6 Best Things to do in Pingyao: Pingyao Attractions (with Itinerary)

Pingyao Ancient City (UNESCO): Step Back in Time

Pingyao Ancient City, Shanxi

Temple of City God of Pingyao Ancient City

Undoubtedly, the number one thing to do in Pingyao is visiting the Pingyao Ancient City (平遥古城), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the star attraction of Pingyao attractions.
 

The intricate roof design, grey bricks, and towering walls all attest to its 2800-year history. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China and was known as the financial center of China in the 19th century.

Things to do in Pingyao ancient city focus on exploring Rishengchang Former Bank (日升昌票号)and ancient streets. Rishengchang Former Bank often referred to as China's first private financial institution. It started as a humble dye shop. For tourists, it offers a unique glimpse into the world of business.

Rishengchang Former Bank

Rishengchang Former Bank

Travelers can also check other attractions like the county government offices, the City God Temple, and the city wall. Around 10,000 locals continue to live within the ancient walls, their simple lives unfolding behind doors where laundry might be drying or a book being read. It's a captivating blend of the old and the everyday.

Admire the UNESCO-listed Sculptures of Shuanglin and Zhenguo Temples

Pingyao Ancient Government Office

Pingyao South Gate

One of things to do in Pingyao China is exploring nearby ancient temples, such as Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple. These sites, along with Pingyao Ancient City, are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Check out what to do at Pingyao attractions.

Shuanglin Temple: Where Colorful Sculptures Reign

Pingyao Shuanglin Temple

Dating back to the 6th century, Shuanglin Temple is a masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist sculpture. Its thousands of vibrantly painted clay figures, from serene Buddhas to dynamic Devas, have earned it the prestigious title of "Treasure House of Oriental Colored Sculpture Art." Each sculpture tells a story, revealing centuries of artistic evolution. As you enter the temple, you'll be transported to a celestial realm filled with deities and mortals, a microcosm of the universe itself. This enchanting temple has even served as inspiration for the video game, Black Myth: Wukong.

Zhenguo Temple: Rare Five Dynasties Architecture in China

Pingyao Zhenguo Temple

The 10th century Five Dynasties period was short-lived, leaving few ancient buildings. Zhenguo Temple is a rare survivor. The highlight of your visit is undoubtedly the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas (万佛殿). Inside, you'll find life-sized Buddha statues and a low-hanging eaves. Be sure to look up at the beams to spot the inscriptions left by the royal builders.

Consult Asia Odyssey Travel and head to these Pingyao attractions.

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Things to Do Around Pingyao: Wang Family Compound & Zhangbi Ancient Castle

After exploring the ancient city and temples of Pingyao travel, don't forget to visit the ancient mansions! Fun things to do in Pingyao China also include discovering nearby attractions like Wang Family Compound and Zhangbi Ancient Castle.

View the Opulent Mansions at Wang Family Compound

The home is a courtyard, the courtyard is a city

Wang Family Compound near Pingyao

What to do in Pingyao China is closely linked to the Wang Family Compound. As its nickname suggests, the "Folk Forbidden City of China," its scale is truly impressive. Constructed over three centuries, from the 17th to the 19th, by generations of Wang family officials and merchants, it comprises 123 courtyards and a total of 1,118 rooms.

Everywhere you look within the compound, you'll find carvings related to the family's prosperity. On one of the doors, a descendant's name has been crossed out. This was done by the individual themselves, as they felt they had failed to maintain the family's fortunes and had contributed to its decline. Even the family's pets were considered, as a small white door was created next to the main entrance for cats.

Discover the Underground Military Tunnels in Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Underground tunnel system, Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Zhangbi Ancient Castle is a military castle built by the people in the 4th century AD. The houses above ground correspond to the 28 constellations in the sky, reflecting the ancient people's yearning for a better life. Underground, there's a 10km-long secret tunnel, of which only 1500 meters has been developed. It contains stables, living quarters, assassination traps, and intelligence and ventilation systems. A wardrobe door serves as the entrance to the tunnel. It's like stepping into the Chronicles of Narnia. Inside the tunnel, it's very cool, so it's best to stay close to your tour guide as there are many forks in the road and you don't want to get lost!

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Things to Do in Pingyao at Night: Enjoy Shows

Pingyao's nightlife is centered around various performances.

Another Glance at Pingyao: This show tells that a late Qing Dynasty banker in Pingyao vowed to save his deceased employee's son in Russia. Despite spending his entire fortune and hiring 200 guards, he and his men perished on the journey. The child, however, survived.

Light Show: Using lights to showcase Pingyao's history over the years, featuring mountains, rivers, and people, was truly impressive to witness firsthand!

又见平遥 - another glance at pingyao

Pingyao Nightly Music Show

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Modern Celebrations: Chinese New Year, International Film Festival, Photo Exhibit

Modern celebrations, such as the Pingyao Chinese New Year, are definitely fun things to do in Pingyao. Since 2006, visitors have been able to see unique performances by local Pingyao residents and experience various Chinese New Year customs. The film festival and photography exhibition also enrich the travel experience.

Pingyao Chinese New Year

Pingyao International Film Festival

Savor the Unique Flavors of Pingyao Cuisine

The cuisine in Pingyao China is a true representation of Shanxi food, with noodles and meat being the stars. Exploring the variety of local dishes is one of best Pingyao things to do for any foodie.

Pingyao Beef (平遥牛肉): Made with tender yellow ox meat, Pingyao beef undergoes a multi-step process of marinating and stewing, resulting in a flavor that is both savory and tender.

Best enjoyed at: Guanyun Beef Restaurant within the ancient city.

Wantuo (碗托): A local snack made from buckwheat or bean flour, shaped like small bowls. Its chewy texture, combined with special seasonings and garlic, is best enjoyed with a kick of spice.

Best enjoyed at: Dongji Fried Bowltuo in the ancient city.

Pingyao Beef

Wantuo

Kaolaolao (栲栳栳): A noodle dish made from a particularly chewy type of wheat flour. With a smooth exterior and soft interior, it's typically served with mutton soup or pickled vegetables.

Best enjoyed at: A restaurant opposite the Pingyao Ancient Government Office.

Youcha (油茶): A drink made from roasted flour, sesame, peanuts, and other ingredients, mixed with hot water. The texture is similar to hot shaved ice.

Best enjoyed in the morning at any breakfast shop within the ancient city*.*

Kaolaolao

Youcha

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Travel Tips for Things to Do in Pingyao

• Photograph: The morning and evening light is the best, so photography enthusiasts can choose to take photos during these times.
• Where to stay in Pingyao: You could stay within the ancient city. For safety, consider staying near the main streets like South Street and Yamen Street, as the alleyways within the ancient city can be dark at night due to the lack of streetlights.
• Transportation between attractions: It is primarily by car. Consider hiring a private car through Asia Odyssey Travel.
• Best time to visit Pingyao: April to May, Semptember to October.

Plan a Pingyao Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, Pick Things to Do in Pingyao

Most travelers allot a two-day stay in Pingyao China. The first day is typically spent wandering through the ancient city and exploring its historic temples. On the second day, excursions to the nearby Zhangbi Ancient Castle and the opulent Wang Family Compound are popular choices.

To extend your journey and delve deeper into Chinese history and culture, consider adding nearby cities like Datong or Xi'an to your itinerary. With high-speed rail, travel between these destinations is quick and convenient. A four-day Pingyao-Xi'an tour, for example, offers a perfect balance of ancient charm and imperial grandeur. After two days in Pingyao, you can continue to Xi'an to marvel at the Terracotta Army and other historical sites.

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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