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Pingyao Ancient City China Facts
Location: Kangning Road, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, China
Ticket: 125 yuan
Opening Hours:
Spring, Summer, Autumn (before October 9th): 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Winter (after October 9th): 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Best Time to Visit: April to May, September to October.
Recommended Duration: 1 Day
Buy Tickets in Advance or at the Place: In advance.
Pingyao Ancient City History: The Rise, Fall, and Revival
Perceptions of Pingyao throughout history:
| Before the 19th century | 20th century | 21st century |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Hub, China's First Bank, Wealthy Merchants. | Economic Decline, Outdated Buildings. | One of the Top Tourist Destinations in Shanxi. |
Pingyao Ancient City China is often grouped with Lijiang Old Town, Huizhou Ancient City, and Langzhong Ancient City as the Four Great Ancient Cities of China. Despite consistently ranking among the top Shanxi attractions, Pingyao Ancient City's path to becoming a cultural icon has been fraught with challenges.
- Rises far beyond other ancient cities: When you step into Pingyao Ancient City, you will feel a sense of weightiness, as it began to take shape as early as the 8th century BC. Its strategic location made it a magnet for merchants. If you could travel back in time, you could indulge your shopping desires here. Pingyao's most glorious achievement appeared in the 19th century when it became the financial center of China. The establishment of the Rishengchang Exchange solidified Pingyao's place in Chinese history. In today's terms, this was the Wall Street of ancient China.
- Fall and Revival: Pingyao declined with the disintegration of the feudal society. Pingyao ancient city wall still bear the scars of war, with visible cannonball holes. Forty years ago, these ancient buildings were on the verge of demolition, facing not tourists but bulldozers. Fortunately, Professor Ruan Yisan from a university was conducting research in Shanxi and, upon discovering Pingyao's plight, worked tirelessly to preserve it. Thanks to his efforts, we are able to appreciate the ancient city today.
Highlights: What to See in Pingyao Ancient City
Rishengchang Former Bank - China's First Bank
When visiting Pingyao Ancient City, China, a must-see is the Rishengchang Former Bank, located on the city's West Street. Founded in 1823, it began as a small dye shop before evolving into China's first bank. At its peak, it had 57 branches across 35 Chinese cities, with its business extending to Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond, earning it the prestigious title of "Bank that Connects the World." The name "Rishengchang" itself signifies a prosperous business that rises like the sun.
In ancient China, coins were cumbersome, with the largest ones as big as small potatoes and the smallest ones as tiny as modern coins. This bank replaced these heavy coins with lightweight paper money. As you explore the three courtyards, you'll discover a historical account room on the left, complete with an antique counter, unique security features, and preserved checks. Hidden beneath the floor tiles, a secret vault adds to the intrigue. Additionally, you can explore the former living quarters and kitchen.
Ancient County Government Office - Ancient Case Hearing Performance
A highlight of Ancient City of Pingyao is the preserved county government office. Situated on the north side of Ma Dao Street within the old city. It is one of the most complete ancient county-level government courtrooms in China. The leaders of Pingyao County during the Ming and Qing dynasties conducted their work and heard cases here. The entire courtyard is symmetrically distributed along the central axis, with the main hall, second hall, third hall, and prison as its core components.
The main hall was where public cases were heard. In ancient times, the public could come in to listen to the cases, similar to court observers today. There are ancient case-hearing performances at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:30 PM, and 4:50 PM daily. The second and third halls behind the main hall were used for private cases.
Ming and Qing Dynasties Street - Check City Tower & Taste Snacks
Let's head to the liveliest part of the ancient city - Ming and Qing Dynasties Street. It's the most representative ancient street in Pingyao, located on the central axis of the old city. The city's landmark building, the City Tower, is right on this street.
The street is lined with preserved Ming and Qing dynasty shops, featuring a connected roofline and a "shop in front, residence behind" design. These houses are at least a century old, but the interiors are completely modern. Here, you can savor local snacks like Pingyao beef and oil tea and take a rest.
Pingyao Ancient City Wall – Admire Sunset & Architecture
As one of China's most well-preserved ancient city walls, Pingyao's wall was a vital defense for the city. Strengthened in the 14th century to withstand attacks, its imposing 16-meter width and four-story height are immediately apparent.
You can climb the ancient city wall from the south gate at 5:30 PM to enjoy the sunset. As you walk, you can explore the secrets of the wall. You'll find that the wall has a slight slope, which was part of the ancient city's drainage system designed to prevent the wall from collapsing due to rainwater. This allowed rainwater to quickly drain into the water channels on the inner side of the wall. There are also 72 small towers along the wall, a number that reflects Confucius' hope for a world without war.
Beneath the ancient city walls, the lives of ordinary people unfolded. Jujubes hung heavy on the branches of trees, workers repaired rooftops, and tricycles sold fresh milk along the streets. The pungent aroma of vinegar wafted from a nearby factory, while pigeons soared above the beautiful tiled roofs. Centuries ago, the soldiers who guarded the city would have looked down from these same walls and seen similar scenes of everyday life playing out in the courtyards below.
An interesting find: The north wall of Pingyao, specifically the West Upper Gate, bears the scars of gunfire from the 1930s.
City God Temple - Ancient Prayer Site
This temple, situated at 51 Chenghuangmiao Street in the ancient city of Pingyao, is a captivating blend of architectural styles and religious beliefs. Originally built in the early Ming Dynasty, the temple has undergone numerous reconstructions, with its current structure dating back to the 19th century. Adorned with beautiful blue-green glazed tiles, Qing Dynasty murals, and colorful clay sculptures, the temple is a visual feast for visitors. Its unique fusion of Confucianism and Taoism adds to its cultural significance.
You could experience the tradition of burning incense, a customary practice in ancient China. Historically, local people would visit the City God Temple to offer their respects to the City God and seek blessings of safety and prosperity. This tradition stemmed from an ancient belief in land deities, who were thought to protect cities and their inhabitants. In times past, the temple also served as a sanctuary for the homeless.
Special Activities of Pingyao Ancient City
Now that we've explored the best of ancient Pingyao, let's switch things up and enjoy some modern fun within the old city walls.
Pingyao Chinese New Year: If you visit Pingyao Ancient City China in January or February, you'll find it far from quiet. The Pingyao Chinese New Year festivities create a vibrant atmosphere. Since 2006, every year from the 23rd of the 12th lunar month to the 16th of the first lunar month, the city hosts folk performances like Yangge, dragon dances, and lion dances. While you may have seen similar performances in Chinatown, here, the performers are mostly ordinary people from nearby towns, performing in local dialects with various instruments tied around their waists. It's a unique experience you won't find anywhere else. You can also enjoy lantern festivals, savor local cuisine, and purchase lacquerware, a non-material cultural heritage item.
Pingyao International Film Festival: The annual Pingyao International Film Festival, which takes place every October, offers a diverse selection of films from international directors and cinematic classics. After a day of sightseeing in the ancient city, tourists can enjoy a leisurely movie experience.
Pingyao International Photography Festival: Established in 2001, is a globally renowned event held annually from September to October within the ancient city. Each year, China's trendy social media platform, Xiaohongshu (similar to Instagram), is flooded with captivating photographs submitted by enthusiasts. If you're a photography lover, you can also apply to exhibit your work. This journey will leave you with more than just travel memories.
Nightly Light Show: The Ancient City of Pingyao hosts a nightly light show from 9:00 PM to 9:18 PM at the south gate. Through light and sound, the show recounts Pingyao's glorious past as China's financial center. The theme of the light show changes each year. For the best viewing experience, head to the viewing platforms on the east and west sides of the square.
How to Visit Ancient City of Pingyao?
Pingyao Ancient City is best explored on foot. While there are small sightseeing buses and shuttle buses available for a fee, the city's compact size makes walking the most enjoyable way to experience its charm. Large vehicles are restricted to preserve the city's historic atmosphere.
Ticket tips: Your 125 yuan entrance ticket grants you three days of access to all the attractions. Remember, each ticket can only be used once per site, so be sure to keep it safe.
Route of One Day Trip: South Gate (南门) -> Rishengchang Former Bank (日升昌票号) -> Xietongqing Draft Bank (协同庆票号) -> Ancient County Government Office (县衙) -> Ming and Qing Dynasties Street (明清大街) -> Temple of City God (城隍庙) -> Pingyao Ancient City Wall (平遥古城墙) -> Nightly Light Show (灯光秀) -> South Gate (南门)
The attractions within Pingyao Ancient City are quite concentrated, so I recommend starting with the most exciting ones.
After entering through the South Gate (南门), walk north for about 13 minutes to reach the Rishengchang Former Bank (日升昌票号). There, you can see ancient account books with characters written from top to bottom, as well as the layout of ancient houses and kitchen utensils. Opposite Rishengchang, a 3-minute walk south will take you to Xietong Draft Bank (协同庆票号). Though not as famous as Rishengchang, it's still one of Pingyao's renowned ancient banks, most famous for its over 200-square-meter underground vault. Your guide will ask you to touch the dragon head sculpture at the entrance for good luck. Continue south for another 10 minutes to reach the Ancient County Government Office (县衙). You can catch the 11:00 AM county court trial performance (if you miss it, consider scheduling this attraction for 3:30 PM).
Step out of the County Office and stroll eastward for five minutes to arrive at Pingyao Ancient City's bustling Ming and Qing Dynasties Street (明清大街). Savor a delicious lunch along this 400-meter thoroughfare and take in the iconic Pingyao City Tower (市楼). Retrace your steps southward back to the South Gate, where you can relax in the square beneath the Ancient City Wall (古城墙). Ascend the wall for breathtaking panoramic views of Pingyao and watch the sunset paint the sky. After descending, explore the city at your leisure and enjoy a delightful dinner before returning to the South Gate for the enchanting 9:00 PM light show. Conclude your journey by exiting Ping Yao Ancient City through the South Gate.
How to Get to Pingyao Ancient City?
By Air: There is no airport in Pingyao. The nearest airport is Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, approximately 100 kilometers from Pingyao Ancient City. From Taiyuan, it takes 45 minutes by high-speed train and 1.2 hours by car to reach Pingyao.
By High Speed Train: Pingyao has its own high-speed rail station, Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station. Tourists can take the high-speed train to Pingyao from major cities like Beijing and Xi'an. Within Shanxi province, you can also take the high-speed train from Datong or Taiyuan.
Beijing to Pingyao: 3.6h
Xian to Pingyao: 3h
Datong to Pingyao: 3.5h
Taiyuan to Pingyao: 45mins
Best Time to Visit Pingyao Ancient City China
The optimal time to experience Pingyao is during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October.
During April and May, the weather gradually warms up, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 11°C to a pleasant 25°C. Enjoy the city's temples adorned with blossoming trees and flowers while the skies remain mostly sunny or cloudy. A light jacket is all you'll need.
As autumn arrives from September to October, the weather remains mild but with increased rainfall. The city's foliage transforms into hues of yellow, creating a picturesque ambiance. It's recommended to pack two jackets to accommodate the slight chill.
Where to Stay in Ancient City of Pingyao
The ancient city is brimming with charming accommodations to suit every traveler. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle, the East, West, South, and Yamen-Chenghuang Temple streets offer a vibrant atmosphere.
For a more peaceful retreat, consider Shaxiang Street in the southwestern part of the city. You can expect to find comfortable lodgings within a price range of 100 to 500 RMB.
Plan a Pingyao Ancient City Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel
A single day is typically enough for most travelers to explore the renowned Pingyao Ancient City and the nearby Shuanglin Temple. However, if you're eager to discover more of the region's historical gems, a two-day itinerary could include visits to the ancient Zhangbi Castle and the opulent Wang's Family Compound.
To fully immerse yourself in Shanxi's rich history and culture, many tourists opt for a more extended journey. A popular choice is a four-day Datong Pingyao tour, starting in Datong to marvel at the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple before continuing to Pingyao. Another option is a four-day Pingyao to Xian tour, allowing you to experience the ancient capitals - Xian.
4 Days Datong Pingyao Tour:
Day 1-2 Datong Tour:Yungang Grottoes, Nine Dragon Screen Wall, Huayan Temple, Biking on City Wall of Datong, Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Day 3-4 Pingyao Tour: Pingyao Ancient City, Shuanglin Temple, Zhangbi Ancient Castle, Wang's Family Compound
4 Days Pingyao Xian Tour:
Day 1-2 Pingyao Tour: Pingyao Ancient City, Shuanglin Temple, Zhangbi Ancient Castle, Wang's Family Compound
Day 3-4 Xian Tour: Terracotta Warriors Museum, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Da Ci'en Temple, Shaanxi History Museum
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