谋生咖啡馆

A cafe on Shaxiang Street in Pingyao Ancient City. When I passed by the scenic area tour bus, I saw the name of "Making a Living Cafe" and was deeply impressed. I turned back and walked along the street, found the shop and went in to check it out. The cafe is indeed decorated with a literary and artistic atmosphere, with simple decoration and rich colors. Most of the customers are young tourists, some chatting and some dozing off. There are also local teenagers who gather together to drink and do homework. I ordered a cup of Dirty to get rid of the summer heat, and then asked for a special osmanthus latte. The rim of the cup was covered with a circle of nut crumbs, which had a unique flavor. The sun slowly set in the west, sipping coffee, browsing the circle of friends, and the leisurely afternoon time was very beautiful.

Before coming to Pingyao, I thought it was just a tourist attraction surrounded by ancient city walls. Only after arriving did I discover that it hides a captivating slow-paced lifestyle. Stay in an Old Shanxi Merchant's Residence This time, I stayed at the Red Lantern Guild Hall in the ancient city, a courtyard converted from an old house. Waking up to birdsong in the morning, sitting on the stone benches in the courtyard drinking tea, watching the sunlight filter through the carved window lattices, it felt as if I could hear the footsteps of Shanxi merchants from a hundred years ago. The owner enthusiastically chatted about the history of the old house; this immersive living experience added a touch of time travel to my trip. Experiencing the Local Flavors of the Ancient City This time, we ate at Baishanxi Restaurant on South Street. Their steamed rice cakes topped with tomato sauce were sweet and sour, very appetizing; the Pingyao beef had distinct marbling and a savory flavor; the yellow millet cake was soft, sweet, and refreshing, paired with osmanthus honey—the perfect dessert after a meal. Dining in the antique-style lobby, with its wooden tables and chairs, blue brick walls, and even the tableware, all exuded the characteristics of Shanxi. A Little Afternoon Happiness After a tiring stroll, we stopped at the Mousheng Coffee & Bar on Shaxiang Street for a break. We ordered a special coffee served in a covered bowl and simply relaxed in the century-old courtyard. The shop's little dog, "Ears," would obediently lie at our feet, and in the evenings, folk singers would perform. It didn't feel like a coffee shop; it felt more like a haven in the ancient city where we could unwind. Intangible Cultural Heritage at Our Fingertips We stopped at Yonglonghao on Mingqing Street. In the backyard, we could see artisans polishing lacquerware, repeatedly buffing it until the surface was as smooth and lustrous as jade. This thousand-year-old craft still thrives in the hands of these artisans. Simply appreciating these exquisite objects without any specific purpose is a pleasure in itself. Ancient City Stroll Route ▪️Morning: Watch the sunrise from the city wall and feel the ancient city awaken. ▪️Morning: Learn about the wisdom of Shanxi merchants at Rishengchang Exchange House, and watch a court hearing performance at the county government office. ▪️Noon: Sample local delicacies. ▪️Afternoon: Experience the imperial examination culture at the Confucian Temple, and appreciate intangible cultural heritage techniques at a lacquerware shop. ▪️Evening: Watch the lanterns light up one by one on Ming and Qing Street. ▪️Evening: If time permits, consider watching the "Encounter Pingyao" performance. Travel Tips - Walking is the only way to explore the ancient city, so comfortable shoes are essential. - The pass includes 22 attractions and is valid for three days. - There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so remember to bring a jacket. - Don't rush to see the attractions; wandering around the streets and alleys is more enjoyable. In Pingyao, the best way to travel is to slow down. The old houses hidden in the alleys, the fragrant food stalls, and the crafts passed down to this day all tell the story of this living ancient city. Coming here, you don't feel like a tourist, but rather a temporary guest staying in history.

Pingyao Ancient City Travel Guide | How to Get Around the City Without Getting Lost As one of the four best-preserved ancient cities, Pingyao Ancient City is truly worth a visit! After three days and two nights in Pingyao, I've compiled this nanny-level guide to help you explore Pingyao! Itinerary Day 1: Ancient City Wall → Rishengchang Bank → County Government Office → Ming and Qing Street Day 2: Confucian Temple → City God Temple → Xietongqing Bank → Qingxu Temple Day 3: Escort Agency Museum → North China's First Escort Agency → Ma Family Courtyard Attraction Details Ancient City Wall: We recommend starting at 8 AM for less crowds and better lighting. The entire walk is approximately 2.5 kilometers and takes 1.5 hours. Rising Bank: The ancestor of China's banking industry, where you can learn more about Shanxi merchants. County Government Office: The largest surviving ancient government office. The court performances are a must-see (9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:30 PM). Ming and Qing Street: At its most beautiful in the evening, when the red lanterns are lit, the atmosphere is truly captivating. Unique Places Worth Visiting For dinner, head to Baishanxi Restaurant on South Street. They offer authentic Pingyao cuisine, including delicious and unique dishes like kaoluoluo and Pingyao beef. Mousheng Coffee and Bistro on Shaxiang Street offers a relaxing break. They serve specialty drinks like gaiwan coffee and even feature folk music performances in the evenings, creating a truly delightful atmosphere. At Yonglonghao on Ming and Qing Street, you can witness the craftsmanship of Pingyao's polished lacquerware and learn about this intangible cultural heritage. We stayed at the Red Lantern Guildhall, a converted traditional courtyard house that offered shuttle service. The courtyard ambiance retains the characteristics of a Shanxi merchant residence. Practical Tips 1. We recommend purchasing the Ancient City Pass (125 RMB), which includes access to 22 attractions. 2. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking throughout the Old City. 3. The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so remember to bring a jacket. 4. Book your tickets three days in advance if you want to see "Encounter Pingyao." 5. Best times for photography: 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Pingyao's charm needs to be experienced slowly. We recommend planning at least two days to fully appreciate the unique charm of this vibrant ancient city. Remember to slow down and walk around the streets and alleys, you might find something unexpected.

How to get the most out of your trip to Pingyao? Save this tried-and-true guide to easily explore this ancient city! Recommended Classic Tour Itineraries One-Day Tour In the morning, ascend the ancient city wall from Yingxun Gate to experience the stunning morning scenery of the ancient city. Then, visit Rishengchang, China's first banknote exchange, to learn about Shanxi merchant culture. After lunch at Baishanxi Restaurant on South Street, visit the Pingyao County Yamen at 3:30 PM to watch a court performance. In the evening, stroll along Ming and Qing Street to admire the nightscape of the ancient city. Two-Day In-Depth Tour Day 1: Ancient City Wall → Rishengchang → Xietongqing Banknote Exchange → County Yamen → Confucian Temple Day 2: City God Temple → Escort Agency Museum → Qingxu Temple → City Tower for panoramic views Unmissable Experiences Walking the Ancient City Wall It is recommended to ascend the wall around 8:00 AM or 5:00 PM when the light is softer and fewer tourists are, making it ideal for taking photos. The entire walk takes about 1.5 hours and offers panoramic views of the ancient city. Exploring the Mysteries of the Piaohao (Banks) Both Rishengchang and Xietongqing are worth a detailed visit. It's recommended to listen to the guided tours to gain a deeper understanding of the business acumen and culture of the Shanxi merchants. Watching Performances at the County Yamen Multiple court performances are held daily, at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., and 3:30 p.m. This well-preserved ancient government building offers a glimpse into the ancient judicial system. Dining The Old City offers a wide variety of dining options, with numerous restaurants along South Street. Among them, Baishanxi, located on South Street, offers local specialty noodles, including Pingyao beef dipped in vinegar, local specialties like kuoluoluo, and fried pork. For a break from the walk, Mousheng Coffee and Bistro on Shaxiang Street offers drinks and snacks in a unique atmosphere. Cultural Experiences Those interested in traditional crafts can visit the Yonglonghao Lacquerware Shop. Here, you can showcase local lacquerware craftsmanship, learn about the production process, and purchase a souvenir to take home. Accommodation Recommendations The ancient city boasts numerous accommodations renovated from traditional courtyards, such as the Red Lantern Guildhall, located in the heart of the city. Choosing to stay within the city allows you to fully experience its atmosphere both morning and evening. Pingyao Ancient City is a historic city that demands a slow pace. Slow down and savor the experience, and you'll discover the unique charm of this World Heritage site. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip better. I wish you a pleasant trip to Pingyao!

If you only have one day to explore Pingyao, this itinerary is the perfect way to go! Start your day at 7:00 AM at the Ancient City Wall! We recommend climbing the wall from Yingxun Gate for the perfect morning light and panoramic views of the ancient city. Walk along the wall and feel the thousand-year-old city awaken. At 9:00 AM, visit Rishengchang Piaohao, the rural ancestor of Chinese banking. A guided tour will provide a deeper understanding of Shanxi merchant culture and the operational wisdom of the Piaohao. At 12:00 PM, have lunch at Baishanxi Restaurant on South Street, Pingyao's busiest commercial street. Try local snacks like bowl trays and kaoluoluo (a type of glutinous rice cake) for 30 to 50 yuan per person. At 2:00 PM, visit the Pingyao County Yamen, the largest surviving ancient government office in my country. Be sure to watch the "Shengting" performance; the lively performance will transport you back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. At 3:00 PM, if you're tired of strolling around, visit the Yonglonghao Lacquerware Shop on Ming and Qing Street. Their polished lacquerware is one of Pingyao's three treasures. Watch the artisans meticulously polish the lacquerware and experience the charm of this intangible cultural heritage. At 4:00 PM, after strolling through the main streets, explore the side alleys. Mousheng Coffee and Bistro is a perfect spot for an afternoon respite. Enjoy a warm pot of tea and a snack. At 7:00 PM, after dinner, see the "Encore Pingyao" performance. This immersive, situational drama is well worth the trip. It's recommended to book tickets in advance and wear comfortable shoes, as you'll need to follow the actors' transitions. At 9:00 PM, return to the Red Lantern Inn for a restful night. A local breakfast will be served the next day. The entire interior is equipped with smart home technology and is clean. A friendly reminder: Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking throughout the day. The attractions are close together, allowing for a leisurely stroll. Remember to bring a jacket, as Pingyao nights can be quite cool. For local souvenirs, Pingyao beef and polished lacquerware are great options.