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Get from Taiyuan to Pingyao: by Train & Private Car 2025

Written by Roxy Kai|Updated: 2024-12-17

Pingyao is located southwest of Taiyuan, approximately 94 kilometers away. This short distance makes it a convenient day trip or a quick stop on a longer itinerary. With high-speed trains completing the journey in just 46 minutes, normal trains taking around an hour and ten minutes, and a driving time of about an hour and 22 minutes, getting from Taiyuan to Pingyao is quite easy.

Starting your journey from the capital of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, you can easily reach the Pingyao Ancient City. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, delve into the history of Chinese banking at the Rishengchang Former Bank, and wander through the ancient government offices of the Yamen. Stroll along the Ming and Qing Dynasty streets, savoring local delicacies, and visit the City God Temple for a glimpse into the lives of ancient Chinese residents. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of this ancient city.

This article is about how to get from Taiyuan to Pingyao. Check the following 2 travel ways – by Taiyuan to Pingyao train, private car - to gather preferred options to plan your Taiyuan to Pingyao itinerary.

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  • triangleTaiyuan to Pingyao Train (Most Recommend)
  • triangleTaiyuan to Pingyao Private Car
  • triangleHow to Plan Your Taiyuan to Pingyao Trip with Asia Odyssey Travel?

Taiyuan to Pingyao Train (Most Recommend)

With no airport in Pingyao, the high-speed rail is the fastest and most convenient way to get there from Taiyuan.

Taiyuan to Pingyao Train Schedules

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Taiyuan to Pingyao Train Comparison (High Speed Train vs Normal Speed Train)

Taiyuan to Pingyao Bullet Train vs Taiyuan to Pingyao Normal Train:

Type Departure Station Arrival Station Fares Duration Seat Comfort Distance from Pingyao Ancient City
G-train Taiyuannan Railway Station Pingyaogucheng Railway Station Second Class: 28.5, First Class: 46, Business: 86 46mins Okay for short distances. A bit of a distance away (need to take a vehicle)
K-Train Taiyuan Railway Station Pingyao Railway Station Hard Seat: 16.5, Hard Sleeper: 62.5, Soft Sleeper: 96.5 1.2-1.5h Lower, so might not be comfortable for long trips. Close (directly to the ancient city)
  • Speed: Bullet trains typically travel at speeds between 300-350 kilometers per hour, significantly faster than conventional trains, which usually operate at around 120 kilometers per hour. As a result, bullet train will get you to Pingyao much quicker.
  • Taiyuan to Pingyao Train Fares: Conventional trains generally offer the most affordable ticket prices.
  • Seat Comfort: Seats on bullet train are wider and more spacious, with adjustable backrests and armrests for increased comfort. Second-class seats have 5 seats per row, while first-class carriages have 4 seats per row, and business class has 3 seats per row. In contrast, seats on conventional trains are narrower and closer together, with five seats per row and no adjustable features.
  • Distance to Pingyao Ancient City: The conventional train station is located closer to the ancient city, making it possible to walk directly from the station. The high speed railway station, however, is situated a bit farther away, requiring passengers to take a bus or taxi to reach the ancient city.
  • Amenities: High speed trains are equipped with modern amenities such as power outlets for charging electronic devices, clean and well-maintained interiors, and often offer additional services like Wi-Fi. Conventional trains may have limited or no amenities.

Choose Taiyuan to Pingyao High Speed Train or Normal Speed Train?

If you need to arrive in Pingyao quickly and have requirements for the train environment, choose the Taiyuan to Pingyao high-speed train. Although the high-speed train station is a bit far from Pingyao Ancient City, you can take a taxi to get there quickly.

If you want a lower ticket price and a station closer to Pingyao Ancient City, choose Taiyuan to Pingyao regular speed train.

Taiyuan to Pingyao Train Railway Stations

Taiyuan to Pingyao High Speed Train:

  • Departure Station - Taiyuannan Railway Station (太原南站): This is a major high-speed railway station in Taiyuan City. It is situated on the F2 floor of Taiyuan South Station, East Entrance, located at Nan Zhonghuan Street, Xiadian District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China. You can take Metro Line 2 or Bus No. 79 or No. 908 to reach the station directly.
  • Arrival Station - Pingyaogucheng Railway Station (平遥古城站): These three high-speed trains from Taiyuan to Pingyao all arrive at Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station. Pingyao Ancient City Station serves all high-speed trains that stop at Pingyao. The station is located on Wenjing Avenue in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, and is approximately 6-7 kilometers from the tourist destination of Pingyao Ancient City. Upon exiting the station, the primary modes of transportation for travelers are bus and taxi.
Taiyuannan Railway Station
Taiyuannan Railway Station
Pingyaogucheng Railway Station
Pingyaogucheng Railway Station

Taiyuan to Pingyao Normal Train

  • Departure Station - Taiyuan Railway Station (太原站): Taiyuan Railway Station holds a pivotal position within the regional transportation network. It serves as a crucial hub connecting the North China, Northwest China, and Northeast China regions, and is also the transportation center for Taiyuan City and its surrounding areas. Located at 2, Jianshe Nan Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China, the station can be reached by taking Bus No. 1, Bus No. 6, or Bus No. 10 from within the city.

  • Arrival Station - Pingyao Railway Station (平遥站): Despite its modest size, Pingyao Station serves as a crucial entrance to the renowned Pingyao Ancient City. You can find it at 14 Zhongdu Road in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province.

Taiyuan Railway Station
Taiyuan Railway Station
Pingyao Railway Station
Pingyao Railway Station

How do I Get to Pingyao Ancient City from Railway Station?

  • From Pingyaogucheng Railway Station to Pingyao Ancient City: The ancient city is about 12 kilometers away. Exit the station and take either Bus No. 108 or a taxi. The bus costs 1 yuan and takes about 30 minutes. Note that Bus 108 has a north and south route. The north route goes to the north gate of the ancient city, and the south route goes to the south gate. Taxis cost 20 yuan per person (shared rides) and take 16 minutes.
  • From Pingyao Railway Station to Pingyao Ancient City: It's 2-3 kilometers away from the ancient city. Take Bus No. 21 and get off at the north gate of the ancient city. The fare is 3 yuan and the journey takes 22 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi there in 3 minutes for 6 yuan.

Taiyuan to Pingyao Private Car

To avoid potential train delays or fatigue from long travel times, opt for a private car service from Taiyuan to Pingyao. Asia Odyssey Travel offers a convenient door-to-door service, providing experienced drivers and English-speaking guides knowledgeable about Pingyao and its surrounding attractions, including hotel arrangements.

We provide personalized private car services tailored to your specific needs. We will pick you up at a designated location in Taiyuan and take you directly to the ancient city of Pingyao. The private car journey from Taiyuan to Pingyao typically takes around 1.5 hours.

Consult Asia Odyssey Travel for your Taiyuan to Pingyao Trip.

How to Plan Your Taiyuan to Pingyao Trip with Asia Odyssey Travel?

As China travel specialists for 13 years, Asia Odyssey Travel has developed expert knowledge in creating itineraries for destinations like Taiyuan and Pingyao. We can help you plan a memorable trip to Shanxi Province.

Spend 1 Day in Taiyuan

What to See: Jinci Temple

To quickly get a feel for Taiyuan, a visit to Jinci is a must. As the crown jewel of Taiyuan's attractions, Jinci boasts a history dating back to the 10th century BC, renowned for its exquisite architecture and garden artistry from various dynasties. Spend 2-3 hours exploring this famous royal garden and marvel at its "Three Wonders": the Naolao Spring, the Maid Servant Statues, and the Zhou Cypress and Tang Parasol Tree.

The Nanlao Spring is celebrated for its perpetual flow of crystal-clear, sweet water. People believe its name promises longevity. Step into the Saint Mother Hall and encounter the lifelike Maid Servant Statues. These colorful sculptures, each with their own unique charm, showcase the superb craftsmanship of Song Dynasty sculpture. The Zhou Cypress and Tang Parasol Tree, two ancient trees growing at an acute angle, have witnessed Jinci's long history and are now must-see spots for visitors of a certain age.

With the rest of your time in Taiyuan, why not stroll through the streets, soaking up the local atmosphere, or simply relax and organize your belongings.

Spend 2 Days in Pingyao

Attractions: Pingyao Ancient City (Rishengchang Former Bank, Ming and Qing Dynasties Street, Temple of City God, Ancient City Wall of Pingyao), Zhangbi Ancient Castle, Wang's Family Compound.

Visit the Rishengchang Former Bank, China's first bill exchange bank. You can gain a basic understanding of the original banking system of the past. Take a leisurely stroll to the county government office and learn about ancient courts. Wander through the bustling traditional Ming and Qing Dynasties streets, taking you back to the prosperous market of the past. Sit by the street and sip some oil tea. Then, visit the City God Temple and admire the exquisite wood carvings, paintings, and sculptures in the ancient temple. Climb the ancient city wall and catch a glimpse of the rooftops of the ancient buildings. If the weather is good, you can capture the sunset view of the ancient city wall.

Recommended 6 Days Datong Wutaishan Taiyuan Pingyao Tour

Shanxi offers more than just the historical charm of Taiyuan and the ancient city of Pingyao. Many visitors spend six days exploring the province, with Datong and Mount Wutai being popular destinations in addition to Taiyuan and Pingyao. Why not plan a six-day trip?

Attractions: Yungang Grottoes, Nine Dragon Wall, Huayan Temple, Datong City Wall, Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Mount Wutai, Pingyao Ancient City, Zhangbi Ancient Castle, Wang's Family Compound.

On the first day: Visit to the magnificent Yungang Grottoes, home to an array of exquisite Buddhist sculptures. Marvel at the Nine Dragon Wall, a testament to the imperial power of dragons in ancient China, and their role as auspicious protectors against evil spirits. Immerse yourself in the solar cult of the Liao Dynasty Khitans at Huayan Temple. Take a leisurely stroll along the City Wall of Datong, gaining insights into ancient military defenses.

On the second day: pump up the adrenaline with a visit to the Hanging Temple, precariously perched on a sheer cliff face. Afterward, delve into the intricate puzzle-like design of the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.

Spend days three and four: Explore the ancient temples of Mount Wutai. Following your visit to Mount Wutai, journey to Jinci in Taiyuan, a royal sacrificial garden.

Days five and six: Go to the ancient city of Pingyao. Wander through the Rishengchang Exchange, Ming and Qing Streets, and the City God Temple, gaining a glimpse into the city's ancient way of life. Conclude your Shanxi adventure with visits to the Zhangbi Ancient Fortress and Wang Family Compound.

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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