Pingyao Ancient City

Chinese name: 平遥古城
Foreign name: The Ancient City of Ping Yao
Location: Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
山西省晋中市平遥县康宁路
Land area: 2.25 km²
Opening hours: All day heritage type World cultural heritage
Approval time: December 1997
Attraction level: AAAAA level

Pingyao Ancient City

Step Into the Past: Discover the Timeless Charm of Pingyao Ancient City

A Living Museum of Ancient China

Nestled in the heart of Shanxi Province, Pingyao Ancient City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into China’s storied past. With its well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pingyao is often described as an “open-air museum.” Walking through its cobblestone streets, you’ll find traditional courtyards, ancient temples, and vibrant markets, all enclosed by majestic city walls that have stood for over 600 years.

Explore Historical and Cultural Treasures

Pingyao is home to numerous cultural landmarks, including the Rishengchang Exchange House, regarded as China’s first bank, and the Confucian Temple, which showcases ancient educational and religious traditions. The city’s impressive City Wall, complete with 72 watchtowers, provides panoramic views of this historic gem. Each corner of Pingyao brims with stories of commerce, governance, and daily life during imperial times.

Authentic Experiences in Every Corner

Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by staying in traditional courtyard inns, sampling authentic Shanxi cuisine, and participating in traditional crafts like paper-cutting and lacquerware painting. The annual Pingyao International Film Festival adds a modern twist, blending global art with the city’s historical backdrop.

Why Pingyao Should Be on Your Travel List

Pingyao Ancient City is a destination that combines history, culture, and authenticity. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience life as it was centuries ago, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone looking for a unique travel experience.

Plan Your Journey to Pingyao Today!

Step back in time and explore the wonders of Pingyao Ancient City. Let its timeless charm and cultural richness leave you with unforgettable memories!

Pingyao Ancient City Video

Pingyao Ancient City Tourist Map

Pingyao Ancient City Travel Guide

Accommodation in Pingyao Ancient City

In the ancient city: The accommodation in the ancient city of Pingyao is mainly the antique folk inn in the courtyard.inside room,there are earth kangs, twin beds, big beds, etc.
Outside the ancient city: outside the ancient city of Pingyao refers to the peripheral new city centered on the ancient city of Pingyao. The hotels outside the city are mainly modern hotels. The distance from the ancient city of Pingyao is not very far, and some of them are just at the gate of the ancient city of Pingyao.

Route recommendation

Day trip:

Great South Gate of the Ancient City→Ancient City Wall→Confucian Temple Museum→Town God’s Temple, Temple of God of Wealth→Dining, Watching “Shanxi Merchants Pronunciation”→Qingxu Guan→Rishengchang Ticket Office→South Street→Synergies Celebration Bank Ticket Museum→County Government Office of the Qing Dynasty Visit→Large-scale sitcom “Meet Pingyao Again” 古城大南门→古城墙→文庙博物院→城隍庙、财神庙→就餐，观看“晋商乡音”→清虚观→日升昌票号→南大街→协同庆票号博物馆→清代县衙署并参观→大型情景剧《又见平遥》

Two-day tour:

Day 1: Great South Gate of the Ancient City → Ancient City Wall → Confucian Temple Museum → Chenghuang Temple, Temple of Wealth → Qingxu Temple → Rishengchang Ticket Office → Dining, watching the performance of “Shanxi Merchants’ Pronunciation” → South Street → Synergy Celebration Ticket Account Museum, Escort Bureau Museums and other scenic spots→County Government Offices in the Qing Dynasty→Large-scale sitcom “Seeing Pingyao Again” 第一天：古城大南门→古城墙→文庙博物院→城隍庙、财神庙→清虚观→日升昌票号→就餐，观赏“晋商乡音”演出→南大街→协同庆票号博物馆、镖局博物馆等景点→清代县衙署→大型情景剧《又见平遥》

Day 2: Shuanglin Temple Painted Sculpture Art Museum → Zhenguo Temple 双林寺彩塑艺术博物馆→镇国寺

Things to do and see when visiting Pingyao Ancient Town:

1.Walk the city walls

The ancient town is surrounded by well-preserved walls that are 12 meters high and 6 kilometers long. Visitors can walk along the walls for a unique view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

2.Visit the ancient buildings

Pingyao Ancient Town is home to more than 4,000 ancient buildings, including temples, government offices, and traditional courtyard houses. Some of the most popular buildings to visit include the Rishengchang Draft Bank, the first draft bank in China, and the Confucius Temple, a temple dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher.

3.Explore the museums

There are several museums in Pingyao Ancient Town that showcase the town’s history and culture, including the Pingyao County Museum, the Ancient City Museum, and the Pingyao Folk Museum.

4.Experience the local culture

Pingyao Ancient Town is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Chinese operas, folk arts, and local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, shop for local handicrafts, and try traditional dishes like Pingyao beef and sesame cake.

5.Take a day trip to nearby attractions

Pingyao Ancient Town is located near several other popular tourist destinations, including the Qiao Family Compound, a large complex of traditional courtyard houses, and the Shuanglin Temple, a Buddhist temple known for its ancient sculptures.