"Rocked by the night train - Arriving at the World Heritage Site, Pingyao Ancient City, while asleep"

#ZeroYenTravel2025Autumn

🚆 Day 1 (Departure) | Beijing/Tianjin → Pingyao Ancient City (Overnight Train)

🕙 Estimated Departure
• Departure Time: Around 10:00 PM
• [From Beijing West Station] or [From Tianjin West Station]
• Destination: Pingyao Ancient City Station (Pingyao Ancient City Station)
• Travel Time: Approximately 10-11 hours (Sleeping Car)

🌙 What to Do on the Train
• Depart around 10:00 PM → Midnight snack and tea on board → Lights out.
• Sleeper car (soft sleeper recommended: with curtains, quiet, and comfortable).
• Wake up around 7:00 AM the next morning to a view of the Shanxi countryside.

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🏯 Day 2 | Sightseeing in Pingyao Ancient City (Overnight Stay)

🕘 Arrive at Pingyao Ancient City around 9:00 AM
• Approximately 10 minutes by car from the train station to the ancient city (taxi or hotel transfer).
• Leave your luggage at the hotel before check-in.

🏨 Accommodation: Traditional Guest Houses in the Ancient City (Recommended)
• Recommended Accommodations
• Pingyao Yueju Guest House (Traditional Architecture + Modern Facilities)
• Pingyao Yunjincheng Guest House (With Courtyard, Photogenic)
• Pingyao Guild Hall (Renovated Yuan Dynasty Building)
• Conveniently located along the ancient city's main streets (South Street and West Street).

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🌇 Daytime Sightseeing Itinerary

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
[Pingyao Ancient City Wall]
Climb from the city gate (West Gate or South Gate) and stroll around the entire wall. Enjoy spectacular views of the entire ancient city and the sea of rooftops.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
[Risheng Chang Tiao]
The site of China's first bank. Exhibits on commercial history and ancient finance.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
[Lunch]
Specialties: Pingyao beef, knife-cut noodles, and bowl-cut noodles. Recommended: "Tianyuankui" and "Dejuyuan."
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
[Pingyao Confucian Temple and Yasho]
The site of a local government office from the Qing Dynasty. The history and architecture are exceptionally well-preserved.
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
[Ancient City Stroll and Shopping]
Souvenirs: Pingyao beef, paper cuttings, lacquerware. Take a break at a cafe or teahouse.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
[Dinner]
Enjoy a local dinner at a renowned local restaurant, such as "Yipinju."
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
[Night View Stroll]
The ancient city at night, illuminated with lanterns and other decorative elements, is a magical sight. Perfect for photography.

🚄 Day 3 | Pingyao Ancient City → Return (High-Speed Rail)

🕙 Morning: Leisurely Morning Stroll + Check-Out
• 8:00 AM Breakfast of porridge and steamed buns in the ancient city
• 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Souvenirs and photo time
• 12:00 PM Hotel Check-Out, Lunch

🚉 Return: High-Speed Rail Departure Around 4:00 PM
• Departure Station: Pingyao Ancient City High-Speed Rail Station
• Approximately 15 minutes by car from the center of the ancient city.
• Arrive early (approximately 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM departure).
• Destination: West Beijing or West Tianjin
• Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 - 4 hours.

💡 Travel Tips
• Save time and enjoy a romantic experience by taking the night train, then take the comfortable and fast high-speed rail on the way back for a great balance.
• Purchase an ancient city admission ticket (approximately NT$125), which allows you to enter 20 major tourist attractions.
• Bring some cash (WeChat Pay and Alipay may not be accepted in small shops within the ancient city).
• It can get chilly in the mornings and evenings from autumn to winter, so don't forget to bring a jacket.