Located in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, Pingyao Ancient City was first built during the reign of King Xuan of Western Zhou Dynasty (827-782 BC). As the best-preserved prototype of a Ming-Qing county town in China, it was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1997.
Overview
Basic Information
- City Scale: City wall perimeter 6,163m, height about 12m, total area 2.25 sq km.
- Historical Status: World Heritage Site, national 5A-level tourist attraction, national historical and cultural city.
Architectural Features
- City Layout: Strictly planned according to ancient ritual systems of "ancestral temple on left, altar on right, market behind palace".
- Residential Architecture: 3,797 traditional courtyard houses with over 80% preservation rate.
- Defense System: City wall features 72 watchtowers and 3,000 crenels, symbolizing Confucius' 72 disciples and 3,000 students.
Main Attractions
Ancient Architecture
- Pingyao City Wall: Best-preserved county-level ancient city wall in China, walkable all around.
- Rishengchang Exchange Shop: China's first draft bank, hailed as "country grandfather of modern Chinese banks".
- County Government Office: Best-preserved county-level yamen in China, nicknamed "Little Forbidden City".
- Confucian Temple: One of China's earliest Confucian temples, with Dacheng Hall dating from Jin Dynasty.
Cultural Museums
- China Draft Bank Museum: Showcases development history of Shanxi merchants' exchange shops and financial culture.
- Pingyao Lacquerware Museum: Displays national-level intangible cultural heritage.
- Pingyao Beef Museum: Introduces history and production techniques of this local specialty.
Featured Experiences
Cultural Activities
- Pingyao International Photography Festival: Held every September, one of China's most influential photo exhibitions.
- Pingyao Chinese New Year: Traditional folk activities during Spring Festival.
- Shanxi Merchant Culture Experience: Dress in Ming-Qing costumes and experience a day as exchange shop manager.
Folk Experiences
- Lacquerware Making: Hands-on experience of this national intangible cultural heritage craft.
- Pingyao Beef Tasting: Sample this traditional delicacy with 200+ years history.
- Night Tour: Ancient city takes on special charm under red lantern lights at night.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
- Ancient city open all day, individual attractions 08:00-18:30(peak season), 08:30-17:30(off season).
Ticket Information
- Combo Ticket: 125 RMB/person (covers 22 attractions)
- Concession Ticket: 65 RMB/person (students, seniors etc.)
- City Wall Only: 30 RMB/person
Transportation
- Public Transport: Direct buses from Taiyuan Jiannan Bus Station, about 1.5 hours.
- High-speed Rail: Get off at Pingyao Ancient City Station on Taiyuan-Xi'an line, about 8km from ancient city.
- Self-drive: Exit at Pingyao on Jingkun Expressway, follow signs for about 10 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Best Season: Spring and autumn with pleasant weather, avoid peak tourist months July-August.
- Itinerary: Recommend 2 days - one for city attractions, one for nearby Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple.
- Accommodation: Stay in characteristic inns within ancient city to experience Ming-Qing residential life.