Some of My Pingyao Travel Tips! Hopefully, They Help You Out
- Getting Around: Use local buses and grab an “Electronic Bus Card” on Alipay for easy rides around Pingyao.
- Transportation: If you arrive by train, Pingyao Station is only 800 meters from the Ancient City—just a 10-minute walk.
- Be Cautious: Avoid unlicensed taxis when you arrive, as some target tourists with inflated fares.
- Extended Stay Option: If you have time, visit Ma Family Courtyard for a unique photo-op; it’s the former home of Pingyao’s wealthiest family.
- Tickets: For the immersive show “See Pingyao Again,” tickets sell out fast on holidays, so book early on the official WeChat account. Keep in mind, there’s no performance on Mondays.
- Passes: Buy a three-day pass for the Ancient City on the official WeChat account—it includes access to 22 attractions, each with single-entry only. Hours are 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with last entry 30 minutes before closing.
- Off-Site Temples: Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple are outside the city and require separate tickets; you’ll need to grab a taxi for these.
- Guided Tours: Hire a guide at Rishengchang Bank or the County Government Office to gain deeper insights into the history and stories behind these sites.
- Photography: Visit the Ancient City Wall in the morning or evening for the best light and photos.
- Student Discounts: Most attractions offer half-price tickets with a student ID—don’t forget it!
- Accommodation: Stay close to the main streets, as side alleys lack streetlights. It’s more convenient and safe to book accommodation on South Street or near Yamen Street.
- Costumes: If you’re renting traditional outfits for photos, shop around both online and in person for the best deals.
- Photography Studio: For a travel photo shoot, I recommend Wusheng Art Photography. They offer a gorgeous, traditional style inspired by Pingyao’s heritage.
- Dining: Try local favorites like Hongwuji, Tianyuan Kui, and Ren Zai Bei Fang in the Ancient City. You can also save by purchasing meal packages on Meituan.
- Souvenirs: Don’t miss out on unique local items like lacquerware, sweet potatoes, aged vinegar, Pingyao beef, and sea buckthorn juice.
My 3-Day Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Pingyao, check into your hotel, visit Lei Lvtai Residence, the Martial Temple, and the County Government Office. Enjoy the evening light show.
- Day 2: Explore the Ancient City Wall, Wen Temple, and Chenghuang Temple. Stroll down South Street, visiting attractions like Xietongqing Bank, Baichuantong Bank, Rishengchang Bank, and Ming-Qing Street at night.
- Day 3: Head out to Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple, book a photoshoot, attend “See Pingyao Again,” and then return home.