Jinzhong Five-Day Travel Guide

1️⃣ Basic Information
Address: Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
Transportation:
High-speed rail: Taiyuan South Station → Pingyao Ancient City Station (about 30 minutes), then 10 minutes by taxi to the ancient city.
Train: Pingyao Station (regular trains), 10-minute walk to the ancient city.
Self-driving: About 1.5 hours from Taiyuan, parking lots available around the ancient city (such as the Visitor Center parking lot).
Tickets:
Combo ticket: 125 yuan (includes 22 attractions, valid for 3 days), half-price with student ID.
Free entry: No fee to enter the ancient city, but tickets required for attractions.

2️⃣ Must-Visit Attractions
1. Pingyao Ancient City Wall
China's most well-preserved county-level city wall. Walking around it takes about 2 hours. Recommended to climb up from the South Gate (Yingxun Gate) for a panoramic view of the ancient city.
2. Rishengchang Draft Bank
China's first bank. Learn about Jin merchants' financial history. Don't miss the underground vault and security system.
3. County Government Office
A complete ancient county government complex with daily court session performances (9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:30 PM).
4. Confucian Temple
Home to the oldest Dacheng Hall (Jin Dynasty architecture). Features imperial examination exhibitions and the "Dragon Gate" steps experience.
5. Xietongqing Money Shop
Impressive underground vault. Touch the "dragon pillar" for good luck and enjoy interactive bank note experiences.
6. Shuanglin Temple (outside the ancient city, separate 35 yuan ticket required)
Treasury of colored clay sculptures. The Thousand-Hand Guanyin and Weituo statues are national treasures. Located 6 km from the ancient city, about 15 yuan by taxi.
7. "Encore Pingyao" Immersive Show
Immersive performance (238 yuan) telling the story of Jin merchants' escort agencies. Advance booking required.

3️⃣ Classic Itineraries
One-day tour: City Wall (South Gate) → Rishengchang → Xietongqing → County Office → Confucian Temple → Ming-Qing Street (lunch) → Escort Agency Museum → City God Temple.
Two-day tour:
Day 1: Ancient city attractions (as above) + "Encore Pingyao" show in the evening.
Day 2: Shuanglin Temple/Zhenguo Temple (Five Dynasties architecture, 12 km from the ancient city) + explore lesser-known alleys in the afternoon (such as Cang Lane, Academy Street).

4️⃣ Food Recommendations
Must-try snacks:
Pingyao beef (Guanyun brand is the most authentic), Wantuo (cold or stir-fried), Kaolao Lao (steamed oat noodles), Bubble Oil Cake.
Time-honored restaurants:
Hongwuji Restaurant: Yellow rice cold cake, old vinegar braised beef.
Jinsheng Stove Shop: Two-person snack set, sample all local specialties at once.
Yogurt Shop: Sea buckthorn stir-fried yogurt.

5️⃣ Accommodation
Inside the ancient city:
High-end: Pingyao Jinzhai (renovated Ming-Qing courtyard with strong design elements).
Value for money: Desheng Lou Inn (kang bed experience, near Ming-Qing Street).
Outside the ancient city: Chain hotels (such as Ji Hotel), suitable for self-driving travelers or those on a budget.

6️⃣ Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps
1. Electric cart tours (30 yuan/person) are unnecessary as the ancient city is walkable.
2. Be cautious when buying "antiques" as most are replicas.
3. Unofficial guides may overcharge. Recommended to hire guides from the visitor center (about 120 yuan/tour).