2025 Pingyao Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

One of the must-visit attractions in Jinzhong is Pingyao Ancient City, which has a history spanning 2,800 years since its establishment during the Western Zhou Dynasty. Although many parts were restored during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it remains one of the best-preserved and most complete ancient cities in China. There's even a section of red clay walls dating back to the Zhou Dynasty that has astonishingly resisted weathering over the centuries. Visitors can't help but touch it—it’s truly fascinating! 👍 The view from the city walls is stunning, especially on clear days when photos turn out beautifully. While some criticize the city for being overly commercialized, Pingyao has been a bustling commercial hub for over a thousand years, so this characteristic is deeply rooted in its history. Within the ancient city, you'll find China's first-ever bank (known as a 'piaohao') and a museum dedicated to escort agencies. For a significant period, this small ancient city was home to the wealthiest financiers in China, earning it the nickname of 'China's Wall Street' in ancient times. Naturally, I had to pay homage to this historic site! ❤️

#Mainland Travel “See Shanxi for its cultural relics” is not just talk. In Shanxi, history does not lie on the pages of books. Instead, it stands before you in a thousand-year-old posture. If you want to see ancient buildings, you must come to Shanxi! I prepared a 4-day tour guide for Shanxi. I hope this helps those of you who like ancient buildings. - 🚗【My 4-day trip to Shanxi detailed itinerary】 : Linfen 🔸Xiaoxitian This is the Little Western Paradise that appeared in the Black Myth: Wukong. It is also a thousand-year-old art palace hidden in Shanxi. The hanging sculptures in the palace are lifelike. Don't miss it when you come to Shanxi. 🔸Guangsheng Temple This place has survived two major earthquakes without any damage! The pagoda decorated with colored glaze is also exquisite, and the countless sculptures are gorgeous. It is also the filming location of the 1986 version of "Journey to the West". . 𝘿𝙖𝙮𝟮: Pingyao 🔸Shuanglin Temple This is a small gem hidden outside the ancient city of Pingyao. The colored sculptures inside are called "the pinnacle of clay sculptures". Each of the 2,052 colored Buddha statues in the temple tells a historical story. 🔸Pingyao Ancient City Pingyao Ancient City is a living ancient city that not only retains the urban layout of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, but also carries the wisdom and glory of Shanxi merchants. It is a stop not to be missed when getting close to ancient Chinese economy and culture. . 𝘿𝙖𝙮𝟯: Datong 🔸Yungang Grottoes The Yungang Grottoes are an epic solidified on the rock wall. If you love art, history and culture, this is a soul-stirring journey. 🔸Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple If you are visiting the ancient city of Datong, don't miss these majestic ancient temples that have been around for thousands of years. Take a quiet walk around and you'll seem to be able to hear the echoes of Buddhist chants from thousands of years ago. . 𝘿𝙖𝙮𝟰: Datong surrounding area 🔸Hanging Temple It is built on the mountain, with the temple body hanging on the steep cliff. The whole temple seems to be attached to the cliff. From a distance, it looks like a flying bird perching on the rock, which is breathtaking and amazing. 🔸Yingxian Wooden Pagoda The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is not built with bricks, but with wood. It has been waiting for us in Shuozhou for nearly a thousand years without collapsing. - 🗺️【Travel 𝙏𝙞𝙥𝙨】 The journey in Shanxi is long, so you can bring snacks and drinks with you to feel more at ease on the road. You can carry a backpack and put all kinds of small items in it, which is more convenient.

While Lijiang's bar street lights up with neon lights and Dali's Erhai Lake is crowded with people checking in, Pingyao is still like a sleeping turtle, with 2,800-year-old patterns engraved on its carapace, crawling in the folds of the Loess Plateau. This is also my second time to visit Pingyao Ancient City, and it happened to be the Spring Festival. Many people say that commercialization here is becoming more and more serious, and I don’t deny this. But as I walked along slowly, I found that apart from the Trip Moments and Yiwu small commodities everywhere, Pingyao is still Pingyao. Among the four ancient cities in China, only Pingyao is listed as a World Heritage Site as a whole, and the integrity of its city walls surpasses that of other ancient cities. The "old money style" here does not rely on filters. The sound of beads in the Shanxi merchants' banks, the knife marks on the walls of the escort agencies, and the crops drying in the courtyards are its real luxuries. ✨A wild road away from the crowds Get up early in the morning to visit the ancient city. The deserted streets and alleys restore the desolate aesthetics of the ancient city. Mist rises from the cracks between the blue bricks, and contrasts with the gray walls and blue tiles, creating a movie-like feeling. The entire ancient city is symmetrically arranged with the prosperous South Street as the central axis. It consists of four main streets, eight small streets, and seventy-two narrow alleys. The lively atmosphere of this ancient city can be found near the indigenous alleys far away from the main street. ✨Its soul is hidden in the soil The Pingyao beef sold on street carts is wrapped in oil paper and served with the sweet and sour flavor of sea buckthorn juice; the oat noodle soup is dipped in ten-year-old vinegar, which Shanxi people call "carbohydrate nuclear bomb". Avoid the Internet celebrity restaurant and go back to the old Wan Tu restaurant. I had a serving of Wan Tu and a serving of beggar's chicken and was very satisfied with the meal. ✨Pingyao’s “commercialization” is a transparent shell What is surging under the shell is the coolness of 30 billion silver coins in the escort agency's cellar, the fragments of Qing Dynasty account books in the second-hand shop next to the Confucian Temple, and the wild history of Rishengchang occasionally told by the tour guide in Shanxi dialect. The word "slow" here is a verb: so slow that you can hear the sigh of copper coins in the cracks of the bricks, so slow that a bowl of knife-cut noodles can be eaten as the sun sets. The best feeling I got from visiting Pingyao for the second time is that I don’t need any strategy, I just need a heart that wants to slow down. ✉️Other suggestions: After visiting the ancient city, you can also go to Shuanglin Temple + Zhenguo Temple to check in the world cultural heritage of one city and two temples! Tickets: Full price ticket is 125 yuan, but if you only enter the ancient city and do not visit small attractions, you do not need a ticket Opening hours: 8:00-19:00

Shanxi is undoubtedly a severely underrated tourist province! There’s a saying, "See Shanxi for cultural relics," and Taiyuan, the provincial capital, gave me countless unexpected surprises. I spent a full four days exploring, but still felt like it wasn't enough. Ancient buildings and cultural relics are scattered throughout the city, offering a unique experience for those accustomed to mountains and seas, and it's especially suitable for bringing children to learn about history and culture. I highly recommend planning at least a five-day trip, including the ancient city of Pingyao, which is not far from Taiyuan. I. Transportation Guide - Airport: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, with convenient access to various locations. - Train Stations: Both Taiyuan Railway Station and Taiyuan South Railway Station (high-speed rail) are located in the urban area. However, neither station currently has subway access. - City Transportation: Public buses accept Alipay QR codes, making travel quite convenient. Taiyuan only has one subway line, so buses offer more extensive coverage. II. Accommodation Recommendations The area around Liuxiang is an excellent choice, closely connected to Zhonglou Street and Shipin Street, offering a complete range of dining, entertainment, and shopping options. I stayed in a guesthouse for only CNY 50 per person, with a huge projector screen and a clean, comfortable environment. Feel free to message me for details. III. Five-Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Taiyuan → Shipin Street - Zhonglou Street Arrived in Taiyuan in the evening. After a short rest, I walked to Shipin Street, immediately greeted by the aroma of delicious food. Staying nearby, I mostly ate on Shipin Street, and many of the restaurants were quite good: 1. Qu Lihong: Taiyuan's best-known tripe hot pot, with an excellent taste. 2. Hongxiang Honey Twist: Huge, long, durian-filled twists for only CNY 5 each, the taste is simply amazing. 3. Li Lianguo Smoked Meat Pancake: I'd never tried it before, and I was blown away by the first bite. 4. Authentic Old Beijing Qianmen Candied Haws: Much more affordable than the CNY 20 strawberry candied haws in Beijing. 5. God Fried Chicken: Recommended by a local, the huge chicken legs were super delicious. This place is located at the entrance of the alley opposite Shipin Street, and there's always a long queue. Day 2: Jinci Park → Jinci Museum → Taiyuan Ancient County Town Jinci is a must-see attraction in Taiyuan, easily accessible by bus. Jinci Park is free, while the Jinci Museum, located at the innermost part of the park, has an entrance fee of CNY 80. Taiyuan Ancient County Town is free to enter, and the night view is not to be missed; it's absolutely stunning when lit up. Day 3: Shanxi Museum → Taiyuan Botanical Garden The Shanxi Museum has four floors with a rich collection of exhibits, including ten "treasured artifacts." Free guided tours are available at 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. Taiyuan Botanical Garden is a newly popular spot, featuring a giant "stairway to heaven" that looks amazing when lit up. The succulents in the desert plants area are super cute and irresistible. Day 4: Mengshan Giant Buddha → Twin Pagoda Park The Mengshan Giant Buddha, located on Mengshan Mountain in Taiyuan, is the second largest stone Buddha in China. The hike up the mountain offers scenic views and a mystical atmosphere with swirling clouds, accompanied by the theme song from *Journey to the West*, making for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. In the afternoon, I visited the Twin Pagoda Temple, also known as Yongzuo Temple, built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. The surrounding park is free, but there's a CNY 30 entrance fee for the temple itself. Day 5: Pingyao Ancient City Unfortunately, I didn't make it to Pingyao Ancient City this time, so I highly recommend that if you have enough time, you should definitely plan a day trip to Pingyao to experience the unique charm of this historic city.

Initially built during the Western Zhou Dynasty, Pingyao Ancient City boasts a history of over 2,800 years. It is the best-preserved example of a Ming and Qing Dynasty county in China. This "Turtle City," with its city walls as its shell and streets as its veins, has fully retained the urban layout and the essence of Shanxi merchant culture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In 1997, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Strolling through the city, the gray tiles, draft banks, escort agencies, temples, and city towers all tell the legendary stories of Shanxi merchants' dominance. 🚗 One-Day Self-Drive Itinerary Highlights: Ascend the ancient city wall → Explore the draft banks → Witness trials at the county government office → Admire the painted sculptures at Shuanglin Temple, connecting history, culture, and art. Transportation Tips: Motor vehicles are prohibited within the ancient city. It is recommended to park at the South Gate parking lot (10 yuan/day) and explore on foot or rent an electric car (approx. 30 yuan/hour). 🌞 Morning Itinerary Pingyao City Wall (08:00–18:30, tickets 125 yuan/all-access pass, including 22 attractions) Tips: Enter the city wall from the South Gate (Yingxun Gate), walk along the wall to the corner tower, and overlook the "turtle-back" street layout of the ancient city. Photo Spots: Capture the eaves from the enemy towers on the city wall, take panoramic photos of the corner towers, and the best lighting is during sunrise or sunset. Rishengchang Draft Bank (08:30–18:00, included in the all-access pass) Tips: Visit China’s first draft bank, touch the combination lock of the underground vault, and learn about the wisdom of Shanxi merchants. Photo Spots: Take photos in front of the bank's gold-lettered plaque and capture interactive moments with the wax figures of accountants. 🚗 Transportation: 10-min walk to Ming and Qing Street 🍜 Recommended Lunch Hongwuji Restaurant (No. 84 South Street, average 60 yuan per person) Must-try Dishes: Pingyao beef, yellow rice cold cake, and braised beef in aged vinegar. Special Features: Converted from a Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyard, window seats offer views of the street and the city tower. 🌇 Afternoon Itinerary Pingyao County Government Office (08:30–18:00, included in the all-access pass) Tips: The largest preserved county government office in China, with live performances of "County Government Trials" at 10:00 and 15:30 daily. Photo Spots: Under the "Justice and Impartiality" plaque in the main hall and capture the depth of the narrow alleys in the prison area. Shuanglin Temple (08:30–17:30, tickets 33 yuan, advance booking recommended) Tips: Located 6 km from the ancient city, a 15-min drive. See the "Treasure House of Oriental Painted Sculpture Art," with the Thousand-Hand Guanyin and Weituo statues being masterpieces. Photo Spots: Take low-angle shots of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin in the Bodhisattva Hall and capture the dynamic charm of the Weituo statue from a 45-degree side angle (flash photography prohibited). 🌃 Dinner and Night Tour Tianyuan Kui Inn Restaurant (No. 73 Ming and Qing Street, average 80 yuan per person) Must-try Dishes: Long eggplant, Kao Lao Lao (steamed buckwheat rolls), and Pingyao Wan Tuo (buckwheat noodles). Special Features: A century-old restaurant with a rooftop terrace for capturing night views of the ancient city. Night Tour Bonus: After 19:30, ascend the city wall to see the ancient city's outline illuminated by lights or visit the "Meet Pingyao" theater (separate ticket purchase required) for an immersive walking performance. 📌 Practical Tips The all-access pass is valid for 3 days, but for a one-day tour, it is recommended to select 4–5 core attractions. Touching the painted sculptures at Shuanglin Temple is prohibited. A telephoto lens is recommended for photography. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets within the ancient city. Cars must be parked outside the city walls. During peak season (May–October), it is recommended to arrive before 08:00 to avoid large tour groups.

#chinatravelitinerary Pingyao is a well-preserved ancient city that offers a glimpse into China’s rich history. Its traditional architecture and ancient city walls make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day 1: Beijing → Pingyao (Historical Exploration) 🚄🏰 Morning: Travel to Pingyao • 7:30 AM: Depart from Beijing West Railway Station via high-speed train to Pingyao Ancient City Station (approximately 4 hours). • 11:30 AM: Arrive in Pingyao and check into a traditional guesthouse within the ancient city walls. Afternoon: Ancient City Walk • 12:30 PM: Enjoy a local Shanxi lunch featuring Pingyao beef and daoxiaomian (knife-cut noodles). • 2:00 PM: Begin your exploration at the Ancient City Wall, walking along the ramparts for panoramic views. • 3:30 PM: Visit the Rishengchang Exchange House, China’s first bank, to learn about ancient banking systems. • 5:00 PM: Stroll through Ming-Qing Street, lined with traditional shops and teahouses. Evening: Cultural Immersion • 6:30 PM: Dine at a local restaurant, savoring Shanxi vinegar dishes and steamed buns. • 8:00 PM: Experience a traditional shadow puppet show or Pingyao opera at a local theater. Day 2: Historical Sites & Leisure 🚶♂️🕍 Morning: Temple Visits • 8:00 AM: Breakfast with local pastries and soy milk. • 9:00 AM: Visit the Shuanglin Temple, known for its exquisite painted sculptures. • 11:00 AM: Explore the Confucius Temple, delving into ancient educational traditions. Afternoon: Leisure and Departure • 12:30 PM: Lunch at a quaint café, trying Yam dishes and local desserts. • 2:00 PM: Relax at a traditional teahouse, enjoying local teas and the serene ambiance. • 4:00 PM: Depart from Pingyao Ancient City Station back to Beijing. • 8:00 PM: Arrive in Beijing, concluding your journey. #Everydayjourney #staycation #china #travelitinerary

1. Yungang Grottoes - Introduction: There are 254 caves and more than 59,000 Buddha statues, all of which are lifelike and unique, showcasing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. - Highlights: Experience the perfect fusion of Buddhist art and history, and witness the vicissitudes and splendor of the thousand-year-old grottoes. 2. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda - Introduction: An ancient wooden pagoda with exquisite architectural skills, it is a miracle of ancient architecture. - Highlights: Appreciate the beauty of unique wooden architecture and explore the wisdom of ancient architecture. 3. Pingyao Ancient City - Introduction: A well-preserved ancient city from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with distinctive city walls, ancient streets, and residential buildings. - Highlights: Stroll through the ancient city, experience the culture of Shanxi merchants, and feel the atmosphere of ancient life. 4. Hanging Temple - Introduction: Built on a cliff, the temple's architecture is breathtaking and spectacular. - Highlights: Appreciate the unique architectural site and structure, and experience the thrilling feeling of being suspended in the air. 5. Jinci Temple - Introduction: The temple is full of ancient buildings, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage. - Highlights: Appreciate ancient architectural art and savor the charm of thousand-year-old history and culture. 6. Huayan Temple - Introduction: A historic Buddhist temple with magnificent architecture and solemn Buddha statues. - Highlights: Experience the atmosphere of Buddhist culture and appreciate the beauty of ancient temple architecture. 7. Hukou Waterfall - Introduction: A famous waterfall on the Yellow River, with turbulent water and majestic momentum. - Highlights: Admire the magnificent scenery of the roaring Yellow River and feel the power of nature. 8. Shuanglin Temple - Introduction: The temple is full of exquisite colored sculptures, with a high artistic value. - Highlights: Appreciate ancient colored sculpture art and experience the charm of Buddhist art. 9. Wang Family Courtyard - Introduction: A large-scale residential building complex with a rigorous layout and exquisite carvings. - Highlights: Explore the rise and fall of the Shanxi merchant family and appreciate the exquisite residential architecture and carving art. These nine attractions are unique, from historical culture to natural scenery, from ancient architecture to art treasures, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique charm of Shanxi.

| Pingyao | Shuanglin Temple | Oriental Treasure Trove of Painted Sculptures Shuanglin Temple, known as the "Oriental Treasure Trove of Painted Sculptures," is a must-see gem on your Shanxi trip. Compared to Pingyao Ancient City, Shuanglin Temple has fewer visitors, but its artistic value and historical significance are equally impressive. 1. Attraction Introduction Shuanglin Temple houses over 2,000 exquisite painted sculptures, each brimming with artistic flair. Don't miss the halls guarded by the Four Heavenly Kings, the 26-armed Guanyin, and the main statues of Guanyin and Weituo in the Thousand Buddha Hall. The intricate and lifelike sculptures will leave you in awe of the ancient wisdom and artistic talent. 2. Ticket Information Tickets for Shuanglin Temple are CNY 35, student tickets are CNY 15, and seniors over 60 can enter for free. Please note the opening hours when purchasing tickets: 8:00–19:00 in summer and 8:00–17:30 in winter. 3. Transportation Guide If you're departing from Pingyao Ancient City, you can take a bus to Shuanglin Temple, but be mindful of the bus schedule. If driving, you can navigate directly to Shuanglin Temple. 4. Travel Tips 1. Photography Tips: Photography is allowed inside the temple, but please refrain from using flash to avoid damaging the relics. 2. Best Time for Photos: Midday, when the sun is strong, and sunlight streams into the temple, is the best time for photos. The temple is very dark at night, so plan accordingly. 3. Guided Tours: If you're interested in history and culture, you can ask for a guided tour at the entrance or follow the staff's route to better understand the history and culture of Shuanglin Temple. 4. Visit Duration: The temple is not large, and a visit takes about 1–2 hours. Plan your time wisely to fully appreciate and experience the charm of Shuanglin Temple. 5. Pingyao Travel Suggestions In addition to Shuanglin Temple, there are other attractions worth visiting near Pingyao Ancient City, such as Zhenguo Temple. You can visit multiple attractions in one day to experience the history and culture of Pingyao. Finally, I hope more people will learn about and appreciate national treasures like Shuanglin Temple, allowing more people to experience its charm and value. Although Shuanglin Temple currently has fewer visitors, I believe that over time, more people will recognize this hidden gem. Please protect the relics during your visit and help preserve this precious history and culture.

Pingyao Ancient City is located in the central part of Shanxi Province in northern China. The ancient city has a total area of 2.25 square kilometers and is the most intact ancient city in the Han Chinese region. As of March 2023, the permanent population of Pingyao Ancient City was 10,845. In December 1997, it was listed as a cultural heritage site on the World Heritage List and is a national 5A tourist attraction. Pingyao Ancient City was built during the reign of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty (827 BC-782 BC) and expanded in the third year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1370 AD), with a history of more than 2,700 years. There are more than 100 streets and alleys in Pingyao Ancient City, 3,797 traditional houses, six major temple complexes, and ancient buildings from various dynasties such as the county government office and the city building. There are attractions such as the ancient city wall, Zhenguo Temple, Shuanglin Temple, Pingyao County Government Office, Pingyao Inspection Institute, and Confucius Temple. Pingyao Ancient City is a city built according to the traditional planning ideas and architectural styles of the Han Chinese. It embodies the historical and cultural characteristics of the Han Chinese from the 14th to the 19th centuries. It has important reference value for studying the social form, economic structure, military defense, religious beliefs, traditional ideas, and ethical morals of human habitation during this period.

| A land of millennial aesthetics, a journey that will move your soul. Shanxi, a city that deeply impressed me😍! Here, you can see the flying eaves and brackets at a glance, carrying the cultural memories of the Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin dynasties in the long river of history. There are also artistic treasures such as painted sculptures, wood carvings, murals, and glazed tiles🎨. 27 out of 36 real-world locations in "Black Myth: Wukong" are in Shanxi. Only by being there in person can you appreciate the ultimate aesthetics that span over a thousand years🙌. 🌟【Reverse Travel Route】 • Day 1 - 2: Lüliang • Lijia Mountain Village➡️Qikou Ancient Town➡️Xibayun Village, here you can find ancient buildings, cave dwellings, and traces of life from generation to generation on the loess plateau. It is recommended to stay in Lijia Mountain Village, where there are fewer people and accommodation is cheaper, and it is only a 13-minute drive from Qikou🚗. • Day 3 - 4: Datong • Yungang Grottoes➡️Huayan Temple➡️Shanhua Ancient Temple➡️Yong'an Zen Temple, perfectly preserved ancient buildings from the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Many attractions are free of charge, and the grottoes are even more amazing. Remember to enter Yungang at 9:00 am for the first wave of visitors, and choose to visit Shanhua and Yong'an in the afternoon when the light is good☀️. • Day 5 - 6: Jinzhong • Pingyao Ancient City➡️Shuanglin Temple➡️Zhen'guo Temple, this is an "ancient city too poor to be demolished", with the most complete ancient county seat preserved today. Visit Shuanglin Temple and Zhen'guo Temple first in the morning, and take photos at the Pingyao Ma Family Courtyard📸. 💡【Travel Tips】 • Attractions in Shanxi are far apart, it is recommended to drive yourself🚙, time is flexible and controllable. • Travel during off-peak hours to avoid wasting time looking for restaurants😜. • If you are hungry on the way, you can try Jinmailang Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles, 0 fried noodles, smooth and chewy texture, soft and non-sticky, more fragrant the more you chew, with vegetable and vinegar packets, full of flavor😋. • It is not recommended to join a tour group, this place is suitable for quiet and slow travel, to experience the charm of historical and cultural heritage🎊. Come to Shanxi and embark on a soul-stirring journey through a thousand years!

Recommended for: Shuanglin Temple, like a silent wise man for thousands of years, stands quietly in the long river of time. Every brick and tile here, every Buddha statue, contains endless stories and wisdom. Entering the temple is like traveling through time and space, coming to a quiet and solemn world, forgetting the hustle and bustle, and indulging in it. Tour route: Starting from the Hall of Heavenly Kings, your journey is connected with the ancient charm. The Four Heavenly Kings guard this pure land with majesty, as if telling a thousand-year legend. As the footsteps deepen, the Thousand Buddha Hall, Bodhisattva Hall, Arhat Hall, etc. are presented one by one, each hall is like a poem and a painting, and each Buddha statue is lifelike. Especially the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in the Thousand Buddha Hall, with kind eyebrows and kind eyes, universal sentient beings, and the surrounding group of Arhat statues are even more different, which makes people can't help but admire the craftsmanship of the craftsman. Play time: In Shuanglin Temple, time seems to slow down. It is recommended that you slow down and taste every detail here. 2-3 hours of time is enough for you to establish a deep emotional bond with this ancient temple, and feel the ingenuity and tranquility from a thousand years ago. Transportation/Transportation: The journey to Shuanglin Temple is itself a kind of enjoyment. You can choose to take a bus and feel the pulse of the city; you can also choose to drive by yourself and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way. When the vehicle slowly drove into the scenic spot, the tranquility and solemnity came quietly. Other tips: In Shuanglin Temple, every Buddha statue has its own story. It is recommended that you understand some related knowledge in advance, so that you can better appreciate the beauty of it. The environment in the temple is quiet, and loud noises and flash photography are prohibited. Please respect this tranquility and solemnity, and let your soul be purified and sublimated here. Please dress appropriately when visiting, do not wear too exposed or casual clothes. This is not only respect for the ancient temple, but also a kind of self-cultivation. If time permits, you might as well have a cup of tea or a vegetarian meal in the temple. In this Zen life, you will find inner peace and joy. Shuanglin Temple, like a poem flowing for thousands of years, tells endless stories and wisdom. Here, you can slow down and feel the tranquility and solemnity from a thousand years ago.

Content: 👉 Hi, friends! Today I want to share with you my exciting one-day tour in Pingyao Ancient City, including the route, transportation, and food! If you have enough time, consider staying overnight, which will make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable~😉 ✅ Transportation Revealed: 🚞 Train: For friends who live close to Pingyao, the train is definitely the first choice. The train station is only 800 meters away from the ancient city, and it takes less than 10 minutes to walk there, making it super convenient! 🚅 High-Speed Rail: For those taking the high-speed rail, please get off at Pingyao Ancient City Station. Although it is a bit farther from the ancient city, it is very convenient to take a taxi or bus No. 108 after getting off the train, allowing you to easily reach your destination. 🚗 Self-Driving: For self-driving friends, please note, do not drive your car into the ancient city! Otherwise, you might find yourself in an awkward situation of being unable to move forward or backward. ✔️ Itinerary Planning: County Government Office——City Wall——Confucian Temple——City God Temple——China Escort Agency——Xietongqing——Rishengchang——Ma Family Courtyard 📍 County Government Office Ticket: All-in-one ticket The most complete county government office in existence in China. There are court sessions at 9:30, 11:00, and 15:30 every day, making you feel like you have traveled back in time to experience the solemnity and majesty of that era. 📍 City Wall Ticket: All-in-one ticket Standing on the city wall, you can take in the beautiful scenery of the entire Pingyao Ancient City. The ancient buildings seem to tell stories of a thousand years. 📍 Confucian Temple Ticket: All-in-one ticket The Dacheng Hall in the Confucian Temple is the only existing Jin Dynasty building among all levels of Confucian temples, ancient and elegant, making people linger. 📍 City God Temple Ticket: All-in-one ticket The unique structure of three temples in one, and the rare glazed tiles, let you feel the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. 📍 China Escort Agency Ticket: All-in-one ticket This place mainly introduces the history of the development of China's escort agencies and some martial arts schools, allowing you to appreciate the heroism and chivalry of the martial world. 📍 Xietongqing Ticket: All-in-one ticket It has the largest existing underground vault open to the public, allowing you to explore and feel the prosperity and glory of ancient finance. 📍 Rishengchang Ticket: All-in-one ticket China's first bank, the ancestor of modern banks. Walking in here, you seem to hear the echoes of history and feel the changes in finance. 📍 Ma Family Courtyard Ticket: All-in-one ticket The residence of Ma Zhongxuan, the richest man in Pingyao during the Qing Dynasty, with a typical Jin merchant courtyard style. Walking through it, you can feel the magnificence and exquisite details.🥰 Food Recommendations: 1️⃣ Breakfast: You can go to Dongji Fried Bowl Cake (Yamen Street). They have a variety of fried bowl cakes, all freshly fried. Paired with oil tea or sea buckthorn fermented rice soup, it is simply delicious!😋 2️⃣ Lunch: You can go to Hongwuji. If you don't know what to order, you can refer to the group purchase menu! There are delicacies like fried pork and vinegar eggs waiting for you to taste. Also, order the signature dish yellow rice cake, it's perfect!🎉 3️⃣ Dinner: If you can still eat, you can go to Lao Zhao's Shanxi Copper Hotpot. The copper hotpot has a rich variety of ingredients, and one assorted copper hotpot is enough for two people. If there are many people, you can also order some barbecue! Highly recommend the grilled pork belly and potato slices for you to try! 🍲 That's my exciting one-day tour in Pingyao Ancient City! I hope this guide can help you~ If you have the chance to visit Pingyao Ancient City, be sure to experience it well!😊

Compared to the Pingyao Ancient City which is now a tourist attraction, I prefer the Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple outside the ancient city. There are no bustling tourists here, only an immersive dialogue with the ancients. No wonder it became the filming location of "Black Myth: Wukong". · After leaving Zhenguo Temple, I headed straight to Shuanglin Temple, which was the most anticipated place for my second visit to Pingyao. Although it dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is not very prominent in Shanxi, which has many ancient buildings, the 2,052 Ming Dynasty painted clay sculptures scattered throughout the temple's halls are indeed top-notch in the country and are known as the "treasure house of oriental colored sculpture art." · At first glance, Shuanglin Temple is much larger than Zhenguo Temple, and there is a circle of tall rammed earth and brick walls around the temple, which looks a bit like a castle. The temple is divided into two parts, the western part is the temple courtyard, with more than ten halls and three courtyards; the eastern part is the Zen temple and scripture room, which are now basically destroyed. · When you enter Shuanglin Temple and follow the central axis, the first thing that comes into view is the Heavenly King Hall. Compared with the Heavenly Kings and Bodhisattvas in the hall, what impressed me more were the Four Great Vajras lined up under the eaves of the Heavenly King Hall. As images of guardian warriors, the four statues here are no longer the ferocious and terrifying Vajra in people's impression. Instead, they adopt a more realistic modeling technique. In addition to the grand posture in the space and the nearly 3-meter-tall body, in addition to the heroic spirit of "strength to pull mountains and courage to conquer the world", there is also a sense of closeness to the human world. · The Sakyamuni Hall is one of the main halls of the temple, with a width of five rooms and a depth of three rooms. In addition to the statues of the Three Holy Ones of Huayan in the hall, what is even more impressive is the use of hanging sculptures on the four walls of the hall, which adopt a layered combination and chain wall sculpture form to project the life of Sakyamuni into this hall. The Guanyin Crossing the Sea behind the screen wall is also a wonderful work of colored sculpture in Shuanglin Temple. · The Great Hall is the tallest building in the temple. The main statues are the Three Bodies of Buddha. Unfortunately, these statues were redecorated in the Qing Dynasty and are slightly inferior to the statues in other halls. Therefore, what is more worth seeing in the Main Hall is the mural "Worshiping Buddha" painted in the Ming Dynasty, but it is also a pity that it was covered with white powder in the early years of the Republic of China and was not partially washed out until 1982. Today, you can still see a glimpse of the mural, with upright line drawing and bright colors, which has the style of the Yuan Dynasty. · The Niangniang Hall is the last building on the central axis of the temple and was built during the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty. The statue of "Goddess of Childbirth" in the hall was sculpted based on folk legends and was redecorated in the Qing Dynasty. There is also a small hall on the east side named Zhenyi Temple, which contains statues of "Sleeping Aunt" and "Medicine Granny", which were rebuilt during the Republic of China period. Because the light in this hall is dim and many of the statues have their eyes damaged, they appear a bit ghostly. · Personally, I think the most wonderful colored sculptures of Shuanglin Temple are not in the main halls on the central axis, but in the Thousand Buddha Hall and Bodhisattva Hall, which are easily overlooked. There are more than 500 colored sculptures in the Thousand Buddha Hall alone, accounting for a quarter of the entire temple. There are two of Shuanglin Temple’s most popular colored sculptures here. One is the Guanyin with a serene and charming face and a comfortable and natural posture. One is a statue of Weituo, which is known as "the first Weituo in China". The statue is very individual, with both martial arts and culture, and is quite dynamic. It is a rare artistic masterpiece among the Ming Dynasty colored sculptures. In addition, the hanging sculptures and wall sculptures around the hall are also extremely splendid. Their clothing and accessories are even valuable materials for studying the development and evolution of Ming Dynasty clothing. · The most outstanding figure in the Bodhisattva Hall is the Thousand-armed Thousand-eyed Guanyin, who sits cross-legged in the center, with a gentle and graceful demeanor and ever-changing gestures. If it weren't for the many arms extending from behind, this Guanyin would look more like a beautiful, elegant, graceful and generous young woman. The hanging sculptures in this hall are also not to be underestimated. There are more than 400 Bodhisattvas, all with their feet on colorful clouds, giving a feeling that the walls are full of wind. · 🏠Name | Shuanglin Temple 🎫Tickets | 35 yuan ⛳Address | No. 28, Shuanglin Main Street, Pingyao County 🚗Transportation | Just use the "Shuanglin Temple" navigation system for self-driving

Last year, I planned a trip to visit ancient buildings as a designer, and checked in at the following classic ancient buildings in Shanxi: Taiyuan: Jinci Temple, Qingyuan Confucian Temple, Tianlong Temple, Dou Dafu Temple, Shuangta Temple, Chunyang Palace Xinzhou: Drum Tower, Daizhou Confucian Temple, Foguang Temple, Nanchan Temple, Yanqing Temple, Hongfu Temple, Princess Temple, Yanshan Temple Datong: Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Hanging Temple, Yong'an Temple, Yuanjue Temple Lvliang: Taifu Temple Shuozhou: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Chongfu Temple, Jingtusi Temple Jinzhong: Pingyao Ancient City, Houtu Temple, Zishou Temple, Zhenguo Temple, Shuanglin Temple, Jingxin Temple Ruicheng: Yongle Palace The twenty-day journey brought me so much shock. The aesthetics, wisdom, and craftsmanship of the ancients are all worth learning from! However, checking in at ancient buildings in Shanxi is not easy. There are many spots and they are scattered. It is recommended to drive by yourself. Some niche ancient buildings are not open to the public and require contacting cultural preservation personnel.

I. Itinerary Tour the 8 essential attractions, plan for 2 days of play. II. Precautions 1. Do not easily trust strangers on the roadside to avoid unnecessary trouble and expenses. 2. Visit between June and October, and you can choose local delicacies such as Pingyao beef, cold bowl jelly, cold cake, copper hot pot, and bubble oil cake, but be cautious when ordering. III. Accommodation Recommendations Stay at the Juyuan Pavilion Inn within the ancient city of Pingyao, which is quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, with good prices and services. Avoid choosing accommodations too far from the ancient city. IV. Souvenir Purchase For souvenirs like aged vinegar, Fenjiu, beef, lacquerware, oil tea, bread slices, and red dates, you can go to the Jinpin Hui Specialty Supermarket in the city for better prices.

Pingyao ancient city is tagged as "The best preserved ancient city in China" up to date. It has almost 3000 years of history and became one of the center of commerce and civilization during the Ancient China. The Pingyao light show at night is a must thing to see when visiting the place. It starts around 9:00 in the evening and lasts for up to 20 minutes. It uses special light effects and modern techniques making it spectacular to the audiences. It showcases the rich history of Pingyao ancient city and how it survived over thousand of years. It feels like you're also part of the past. The show is located at the West gate and you should be there earlier before 9 so you can sit at the best spot. This place is ticket free! #travelinspiration #chinalifestyle #pingyaoancientcity #discoverchina #visitshanxi

A city named Ping, a dream named Yao This ancient city, dating back 2800 years, comes from the north, different from the gentle ancient towns of the south, Pingyao Ancient City reveals the vicissitudes of history Follow this guide, step into Pingyao, and meet the first millennium-old town in the Central Plains . 📍Pingyao Ancient City: The most well-preserved ancient county city in our country, located in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province . 🚄Transportation: ⭐️High-speed train: Pingyao Ancient City Station (about 20 minutes by taxi from the ancient city ⭐️Taxi from the high-speed train station to the ancient city costs 20-25 yuan (it's expensive if it exceeds this price, there is also a bus on the right side of the station that can get there ⭐️Train: Pingyao Station (next to the ancient city, you can walk to the ancient city . 🏡Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Nan Dajie or Yamen Street in the ancient city, which is more convenient for strolling. . 💰Ticket: 100 yuan per person for a pass ⭐️Includes many attractions for internal visits, if you're just strolling the streets, no need to buy a ticket; if you're in a hurry in the afternoon, no need to buy one either, as many attractions close after 5 pm ⭐️Sightseeing car: 10 yuan per person from the city gate to the core area of the ancient town, generally the inn you stay in will include a sightseeing car pick-up service . I personally think Pingyao is not big, the core streets are just two perpendicular ones, consisting of Nan Dajie, Yamen Street, and Chenghuangmiao Street, and the attractions are basically distributed along these two lines and the nearby alleys 🔮Essential tips for must-visit spots: 1️⃣Yingxun Gate (South Gate) - Ticket required for city wall access, free otherwise The most photogenic city gate in the ancient city, especially in the afternoon light, and there's a light show every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at 8 pm 2️⃣Nan Dajie - Free The busiest street in the ancient city, with many attractions for internal visits distributed here 3️⃣County Government Office - Ticket required Located on Yamen Street, it's good if you can catch a trial reenactment performance 4️⃣Tingyu Lou - Free Located on Yamen Street, it's photogenic 5️⃣Baichuan Tong - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, a famous Qing Dynasty bank 6️⃣Escort Agency - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, it introduces the history of the escort agency 7️⃣Xietongqing - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, it's an underground vault and banking museum 8️⃣City Tower - Free Located on Nan Dajie, it's the highest point in the ancient city center, photogenic, and the night view is also here, no night view elsewhere 9️⃣Rishengchang - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, the first private institution specializing in deposits, loans, and currency exchange, a pioneer in the banking industry 🔟Martial Temple - Free Located on Academy Street, the roof is decorated with glazed tile beasts ⏸Confucian Temple - Ticket required Located on Confucian Temple Street, it's a Confucian temple, one of the only remaining Jin Dynasty buildings in China's Confucian temples . 🍜Food: ⭐️To be honest, Nan Dajie and Yamen Street are basically local people selling snacks from other places, not recommended! I went to a local food restaurant and the taste was very average ⭐️Later I found that there are many eateries on the street next to 'Xiaximen', which look more authentic, recommended are knife-cut noodles, dry-fried kaolao lao, although Pingyao beef is famous, but I'm afraid of being cheated in the ancient city ⭐️I transferred in Linfen, for friends who did the same, I recommend Linfen's beef meatball noodles, oily meat noodles, these noodle shops usually have barbecue, also very delicious · 🙆‍♀️I am Fei Shishi, who loves to share and never stops moving 📸Passionate about capturing the beauty of travel with my camera ❤️Follow me🤩 🙌Providing you with more travel photo and play strategies ·

Shanxi Pingyao Ancient City, which has endured more than two thousand years of vicissitudes, the architectural style and market life of the Ming and Qing dynasties, walking through the ancient streets and alleys, the years are peaceful, as if a cup of aged wine, exuding a rich Shanxi charm. Of course, the commercialization here is also very serious, with tourists everywhere, but if you like the history, ancient architecture, and snacks of Shanxi, then Pingyao Ancient City is still and definitely worth it. - 🚉How to get to Pingyao There are Pingyao Ancient City Station (high-speed rail station) and Pingyao Station, Pingyao Station is very close to Pingyao Ancient City, about a 10-minute walk; Pingyao Ancient City Station is about 6 kilometers from Pingyao Ancient City, you can take a taxi or bus route 108. - 📷Recommended travel route Enter from the South Gate➡️Nan Dajie➡️Wenmiao (Confucian Temple)➡️Chenghuang Temple➡️Pingyao County Office➡️Biaoju Museum (Escort Agency Museum)➡️Shilou (City Tower)➡️Majia Courtyard➡️Qingxu Guan (Taoist Temple)➡️Rishengchang Piaohao➡️Climb the city wall at Xi Xi Men➡️Descend the wall at Yingxun Gate➡️Exit from the South Gate. The ancient city is very crowded with tourists during the day and at night, walking is very crowded, but before 7:30 in the morning, there are few tourists in the streets and alleys, which is comfortable to walk around and convenient for taking photos. - 🎫No ticket is required to enter or exit Pingyao Ancient City To visit the 22 scenic spots inside the ancient city, you need to buy a ticket, which costs 125 yuan per person. The spots are crowded with tour groups, which is not a great experience. On the contrary, I really like to walk slowly in the ancient city. 'Again Seeing Pingyao' is a must-visit theater performance when coming to Pingyao Ancient City, and if time permits, it should not be missed. The theater is located outside the west city wall of Pingyao Ancient City. - ⭐️Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Spot Check-in ♦️Ancient City Wall, the time mark of Pingyao Ancient City, climbing the city tower to watch the sunset is very nice. ♦️Majia Courtyard, once the residence of the head of Pingyao, with Ming and Qing architectural styles, great for photography, and you can also overlook the entire Pingyao. ♦️Rishengchang Piaohao, the ancestor of Chinese banks, with a gold vault, silver vault, and even a secret passage. ♦️Pingyao County Government Office, originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, with a six-entry courtyard and more than two hundred rooms, it is like a miniature version of the imperial palace. ♦️Confucian Temple, originally built in the early years of the Tang Dynasty's Zhenguan period, it is the earliest surviving Confucian temple. ♦️Qingxu Guan, originally built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, contains buildings such as the Hall of the Three Purities, Jade Emperor Pavilion, and Hall of the Three Officials. - 🍭There are many delicious snacks in Pingyao Ancient City ✅Pingyao Beef✅Pingyao Bowl Coaster✅Knife-Cut Noodles✅Youmian Kaolao ✅Shanxi Guoyou Meat✅Bubble Oil Cake✅Changshanyao (Chinese Yam)✅Tofu Brain ✅Shuijianbao (Water-Fried Buns)✅Cat Ears✅Sea Buckthorn Juice✅Red Noodle Paste ✅Herb Meat✅Cao Family Smoked Meat.

It was founded during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou😎, and has a long history of more than 2800 years👏. The entire ancient city is composed of city walls, shops, streets, temples, and residential houses, forming a vast and magnificent architectural complex🤩. Its overall layout strictly follows the Bagua orientation🧐, ingeniously forming a Bagua pattern with four main streets, eight small alleys, and seventy-two winding lanes👀, while the South Street, East Street, West Street, Yamen Street, and Chenghuang Temple Street form a unique 'T'-shaped commercial street😜. Standing on the ancient city walls👣, accompanied by the beautiful sunset in the evening🌇, one can overlook the magnificent panorama of the entire ancient city🧐, as if traveling through a thousand years of time in an instant😍! The city walls are towering and majestic😃, witnessing the vicissitudes of time👀; the streets are narrow and winding😄, filled with an ancient charm🤓; the residential houses are well-arranged😉, displaying a unique architectural style🤗. Pingyao Ancient City🤝, is not only an architectural complex with profound historical significance🤜, but also a brilliant treasure of Chinese culture🤛. It carries the wisdom and emotions of people over thousands of years😇, showcasing the glory and heritage of the Chinese nation to the world🤝!

After I went out, I realized that traveling alone can be cool! And very happy! Free and at ease. After falling into severe mental internal conflict and emotional anxiety, a migrant worker (me) decisively and willfully gave myself a long vacation. I went out alone and visited 7 cities in 18 days. Jiangxi·Huangling, 2 days and 1 night. Jiangxi·Jingdezhen, 3 days and 2 nights. Hunan·Xiangxi, 3 days and 2 nights Chongqing, 5 days and 4 nights. Sichuan·Chengdu&Deyang, 5 days and 4 nights. Shaanxi Xi'an, 4 days and 3 nights. Shanxi Pingyao Ancient Town, 3 days and 2 nights. (The travel guide will be updated slowly in the future~) Traveling alone, sometimes as a special soldier, sometimes as a random roamer. You can visit the attractions you like two or three times. There is no need to plan your play time with a particularly strong purpose. Sleep until you wake up naturally and play as much as you want. However, there are some minor issues with traveling alone. You can only choose one-person meals. For places like hot pot and large restaurants, the cost is slightly higher for one person to eat, and it is easy to waste food if you can’t finish it. Three meals a day were irregular. I only thought of eating when I was hungry while walking around alone. No one shared the accommodation equally. If you are traveling on a budget, you may end up booking a room with mediocre overall quality. No one helped take photos. If you are not particularly interested in photo quality, you can also use a selfie stick or ask passersby to help. (For friends who yearn for freedom, these problems may not be problems at all haha~) The most important thing is to stay safe and stay healthy. No matter when or where, both come first. When traveling alone, be even more careful! To put it bluntly, in this journey of life, just do whatever comes to your mind! Because there is no time to be younger than now.

Food Street is the most popular snack street in Taiyuan If you want to try local specialties, you can check in here Next to it is the famous Liuxiang Pedestrian Street. Pingyao Ancient City is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities. There are many inns in the ancient city, and you can feel the ancient atmosphere when you are there.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Ping Yao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. Its urban fabric shows the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries. Getting There - I drove from Taiyuan, but you can take a high speed train. Attractions - The Ancient city itself, nice environment to walk around, rent a bike... Hotels - I would have stayed one night inside if I had time, so you can enjoy the city without too many people. Food & Restaurants - Some Chinese restaurants and lots of snack shops. Shopping - Main street with many shops. #culturalattraction

Pingyao ancient city fortification and defence. Well, those times were not very calm and peaceful, but Pingyao and its inhabitants were very rich. The strong and well developed defence system was necessary. Now we can observe some part and some artifacts like gunnery, double wall corridor with iron gate and cage. Inner space separating two gates are particularly interesting. The introduction and description are provided on the spot. Pingyao ancient City is very unusual and interesting place. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Bell Tower of Ming and Qing road. Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao city, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. This is the bell Tower if the Ming and Qing Road built centuries ago in the cross-road of two important streets here, in Pingyao. We are exactly in the center of Pingyao ancient city. Actually, this is the tallest building in whole ancient city of Pingyao. It is possible to climb there and all visitors are doing it. Then you will be rewarded by beautiful view on the ancient city and possibly to take pictures of main road in the city, still crowded and vivid like many centuries ago. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Catholic Church of Phingyao Ancient City, Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao city, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China. Well it was so unexpected to spot this type of building here in Pingyao ancient city, in the land of Confucius doctrine, but this Christian Catholic temple is historical mark and prove that missioners had reached this region and even founded their own temple here. By the way, the temple is still functioning. It's located right away from Confucius temple at the next cross-road. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Pingyao ancient city and its Newspaper Museum. Located in the heart of ancient City of Pingyao, included in two days combo ticket and it is very interesting and quite different compared to others places museum. The most interesting newspapers are collected here with drawings, articles comments and original design. The historical period of first half of twentieth century is completely presented here. Feel the atmosphere of those days. Probably this place will take no more than thirty minutes, but it definitely must visit. #museumquest#historicculture

Xie Tong Qing or Xietongqing (just different guides, books and websites are writing this name separately or together). Once again we are in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. And this well preserved through the centuries places Xie Tong Qing is the typical example of small museums in Pingyao ancient city combined together in the one by cultural heritage and as I like to express regarding Pingyao ancient city, the museum under the sky. It's true. Xie Tong Qing is decided into several sections of yards presenting here different artifacts of scenes of ancient City of Pingyao's life related to the trade, escort guards hiring and keeping earned gold. All of these is introduced in very interesting way, it seems you are really getting back to the ancient city of Pingyao. #summervacation

Tong Xing Gong is another place representing escort agency service which was in demand during flourishing of trade operations and merchant activities in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Yes, there is a lot of very interesting, useful and historically true information about ancient time escort agencies and their services. The museum expositions and introductions are illustrating how it was at that time, including the escort organization (front, middle, back, rear and several other parts having different tasks), elements of armour and weapon decor, skills of guards and ways of they were trained in. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture