Pingyao Ancient City: How I Spent 3 Days and Didn't Want to Leave

Fellow travelers, you won't believe how amazing Pingyao Ancient City is! This trip felt like a magical journey through a thousand years of history, and I'm already looking forward to my next visit! Here's my detailed guide for you👇

🚗 Transportation Guide
High-speed rail: Pingyao Ancient City Station is very convenient. A 20-minute taxi ride from the station gets you to the ancient city, with shared rides costing about 20 yuan per person.
Within the city: The ancient city is small enough to explore on foot. If you prefer, there are sightseeing electric carts that stop when hailed, costing 10-20 yuan to reach major attractions.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations
🏮 Jin Merchant Courtyard Style: I recommend staying at Pingyao Xinghua Village Inn, with its beautiful courtyard, fish pond, and evening breezes on the terrace to enjoy the ancient city's tranquility. Prices range from 300-800 yuan, offering great value!
🏮 Boutique Homestay: Yunjincheng Mansion is another excellent choice. This 300-year-old residence exudes the charm of Jin merchant courtyards. Rooms cost 400-1000 yuan with super attentive service.

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions

1. Pingyao City Wall: One of China's best-preserved ancient city walls. Arrive before 8am for fewer crowds, beautiful views, and a stunning sunrise. Included in the combo ticket or 30 yuan separately.
2. Pingyao County Government Office: Daily performances of ancient court sessions at 9:30, 11:00, 15:30, and 16:50. Don't miss this immersive experience of traditional county governance.
3. Rishengchang Exchange Shop: China's first draft bank, known as the "rural ancestor of Chinese banks." Listen to the guide to learn about Jin merchants' glorious history of "connecting the world through finance."
4. Xie Tong Qing Exchange Shop: Features an impressive underground vault. Touch the vault's "lucky cat" for some financial fortune!
5. Shuanglin Temple: A masterpiece of colored sculpture art. The temple's Weituo statue is called the "Oriental David" for its lifelike quality. 35 yuan admission - highly recommended!
6. Confucian Temple: China's earliest existing Song Dynasty Confucian temple. The Lingxing Gate and Dacheng Hall are full of historical charm, and you can see 1300-year-old imperial examination papers.
7. Ming-Qing Street: Bustling at night with local snacks and handicrafts. Try Pingyao beef and aged vinegar ice cream - absolutely delicious!

🍱 Food Guide

1. Hongwuji Restaurant: Must-try dishes include beef braised with aged vinegar (tender and flavorful) and millet cakes. About 80 yuan per person.
2. Dongji Fried Bowl Covers: A Pingyao specialty. Their version is the most authentic, best enjoyed with fried dough twists. Only 15 yuan per serving.
3. Mr. Liang's Yogurt: Try the aged vinegar yogurt - sweet and sour with a vinegar aroma. Sea buckthorn yogurt is also great, and you can take home cute cultural fridge magnets.
4. Old Zhao's Shanxi Copper Hot Pot: Various ingredients cooked in a charcoal-fired copper pot with delicious broth. About 100 yuan per person for a satisfying meal.

🎭 Show Recommendation
"See Pingyao Again": A must-see! Director Wang Chaoge's large-scale immersive theater experience tells Pingyao people's patriotic stories through unique performances. 238 yuan - book early!

📅 Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Pingyao, check in, watch the county government performance, then climb the city wall for panoramic views. Visit Rishengchang and Xie Tong Qing exchange shops in the afternoon, and enjoy Ming-Qing Street food at night.
Day 2: Visit Shuanglin Temple after breakfast, lunch at Hongwuji Restaurant. Tour the Confucian Temple and City God Temple in the afternoon, watch "See Pingyao Again" in the evening.
Day 3: Sleep in, visit the Ma Family Compound to experience wealthy Jin merchant life, shop for souvenirs, and depart in the afternoon.

⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

1. Tickets: The 125 yuan combo ticket (covering 22 sites) offers the best value. Beware of street touts offering "cheap tickets."
2. Shopping: Compare prices for Pingyao beef and other specialties - some Ming-Qing Street shops overcharge tourists.
3. Photo Services: Choose licensed photography studios, confirm prices, costumes, and makeup details upfront to avoid hidden fees.

In short, Pingyao Ancient City is incredibly fun, offering unique experiences in both history and cuisine! Fellow travelers, don't miss out! 🐛