3-Day In-Depth Itinerary for Pingyao Ancient City

Shanxi Pingyao 3 Days 2 Nights In-Depth Travel Guide (Budget 5000 RMB)
Trip Highlights:
✅ Stroll through the World Cultural Heritage site Pingyao Ancient City and experience the historical charm of a prosperous commercial town during the Ming and Qing Dynasties
✅ Visit Rishengchang Draft Bank to learn about China’s earliest banking system
✅ Climb the Ancient City Wall for a panoramic view of Pingyao
✅ Taste authentic local specialties such as Pingyao Beef, Wantuo, and Kaolao Lao
✅ Experience Jin merchant culture by visiting historical buildings like the County Government Office, Escort Agency, and Confucian Temple
Day 1: Arrival in Pingyao, Initial Exploration of the Ancient City
🚗 Transportation:
High-speed train/bullet train: Taiyuan South Station → Pingyao Ancient City Station (about 30 minutes, ticket around 30 RMB)
Self-driving: Taiyuan → Pingyao (about 1.5 hours)
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
Characteristic inns inside Pingyao Ancient City (recommended Ming and Qing style siheyuan courtyard houses, about 300-500 RMB/night)
Deshenglou Inn, Pingyao
Yunjincheng Mansion, Pingyao
📸 Activities:
Morning: Arrive in Pingyao, check into an ancient city inn
Afternoon:
Stroll along Ming and Qing Street (South Street) to feel the commercial atmosphere of the ancient city
Visit Rishengchang Draft Bank (China’s first bank)
Tour Xietongqing Qianzhuang (the underground vault is a must-see)
Evening:
Taste Pingyao Beef, Wantuo, Kaolao Lao (recommended “Tianyuan Kui Restaurant” or “Hongwu Ji Restaurant”)
Night tour of the ancient city to enjoy the illuminated historic buildings
Day 2: In-Depth Tour of the Ancient City, Experience Jin Merchant Culture
📸 Activities:
Morning:
Visit Pingyao County Government Office (the best-preserved ancient county government in China)
Tour the Confucian Temple (ancient imperial examination site)
Climb the Ancient City Wall (overlooking the whole Pingyao)
Afternoon:
Visit North China’s First Escort Agency (learn about ancient escort culture)
Explore the City God Temple and Lei Lütai’s Former Residence
Experience Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware (intangible cultural heritage handicraft)
Evening:
Watch the large-scale live performance “Once Again Pingyao” (highly recommended! Ticket 238 RMB/person)
Or enjoy a drink at an ancient city bar (such as “Sakura House Bar”)
Day 3: Surrounding Visits and Return
📸 Activities:
Morning:
Visit Shuanglin Temple (World Cultural Heritage, treasure trove of polychrome sculptures)
Or Zhenguo Temple (wooden structure from the Five Dynasties period)
Afternoon:
Purchase Pingyao Beef, Tuiguang Lacquerware, Shanxi Aged Vinegar, etc.
Expenses (for 2 people):
Transportation 600 RMB
High-speed train/self-driving round trip
Accommodation 1000 RMB
2 nights in a characteristic ancient city inn
Meals 800 RMB
Pingyao specialty cuisine
Tickets 600 RMB
Ancient City Pass 125 RMB/person + “Once Again Pingyao” 476 RMB
Shopping/Others 1000 RMB
Specialties, souvenirs, etc.
Total 4000 RMB
Average 2000 RMB per person, remaining budget can be used to upgrade accommodation or experiences
✔ Best Season: Spring and Autumn (April-June, September-October) with pleasant weather
✔ Ancient City Pass: 125 RMB/person, includes 22 attractions (valid for 3 days)
✔ “Once Again Pingyao” show: tickets need to be booked in advance, may sell out during peak season
✔ Clothing Advice: The ancient city has many stone-paved roads, comfortable flat shoes are recommended
If time allows, add a day trip to Wang Family Courtyard or Qiao Family Courtyard (requires charter or group tour)
Photography enthusiasts will find the ancient city’s light and shadow most beautiful at dawn or dusk
Wish you a happy time in Pingyao! 🏮✨