Pingyao Ancient City | A Complete Guide to the Millennia-Old Legend of Jin Merchants

Hey there, ready to dive into history and experience the charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties? Pingyao Ancient City is your perfect choice! With over 2,800 years of history, this ancient town is packed with endless stories of Jin merchants and stunning architecture—every corner is a photo op 📸 Check out this guide to make the most of your Pingyao adventure!

🚗 **Getting There**:
✈️ **By Air**: Fly to Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, then take a high-speed train from Taiyuan South Station to Pingyao Ancient City Station (about 1.5 hours total).
🚄 **High-Speed Train**: Arrive directly at Pingyao Ancient City Station. Take Bus 108 (¥3, ~30 mins) to the Ancient City’s South Gate, or opt for a taxi (~20 mins, ¥30–40).
🚞 **Regular Train**: Pingyao Station is closer to the ancient city—just a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride (starting fare).

🏠 **Where to Stay**:
📍 **Pingyao Jinzhai**: A Ming-Qing-style courtyard house oozing rustic charm, with carved wooden windows and furniture that’ll transport you back in time. Great location near major attractions.
📍 **Pingyao Guild Hall**: A quintessential ancient-style inn with cozy, elegant rooms and top-notch service. Enjoy the tranquil courtyard in the evenings.
📍 **Budget Tip**: Students can opt for chain hotels outside the city—affordable and convenient, with easy bus access to the ancient town.

🎈 **Must-See Attractions**:

1. **Pingyao City Wall**: Built during the Western Zhou Dynasty and expanded in the Ming Hongwu era, the wall features 3,000 battlements and 72 watchtowers, symbolizing Confucius’ "3,000 disciples and 72 sages." Best visited at sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views 🌅.

2. **Pingyao County Government Office**: The "grandest ancient yamen," dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. Don’t miss the live courtroom reenactments at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:30 PM—a thrilling glimpse into ancient justice.

3. **Rishengchang Exchange Shop**: China’s first private financial institution specializing in remittance. Crack secret codes, simulate drafting bills, and marvel at ancient bankers’ ingenuity.

4. **Xietongqing Exchange Shop**: Explore the awe-inspiring underground vault, hug the giant silver ingot sculpture for luck, and spin the dragon pillar for blessings.

🍜 **Foodie Picks**:

1. **Pingyao Beef**: A must-try! Tender, savory, and aromatic—any time-honored restaurant serves it well.

2. **Youmian Kaolaolao**: Hand-rolled oat noodles with flavorful gravy—pure comfort food.

3. **Guoyou Rou**: A Shanxi classic—crispy outside, tender inside, perfect with rice.

4. **Huangmi Lianggao**: Sweet glutinous rice cake—light, soft, and utterly addictive.

🎭 **Unique Experiences**:

1. **"See Pingyao Again"**: A must-see immersive theater performance that brings ancient Pingyao and the loyalty of Jin merchants to life. Closed Mondays—book ahead!

2. **Historical Photo Shoot**: Stroll the cobblestone streets in traditional attire for Instagram-worthy shots. Try Guse Photo Studio for professional costumes, photography, and editing.

⚠️ **Pro Tips**:

1. The city pass covers 22 attractions—skip the "Ancient City + Shuanglin Temple" combo ticket (buy separately for better deals).

2. Always insist on taxi meters to avoid scams.

3. Book accommodations early, especially during holidays—rooms sell out fast!

Pack your bags and embark on a timeless journey to Pingyao Ancient City! 💕