China has four major ancient cities, namely Huizhou Ancient City in Anhui, Langzhong Ancient City in Sichuan, Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi and Lijiang Ancient City in Yunnan. Among them, the three ancient cities are all located in the south, and only Pingyao comes from the north. Pingyao is also the most complete ancient county in China. Therefore, when tourists usually come to Shanxi to travel, Pingyao Ancient City located around Taiyuan is a major attraction that cannot be avoided. As the ancient city becomes more and more commercialized, there are more and more routines. If you also plan to visit the ancient city, it is recommended to save this guide.
A quick overview of the ancient city
The earliest history of the ancient city can be traced back to the Western Zhou Dynasty, with a history of more than 2,700 years. In the early Ming Dynasty, the city wall was built to resist foreign enemies. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi visited the west and built four large towers. Today's Pingyao Ancient City still retains the appearance of the ancient city 500 years ago. It was the "China Wall Street" in the past and is now a tourist attraction. In 1997, the entire ancient city of Pingyao was listed as a world cultural heritage. It is a physical specimen for studying the development of China's politics, economy, culture, art and religion.
The ancient city is rich in vicissitudes of life, simple and long-lasting. Its scale is larger than the Datong Ancient City we visited before. If you want to visit in depth, it is recommended to stay in the ancient city for 1-2 days.
How to get there
The transportation in Pingyao Ancient City is very convenient, with both ordinary train stations and high-speed rail stations. If you are a tourist from other provinces, there is no airport in Pingyao County and you need to fly to Taiyuan first. From Taiyuan, you can go to the ancient city by train or high-speed rail, which takes 30-50 minutes. Get off at Pingyao Ancient City Station. Pingyao Ancient City High-speed Railway Station is about 7 kilometers away from the scenic spot, and it takes about 15 minutes by taxi.
If you don’t want to arrive quickly, you can take an ordinary train. The journey takes about 1 and a half hours and get off at Pingyao Station. Pingyao Station is less than 2 kilometers away from the north gate of the scenic spot, and the distance is even closer.
Self-driving tourists can park in the official parking lot next to the entrance of the scenic spot. There is one at the south gate and one at the north gate. We parked at the north gate. There are plenty of parking spaces. After exiting the parking lot, there is the visitor center. Also very convenient.
Parking lot charges: 10 yuan/car/time for small passenger cars. After 12pm, it will be charged for two days (times)
Guide to avoid pitfalls and save money
Most of the pits in Pingyao Ancient City are at the entrance outside the ancient city, which can easily reduce tourists' initial impression of the ancient city. For example, someone will tell you that it is still several kilometers from the parking lot to the scenic spot, and recommend that you take their car and spend a few dozen yuan (there are also quotes for more than 100 yuan) to take the whole family. They even deceive tourists by saying that the reservations for entering the city for the day are fully booked and they cannot enter the city without taking a bus. This is outrageous.
The truth is that the walk from the visitor center at the entrance to the core area of ??the scenic spot is only a few hundred meters; if luggage is a burden, you can hire a shuttle bus from the scenic spot, which only costs 10 yuan per person. If you have booked accommodation in the scenic area, you don’t have to worry. You can ask the boss to help transport your luggage. You can also make an appointment for the in-person test ticket on the same day, so it’s not stressful if it’s not a holiday.
Also, don’t believe what the salespeople at the entrance to the scenic area and B&Bs and restaurants in the scenic area say about how expensive food and accommodation are in the ancient city. In fact, the management of businesses in the ancient city is very standardized, and the prices of food and accommodation are within a reasonable range, sometimes even cheaper than outside the scenic area (perhaps the competition in the scenic area is too fierce).
The correct approach is to go straight to the ancient city after arriving and ignore any sales promotions. After successfully entering the scenic spot, most of the pitfalls were reduced; our experience of visiting the ancient city was still very good.
Ticket purchase
Ancient city pass: 125 yuan/person (including 22 scenic spots including city wall, county government, Rishengchang, Xiexieqing, Confucian Temple, etc.) If you If you don’t go to these small attractions, you just want to stroll around the streets of the ancient city. If you want to have a meal, you can enter the ancient city for free.
It can be purchased on the official platform "Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area" applet. After purchasing the pass, it is valid for 3 days. Half price for student ID card, free admission for military officer ID card and disability ID card, and free admission for senior citizens over 60 years old with ID card.
In addition, the tickets for Shuanglin Temple are 35 yuan/person and the tickets for Zhenguo Temple are 25 yuan/person. The tickets are valid for 1 day. Although these two attractions are outside the ancient city, we highly recommend them to friends who like tranquility and humanity. More details later.
In addition, friends who hold Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai ID cards, Pingyao Ancient City including Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple are free of charge until the end of this year. You only need to reserve a travel date on the "Visit Shanxi" applet, and you can travel unimpeded.
Choice of B&B
Personally recommend staying in the ancient city. The biggest advantage is that it is convenient for travel. You can go out anytime and anywhere, and return to your room to rest anytime and anywhere; it is convenient to enjoy the night view and have a good morning breakfast. One night to avoid peak passenger flow. Accommodation prices in the ancient city are not expensive. Specialty B&Bs usually cost 100-200/night. There are also earth-kang rooms of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which is quite interesting for southern friends to experience. However, the ancient city is full of B&Bs, and the conditions vary. Some rooms are only more than 10 square meters, and some may not have private bathrooms. So when making a reservation, remember to check the photos and reviews from previous guests.
The ancient city is very large. As for the location of the B&B, you can center it on Pingyao City Building (located C of the ancient city). The closer the distance, the more convenient it is. In addition, accommodation in the ancient city will be tight during holidays, so it is recommended to book in advance. There are more accommodation options outside the ancient city. In addition to B&Bs, there are also star-rated hotels. Which one you choose depends on your personal habits.
Some B&Bs are more professional and will provide maps of the ancient city and discount coupons for some cooperative restaurants in the ancient city. In addition, many B&Bs in Pingyao Ancient City are traditional houses with local characteristics. It is also good to take pictures in the B&Bs when you don’t go out occasionally.
Recommended travel route
One-day tour (no turning back): Arrive at the scenic spot - Rishengchang - South Street (market building) - Xie Xingqing - Tongxing Public Security Bureau - Pingyao County Government - Pingyao Ancient City Wall (Yingxun Gate)
Two-day tour D1: Arrival at the scenic spot - Rishengchang - South Street (market building) - Synergy Celebration - China Escort Bureau Museum - Tongxing Public Escort Bureau - Pingyao Ancient County Government - Pingyao Confucian Temple - Pingyao Ancient City Wall (Yingxun Gate) - South Street Night View
D2: Zhenguo Temple - Shuanglin Temple (Those who like to watch performances can choose "Seeing Pingyao Again")
The ancient city of Pingyao is very large, so tourists who have little time should not go there blindly. In fact, most attractions, restaurants and shops are concentrated at the intersection of South Street/East Street, all the way south to the intersection of South Street/Chenghuang Temple Street. This area is also the most densely populated place with tourists in the ancient city. If you want to stay in Pingyao Ancient City for 2-3 days, you can spend some time exploring some small alleys; small alleys and houses in non-core areas are often closer to the lives of local people.
You can follow the mobile map or paper map to play in sequence. It is not recommended to hire a tour guide. First, you can travel freely in the ancient city, and there is no need for a tour guide; second, during the visit, many tour guides’ explanations were endorsement-style, and the time they led everyone to stay at the scenic spots was also very short.
Recommended attractions
Even tourists who want to stay in Pingyao Ancient City for 2-3 days will not be able to visit all 22 attractions. Here are a few more representative ones recommended. You can choose according to your own itinerary and visiting preferences. The opening hours of most attractions are 8:00-18:00.
1/Rishengchang Bank
The most famous bank among the major banks in Pingyao was funded by Caitong Li Daquan and shopkeeper Lei Lutai in the fourth year of Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. Two silvers were created.
It is known as "China's No. 1 Bank" and pioneered China's finance. Therefore, many Shanxi merchant museums must mention Rishengchang when they set up exhibitions. Rishengchang has gone through hundreds of years of vicissitudes and has achieved brilliant results. Its branches are located in more than 30 cities across the country, as well as in Europe and the United States. It is famous for its "connecting the world".
Although Rishengchang is not the largest bank in Pingyao, visitors can see the shadow of contemporary banks and appreciate the wisdom of the Chinese nation from Rishengchang. Although Rishengchang Ji was very popular at the time, it did not give people a feeling of extravagance. Instead, it had a sense of elegance and calmness, which was very suitable for a glance.
2/ Synergy Qingpiaohao
Synergy Qingpiaohao was founded in the sixth year of Xianfeng (1856) and has been in operation for 58 years. During this period, 33 branches were established. This is the largest ticket office in Pingyao, including seven courtyards and underground vaults. The current Synergy Festival is still the China Bank Museum. The architectural style of Xieqing is similar to other buildings in Pingyao Ancient City. They are all typical northern courtyards, antique in style, with carved beams and painted buildings, especially the wood carvings and brick carvings being the most exquisite. They are elegant without being extravagant, but reveal the simplicity of Shanxi merchants.
The biggest highlight of visiting Synergy Celebration is the treasury located in the fifth courtyard. This is the largest existing underground vault in China. At that time, it could hold the equivalent of 30 billion yuan in gold and silver today. Even the Empress Dowager Cixi used the money from the Synergy Qing Treasury.
3/Tongxing Public Escort Bureau
The rise of ticket numbers has led to the prosperity of the Escort Bureau. In addition to the ticket number, the most distinctive attraction in Pingyao is the escort agency. In the fifth year of Xianfeng in the Qing Dynasty (1855), the Tongxing Public Escort Bureau was founded by Wang Zhengqing, a martial arts master who was famous all over the country. When it was founded, it was one of the famous escort agencies in the country at that time. The business of the bodyguard bureau is mainly divided into human bodyguards and material bodyguards. The Wang family once served as Cixi's bodyguards. After successfully completing the mission, they received a blue-backed gold-painted "Discussion on Order" plaque given by the Empress Dowager, which is still hanging in the courtyard to this day.
Nowadays, some physical materials related to bodyguard activities in the 64 years from its opening in 1849 to its closure in 1913 are displayed in the bodyguard bureau. For example, the escort boxes, escort carriages, weapons, smoking sets, furniture, wooden utensils used in daily life, etc., still vividly record the scene at that time, and it seems that we can see the scene of the escort masters traveling around and making a living on the tip of a knife. In addition, "Seeing Pingyao Again" tells the story of Tongxing Public Security Bureau.
If you have more time, Pingyao Ancient City also has the China Escort Bureau Museum, North China First Escort Bureau Museum, Huiwulin and other attractions, which are also related to the Escort Bureau. However, it is slightly repetitive, just look at 1-2 points.
4/Pingyao Ancient County Government
This is one of the few well-preserved ancient county offices in the country. The main building was shaped in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the earliest preserved building is from the Yuan Dynasty. Although the entrance is not too eye-catching, it suddenly becomes clear after entering. You can't finish wandering through the courtyards you enter. The entire county government office covers an area of ??more than 26,000 square meters. The front is the lobby for hearing cases, and the back is the inner residence of the county magistrate. There are also halls for informal narratives, etc. The division of labor is clear and complete. The last step is a back garden with a water system, which is rare in water-scarce Shanxi and is eye-catching. There are also cultural and creative products from Shanxi for sale in the back garden room.
Every day at 9:30, 11:00, and 15:30, there is a performance of the county magistrate going to court to try the case. Visitors can participate in it. The performance is relevant and very interactive. The content of the trial is different every day, which makes it feel like traveling back in time.
5/Pingyao Confucian Temple
I had no plans to go there at first, but it was highly recommended by the owner of the B&B, saying that it is the oldest temple among the existing Confucian temples at all levels in my country.
Pingyao Confucian Temple is located in a very quiet corner of the ancient city. It was first built in the early years of Zhenguan in the Tang Dynasty, and its Dacheng Hall was rebuilt in the third year of Dading of the Jin Dynasty (1163). It still maintains its original appearance and is the only Jin Dynasty building among the Confucian temples in the country.
Pingyao faces north and faces south. There are four existing courtyards. Arranged on the central axis are: Lingxing Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, Minglun Hall, Jingyi Pavilion, Sutra Pavilion and other buildings. Dacheng Hall is the main hall of the Confucian Temple and is a relic of the Jin Dynasty. It is also the biggest attraction of the entire building complex. The main hall is five rooms wide, with a single eaves resting on the top of the mountain. The pavilion is huge and powerful. It is a pavilion with two arms and two heads raised for the seventh pavilion. It is made from the heart and there is no tweening in the pavilion.
There is also a newly built internet celebrity check-in street outside the Confucian Temple. There was no one there when we arrived, so those who are interested can go shopping.
6/Pingyao Ancient City Wall
The Pingyao Ancient City Wall was built in the early Ming Dynasty. The existing Pingyao City Wall, Pingyao Ancient City Wall is one of the four most complete ancient city walls in China, with a total length of 6157 meters and a height of 10 meters. As a county-level city wall, the ancient city wall of Pingyao has been well preserved through the ups and downs of history, which is really a wonder.
Most tourists will choose Yingxun Gate in the south when visiting the city wall. After visiting the county government or the Confucian Temple, they can go to Yingxun Gate. From Yingxun Gate, you can take pictures of Pingyao South Street and the classic angle of the market buildings. Many promotional photos of Pingyao Ancient City were taken from this angle. Walking along the city wall at dusk and watching the sunset is also very interesting.
However, the biggest bug of the Pingyao Ancient City Wall is that it is not open at night, so you can’t go up to the stairs to see the night view; there is only a light show at 9 p.m., and you can stand in the square under the city wall to watch it.
7/Zhenguo Temple
Many people go to Pingyao Ancient City, but they seem to have never heard of the name Zhenguo Temple. Zhenguo Temple is a national treasure hidden by the light of Pingyao Ancient Town. Although it is not in the ancient city, it is still worth a visit. Zhenguo Temple was built in the Five Dynasties and was originally called Jingcheng Temple. It was renamed Zhenguo Temple during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty and is still in use today.
The temple faces south from the north, with the Heavenly King Hall, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall and the Three Buddhas Tower arranged in sequence along the central axis. The bell tower and other auxiliary halls are arranged on the left and right sides. Each hall of Zhenguo Temple has colorful sculptures, among which the colored sculptures in the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas are the most precious.
We were amazed by the colorful sculptures in the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas. The Buddha statue has a plump face, a tall and strong body, and a majestic appearance. The shaping technique is similar to the style of Tang sculpture. Although it has been refurbished by later generations, its shape, clothing, facial features, hair bun, etc. still retain the charm of the late Tang and Five Dynasties. Apart from the Mogao Grottoes, it is the only Five Dynasties colored sculpture preserved in temples across the country.
8/Shuanglin Temple
Together with Zhenguo Temple, it forms the "one city, two temples" pattern in Pingyao. Shuanglin Temple is the pinnacle of my country's painted sculptures. I promise that even if I don't go to the ancient city, I must go to Shuanglin Temple.
It is difficult to determine when the temple was first built. Most of the existing buildings were built in the Ming Dynasty, and most of the statues were made in the Ming Dynasty. There are 11 buildings of various sizes in Shuanglin Temple. Among them, the Tang Dynasty Sophora japonica, the Song Dynasty stele, the Ming Dynasty bell, as well as ancient buildings, colored sculptures and murals are all considered national treasures. The most precious thing is undoubtedly the 2,052 painted clay sculptures of the Ming Dynasty spread across various halls, forming a colorful and beautiful Buddhist world.
After hundreds of years, these painted sculptures are still colorful; the facial muscle movements, expressions, and movements are all like real people. Even the eyes of the sculptures are made of black glass, which is very realistic. These colorful sculptures go against the constraints of etiquette and strict rules, and sparkle with human emotions and worldly atmosphere.
Pingyao Food Recommendations
Pingyao is known to have 108 kinds of snacks, and its catering characteristics are mainly pasta. You can taste most of Pingyao's snacks on South Street.
Pingyao Beef: Available in every restaurant, it is also Pingyao’s number one specialty. Cut into thin slices, the color is bright red, and the mouthful is full of fragrance. It may seem bland but is actually very tasty; the meat is fat but not greasy, and thin but not spicy.
Pingyao bowl holders: I never knew what a bowl holder was. Many food stalls in Pingyao ancient city sell them, and they are also available in restaurants. The bowl holder is actually made of soba noodles, which has a unique texture and is very chewy.
Because it clears away heat and detoxifies, it is a must-have delicacy in summer.
Pingyao栲栳栳: What is 栲栳栳? Why are there so many delicacies with strange names in Pingyao? After ordering one, I found out that 栠栳栳 is also a local specialty noodle dish. Because its shape is like a "bucket", it is called "栳栳" among the people. Paired with the rich soup, it tastes great and is a very solid staple dish.
Pingyao Vinegar: You can see specialty shops selling vinegar in the streets and alleys, and you can smell the aroma of vinegar when you walk on the road. Vinegar is also indispensable on the restaurant table, with the flavor of honey and red dates. It was the first time I discovered that vinegar can also make so many "articles".
There are many delicacies in Pingyao, such as beef copper hot pot, non-rotten subs, cold skin, red noodles with rubbed tips, etc. It is better to see than to hear, so come and try it yourself!
Restaurant recommendations
The guide, including locals, recommended these two: Hongwuji and Tianyuankui. He also said that locals in Hongwuji will also eat there, while Tian Yuankui is entirely for tourists. Both restaurants occupy the best locations, adjacent to each other, near the busiest market buildings. We went to both families and they both felt very good. We can eat well for 40-50 yuan per person.
By the way, the portions of restaurants in Pingyao (including the entire Shanxi) are very large. Friends from the south can just follow their usual ordering habits and reduce the amount by half. We ordered a set meal for two from Hongwuji online, and found that it was more than enough for three people. The waiter's service is comparable to that of Haidilao. He told us that the set meal was enough and we didn't need to add additional dishes, and asked us how we liked it from time to time.
Tian Yuankui is also very popular, ranking first on the praise list. The environment is also antique, the service is on par with Hongwuji, and the involution is great.
I didn’t order the set meal because I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish it, so I ordered the Changlong eggplant. It is said to be inspired by the squirrel mandarin fish in Jiangnan. It is sour and sweet.
The crispy sesame mutton is also very special, and it is very enjoyable with dipping sauce.
If you are in a hurry during the day, there is also a KFC in the ancient city. The architectural style of this KFC is very characteristic of Pingyao, but the price of KFC in the ancient city is slightly more expensive than outside.
For those who like to drink coffee and milk tea, Luckin has also opened its doors in the ancient city; there are also chain milk tea shops such as Yidiandian and Mixue Bingcheng, and commercialization also has the benefits of commercialization.
Summary
Ancient city attractions always have mixed reviews, and the same is true for Pingyao Ancient City. If you just take a quick look, the experience will not be very good; only by spending more time, staying away from the minefields, and finding the right way to open it can you feel the true charm of this ancient city. Pingyao, one city with two temples, has been imitated and never surpassed. It is worth visiting again and again.