Here, there are not only brick walls and high gates but also the Jin merchants' spirit of trustworthiness worth a fortune

【3 days 2 nights, about 4600 RMB per person! Jinzhong Guide: The Hometown of Jin Merchants, a Century-Old Courtyard Experience】

Day 1: Arrive at Jinzhong Station by high-speed train (about 2.5 hours from Beijing), then drive or take a taxi to Pingyao Ancient City (40 minutes by car). Stay at a Ming and Qing dynasty courtyard-style guesthouse, Dejuyuan or Jinzhai (including breakfast, 1500 RMB/night × 2 = 3000 RMB). In the afternoon, climb the Pingyao Ancient City Wall (125 RMB for a pass including 22 attractions), stroll along South Street, and check in at Rishengchang Draft Bank, the County Government Office, and Xietongqing Qianzhuang to feel the former prosperity of "China's Wall Street."

Day 2: Early morning, avoid crowds to take photos of empty alleys, then visit Shuanglin Temple (35 RMB) — a treasure trove of polychrome sculptures with over 2,000 lifelike Song and Ming dynasty statues. In the afternoon, drive 1 hour to Wang Family Courtyard (55 RMB) — the "Folk Palace Museum," admire the grand layout of five alleys and six courtyards, and marvel at the flourishing spirit of the Jin merchants. Return to Pingyao in the evening to watch the live show "Once Again Pingyao" (VIP ticket 238 RMB), an immersive journey through a century of family and national emotions.

Day 3: In the morning, visit Qiao Family Courtyard (115 RMB, 1.5 hours from Pingyao by car) — the filming location of "Raise the Red Lantern," featuring an exquisite "double happiness" character layout, experiencing the aesthetic of Jin merchant life. On the way back, optionally stop at Yuci Old Town or Chang Family Manor (Chang Family Manor ticket 60 RMB) to experience tea merchant culture and garden elegance.

💰Budget details:
High-speed train round trip 900 + transportation and fuel 600 + accommodation 3000 + meals 600 (5 meals) + tickets and shows about 400 + other reserves 200 ≈ **4700 RMB**

📌Tips:
- There are many stone slab roads in Pingyao Ancient City, wear comfortable shoes;
- Buy tickets for "Once Again Pingyao" in advance, front rows recommended;
- Recommended Jin merchant dishes: Pingyao beef, Wantuo, Kaolaolao, Guoyourou.

⚠️Warnings:
❌ Many "low-price passes" inside the ancient city are fake tickets; only buy from official ticket offices;
❌ The steps at Wang Family Courtyard are steep, elderly and children should be careful.

Three days and two nights, step into Jinzhong. Here, there are not only brick walls and high gates but also the Jin merchants' spirit of trustworthiness worth a fortune. Come here, listen to the stories of draft banks in the night of Pingyao, read the rise and fall of families in the deep courtyards — a city that tells half of the history of commerce.

Post by Oliver Gray 567_ | Oct 21, 2025