Inn (in Pingyao Ancient City scenic spot)

Juxiange Inn (in Pingyao Ancient City scenic spot)
  • Location: Inside Pingyao Ancient City, near the North Gate
  • Price per night: from 128 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Deals
  • Rating: Trip score 9.7
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, quad rooms

After arriving at the scenic area, the hotel provides tricycle pickup. Upon departure, they help transport luggage back to the North Gate.

Rooms are clean, nicely decorated, and the bathrooms are spacious. Considering the price, it’s a great value stay.

Yonghuage Renwen Inn

Yonghuage Renwen Inn
  • Location: Near the center of Pingyao Ancient City
  • Price per night: from 185 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Deals
  • Rating: Trip score 9.8
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

Fantastic location, just a few meters from bustling South Street. It’s quiet yet central. The hotel also offers free pick-up and drop-off from the high-speed rail station.

Beds are very comfortable, hygiene is excellent, and hot water works well. The room’s traditional kang bed adds a local touch. Great price and peaceful at night—you may even wake to birdsong.

Qigongguan Inn

Qigongguan Inn
  • Location: Near the center of Pingyao Ancient City
  • Price per night: from 551 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Deals
  • Rating: Trip score 9.7
  • Special Amenities: Quad rooms

Located slightly east of the city center, not far from South Street and the City Tower. Very convenient for sightseeing. Kangqianji and Hongwuji restaurants are just steps away.

The mansion itself is a work of art—three tidy courtyards with full amenities. Breakfast is diverse and nutritionally balanced. Though the courtyard is small, it’s beautifully arranged and quieter than other themed inns in town.

How to Get to Pingyao Ancient City from Beijing

The best way to reach Pingyao Ancient City from Beijing is by train. You can depart from any major train station in Beijing and travel either to Pingyao Railway Station or Pingyao Gucheng (Ancient City) Station. Please note that while Pingyao Railway Station is closer to the old town by foot, Pingyao Gucheng Station is a high-speed rail stop and significantly faster—up to 7 hours quicker than regular trains.

After arriving, Pingyao Railway Station is about a 10–15 minute walk to the ancient city. A quick taxi ride is recommended as it’s close and inexpensive.

How to Get to Pingyao Ancient City from Taiyuan

The best way to get from Taiyuan to Pingyao is by train. You can leave from Taiyuan Station or Taiyuan South Station, and arrive at Pingyao Railway Station or Pingyao Gucheng Station. While Pingyao Railway Station is closer to the ancient city, Pingyao Gucheng is a high-speed rail station. However, the time saved by the high-speed option is often offset by the transfer time at the station and its higher cost.

Once at Pingyao Railway Station, it’s a 10–15 minute walk to the city. Taking a short taxi ride is convenient and affordable.

FAQ

Is Pingyao Ancient City stroller and wheelchair friendly?

Yes. Most of Pingyao’s streets and attractions are flat and easy to navigate, making it ideal for strollers and wheelchairs.

Where can I store luggage in Pingyao?

The Pingyao Ancient City Visitor Center offers free luggage storage.