2024 Pingyao Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

It's rare to describe a place as breathtaking, but this one is.

Shuanglin Temple, originally known as Zhongdu Temple, is located in Qiaotou Village, six kilometers southwest of Pingyao County, Shanxi Province. This ancient temple was built in the second year of Wuping in the Northern Qi Dynasty (571 AD). After experiencing the vicissitudes of life, it still preserves a large number of ancient buildings and painted sculptures. As an important part of the World Cultural Heritage of "One City and Two Temples", Shuanglin Temple attracts countless tourists with its unique charm. 🛕Temple tour: 1️⃣Hall of Heavenly Kings The Hall of Heavenly Kings is magnificent, with 50 Dharma Vajra statues written inside and outside the hall. They are lined up in a row, sitting sideways, bare-chested and back, showing a majestic and compassionate temperament. 2️⃣Sakyamuni Hall The Sakyamuni Hall is built on brick steps. On the Buddha altar in the hall, there is a Sumeru seat, and Sakyamuni Buddha sits on it, wearing a snail bun and a shoulder-to-shoulder cassock, with Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva standing on both sides. The hall is full of hanging sculptures, with the story of Sakyamuni Buddha as the theme, divided into 84 plots in the wall. These exquisite painted sculptures make us feel as if we are in the world of Buddhism, feeling a sense of transcendence and tranquility. 3️⃣Mahavira Hall The Mahavira Hall is the tallest building in Shuanglin Temple and the third main hall on the central axis. On the Buddha altar in the hall, there are statues of Dharma, Bao, and Ying San Shen Buddha, with Manjushri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva sitting on both sides. There are 136 square meters of fine brushwork and heavy color murals around the hall, with bright colors and smooth lines, showing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Standing in front of this hall, I can't help but have a deep awe of ancient culture. 4️⃣Thousand Buddha Hall The Thousand Buddha Hall is one of the most spectacular halls in Shuanglin Temple. There are more than 30 donor figures under the front eaves of the hall, with vivid characters, children, old men, and literati, each with their own emotions. The statue of Guanyin of the Moon in the center of the hall is one of the representative works of Shuanglin Temple. Her free sitting posture breaks people's inherent solemn treasure of Guanyin, showing a casual and peaceful state. 👁Highlights 1️⃣Thousand-Hand Guanyin A thousand eyes, see the world; a thousand hands, care for all beings. 2️⃣The most handsome Weituo The only Weituo statue on the stamp. "Angry eyes wide open" is fully demonstrated on it. 3️⃣Free Guanyin Sitting with one knee, the posture is heroic. Full of relaxation! 📌Location: Shuanglin Temple 📍Address: No. 28, Shuanglin Zheng Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province 🎫Ticket: CNY 32 ⌚️Opening hours: 8:00-19:00

The filming location of Black Myth: Wukong is in Shanxi!

Last year, I planned a trip to visit ancient buildings as a designer, and checked in at the following classic ancient buildings in Shanxi: Taiyuan: Jinci Temple, Qingyuan Confucian Temple, Tianlong Temple, Dou Dafu Temple, Shuangta Temple, Chunyang Palace Xinzhou: Drum Tower, Daizhou Confucian Temple, Foguang Temple, Nanchan Temple, Yanqing Temple, Hongfu Temple, Princess Temple, Yanshan Temple Datong: Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Hanging Temple, Yong'an Temple, Yuanjue Temple Lvliang: Taifu Temple Shuozhou: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Chongfu Temple, Jingtusi Temple Jinzhong: Pingyao Ancient City, Houtu Temple, Zishou Temple, Zhenguo Temple, Shuanglin Temple, Jingxin Temple Ruicheng: Yongle Palace The twenty-day journey brought me so much shock. The aesthetics, wisdom, and craftsmanship of the ancients are all worth learning from! However, checking in at ancient buildings in Shanxi is not easy. There are many spots and they are scattered. It is recommended to drive by yourself. Some niche ancient buildings are not open to the public and require contacting cultural preservation personnel.

Pingyao Ancient City, a treasure that carries a history spanning over a thousand years

It was founded during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou😎, and has a long history of more than 2800 years👏. The entire ancient city is composed of city walls, shops, streets, temples, and residential houses, forming a vast and magnificent architectural complex🤩. Its overall layout strictly follows the Bagua orientation🧐, ingeniously forming a Bagua pattern with four main streets, eight small alleys, and seventy-two winding lanes👀, while the South Street, East Street, West Street, Yamen Street, and Chenghuang Temple Street form a unique 'T'-shaped commercial street😜. Standing on the ancient city walls👣, accompanied by the beautiful sunset in the evening🌇, one can overlook the magnificent panorama of the entire ancient city🧐, as if traveling through a thousand years of time in an instant😍! The city walls are towering and majestic😃, witnessing the vicissitudes of time👀; the streets are narrow and winding😄, filled with an ancient charm🤓; the residential houses are well-arranged😉, displaying a unique architectural style🤗. Pingyao Ancient City🤝, is not only an architectural complex with profound historical significance🤜, but also a brilliant treasure of Chinese culture🤛. It carries the wisdom and emotions of people over thousands of years😇, showcasing the glory and heritage of the Chinese nation to the world🤝!

Hold on! Recommendations for 7 travel destinations suitable for October-December

Avoiding the National Day, staggered travel from October to December, if you haven't planned yet and don't know where to go, look here, I have compiled 7 super beautiful tourist attractions for you, collect them and go with your family and friends! 1⃣️Guangwushan Starting from October every year, the land of China from north to south will be ignited by this fire-like red, known as the 'longest natural red carpet in Asia'! It is the largest red leaf viewing area in Asia, and the red leaf season lasts for a month~ 🎈 Guangwushan Town, Nanjiang County, Bazhong City, Sichuan Province 2⃣️Changbai Mountain This is a magical world that is not inferior to Kanas, Tianchi, canyons, forests, waterfalls, every scene is incredibly beautiful. In winter, the snow-capped mountains, the frozen Tianchi, plus the sky blue that is unbelievable, it's just too beautiful! 🎈 Southeast of Chibei District, Erdaobaihe Town, Antu County, Jilin Province 3⃣️Tengchong The average annual temperature is 19℃, the climate is comfortable and pleasant, and it has also been rated as 'one of the most suitable places for human habitation'. Here, you can completely fall in love with autumn and take you into the beautiful season of golden yellow fallen leaves in Ginkgo Village and the romantic Wuliang Mountain winter cherry blossoms. 🎈 Western Yunnan Province 4⃣️Shennongjia In October-November of Shennongjia, it is even more 'colorful' that makes people lose their self-confidence - as far as the eye can see, the hills and valleys are all colors splashed by the autumn wind The colorful oil painting-like light and shadow, the pure sky is vast and Deep, a few white cotton-like floating clouds are floating leisurely~ 🎈 Northwestern Hubei Province 5⃣️Shanxi In Taiyuan City, visit Hengshan and Jinci to understand Chinese ancient architecture and religious culture. You can also go to Pingyao Ancient City and stroll in this small town with a history of 4,000 years, feeling the strong historical atmosphere on the stone street 6⃣️Western Sichuan The colorful forests in Western Sichuan are blooming, and the maple leaves are brilliant, attracting tourists from all over the place. If you can encounter such a color feast, it will definitely leave a heavy color in your memory~ 🎈 Western region of Sichuan Basin 7⃣️Yunnan The autumn in Yunnan also contains grandeur, the trees with colorful layers, reflecting on the lake, like the mirror of this autumn color, the distant snow-capped mountains, also willingly become the background. The tenderness of the wind, flowers, snow and moon, the just right coolness, the leisurely half-day leisure, the grandeur of the golden...

Pingyao Ancient City - Shanxi ☆

UNESCO World Heritage Site Ping Yao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. Its urban fabric shows the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries. Getting There - I drove from Taiyuan, but you can take a high speed train. Attractions - The Ancient city itself, nice environment to walk around, rent a bike... Hotels - I would have stayed one night inside if I had time, so you can enjoy the city without too many people. Food & Restaurants - Some Chinese restaurants and lots of snack shops. Shopping - Main street with many shops. #culturalattraction

Pingyao ancient city fortification and defence. Well, those times were not very calm and peaceful, but Pingyao and its inhabitants were very rich. The strong and well developed defence system was necessary. Now we can observe some part and some artifacts like gunnery, double wall corridor with iron gate and cage. Inner space separating two gates are particularly interesting. The introduction and description are provided on the spot. Pingyao ancient City is very unusual and interesting place. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Bell Tower of Ming and Qing road. Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao city, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. This is the bell Tower if the Ming and Qing Road built centuries ago in the cross-road of two important streets here, in Pingyao. We are exactly in the center of Pingyao ancient city. Actually, this is the tallest building in whole ancient city of Pingyao. It is possible to climb there and all visitors are doing it. Then you will be rewarded by beautiful view on the ancient city and possibly to take pictures of main road in the city, still crowded and vivid like many centuries ago. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Catholic Church of Phingyao Ancient City, Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao city, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China. Well it was so unexpected to spot this type of building here in Pingyao ancient city, in the land of Confucius doctrine, but this Christian Catholic temple is historical mark and prove that missioners had reached this region and even founded their own temple here. By the way, the temple is still functioning. It's located right away from Confucius temple at the next cross-road. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Pingyao ancient city and its Newspaper Museum. Located in the heart of ancient City of Pingyao, included in two days combo ticket and it is very interesting and quite different compared to others places museum. The most interesting newspapers are collected here with drawings, articles comments and original design. The historical period of first half of twentieth century is completely presented here. Feel the atmosphere of those days. Probably this place will take no more than thirty minutes, but it definitely must visit. #museumquest#historicculture

Xie Tong Qing or Xietongqing (just different guides, books and websites are writing this name separately or together). Once again we are in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. And this well preserved through the centuries places Xie Tong Qing is the typical example of small museums in Pingyao ancient city combined together in the one by cultural heritage and as I like to express regarding Pingyao ancient city, the museum under the sky. It's true. Xie Tong Qing is decided into several sections of yards presenting here different artifacts of scenes of ancient City of Pingyao's life related to the trade, escort guards hiring and keeping earned gold. All of these is introduced in very interesting way, it seems you are really getting back to the ancient city of Pingyao. #summervacation

Tong Xing Gong is another place representing escort agency service which was in demand during flourishing of trade operations and merchant activities in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Yes, there is a lot of very interesting, useful and historically true information about ancient time escort agencies and their services. The museum expositions and introductions are illustrating how it was at that time, including the escort organization (front, middle, back, rear and several other parts having different tasks), elements of armour and weapon decor, skills of guards and ways of they were trained in. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

China escort agency, Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Well, well, well, it is really easy to get lost or misunderstood where you are and which escort agency's house or base you are visiting exactly now because there are several escort agencies in Pingyao ancient city. I mean the museums dedicated to this type service providers, the service which was in demand at that time centuries ago. But exactly this place is indicated as "China Escort Agency" in the tourist guidebooks. Yes, here are also presented weapons, artifacts, descriptions of trainings for guards and cultural relics of that epoch including treasures. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Wang Family courtyard, Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Well, this is probably richest one and most well decorated private courtyard which is belong to famous local family, members of that were successful entrepreneurs in ancient times here in Pingyao. It is very hard to make sure which family was richest in the Pingyao but definitely this one build their houses taller and with more decor. The gardens are inside giving the shadow during the hot summer, walls protects from winter winds. From the second floor it is opening view on the roofs of Pingyao. I've never seen so beautiful roofs. Roofs of Pingyao are amazing. So romantic. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

We are continuing to explore the historical and immense cultural heritage area of Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. This place named a little bit longer than other locations and sounds like Hua Bei Number One Biao Ju. This is the place where ancient merchants could hired soldiers doe protection and escorting them into other cities. The ancient China roads was not so safety. Even about ancient Pingyao it could be said like that: half of Pingyao is selling gold, another half of Pingyao people is selling not their gold. So, the escort service was in demand and escort agencies grown like a mushrooms offering well trained guards and their swords for protection to the ancient deallers. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

The Temple of Confucius or Kong Zi Miao aka 孔子庙 of Pingyao ancient city. This is the temple dedicated to one of the most famous man in the world, one if the most brightest mind the history ever knew. Due to the respect to his person, Confucius temple has a vast territory and open space grounds with several halls. This place is located a little bit far away from walking streets and trading tourist center of Pingyao ancient city, in a silent end if one small and narrow street. When you entering there in the temple yard then you immediately start to feel the atmosphere of wisdom and some kind of peace Like other temples in the city The Confucius Temple also presents the Pingyao ancient city history and introduces basics of the Confucius study. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Qiao Family Court yard. We are in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, China. Every corner, every small narrow streets here in Pingyao ancient city hides surprises. What kind of surprise could be expected from one of the richest family of ancient Pingyao? It is really impressive. After entering here it is becoming clear, this family was very rich and had earned a lot of money by the successful trade operations to keep such kind of house and territory for private use. Now this court yard is a tourist spot and interesting museum. This is also good option for taking pictures and opportunity to become more familiar with Pingyao ancient city history. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Pingyao ancient city government residence in the middle of the ancient city of Pingyao, Shanxi province, China. This scenic spot and museum is located very close to the ticket office, in the main artery of the city which is called Ming and Qing ancient street. Just for note, entrance into Pingyao ancient city is free of any admission, but to enter museums or some mansions it's necessary to purchase the ticket. Ticket is a kind of combo ticket opening access to all places during two days from the moment of buying for visitors. Yes, it was not easy to govern such kind of vivid and active ancient city, I guess. Government had a lot of work to support justice and piece in the ancient time Pingyao. The court is also located here. Nowadays the show telling the stories of justice is being performed here. Very interesting historical place for visiting. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Museum of Chinese Imperial examination is located in the historically real and based in the same location Imperial Examination Center of ancient China's Pingyao city. We are again visiting Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Long time ago to get the post or position in the government administration, the young men had to pass one if the most difficult exams which could ever be imagined. Ancient time it was not so easy to get the governing job, if we express by modern language. Many scholars arrived in the city and day and night studied materials, subjects, disciplines to they their skills and luck aiming to get the better future. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#museumquest#historicculture

Cheng Huang Temple, the ancient temple which is located in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Pingyao is a one big museum under the sky. There are so many unique creations, buildings, installations and artifacts. This temple is still playing its religious role but also has become the tourist hot spot attracting all kind of visitors arriving in the Pingyao ancient city. The territory is big and includes several sectors. All buildings are open for entering. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao, Shanxi province, China. Every city has its own main street, Broadway or something like this. In Pingyao ancient city this role was granted to the Ming and Qing Ancient Street, the largest one and longest one in the city. The city plan has not been changed and we can see so called original architectural design or plan for the city. This was the main trade street here, always overcrowded with thousands of people running for their businesses and thousands of commercial opetationd done every day. It especially beautiful from the top view of central Tower. Today mostly dedicated to the satisfying tourist needs it is still vivid street representing the spirit of ancient merchants. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Ancient City Wall of the Pingyao ancient city (Pingyao Gu Cheng), Pingyao ancient City, Shanxi province. Like every ancient City on China Pingyao is surrounded by its own city wall, tall and monumental with Towers and observation decks. It is pretty interesting walking on the top of city wall hanging this ancient city like a belt. The views are pretty good, both, outside of the city and, of course, on the roofs and streets with people inside of this open space museum under the sky. Taking pictures will bring a lot of memorable shots. Please, note, that city wall is opened only until 18.00 or six pm, then the gates of places for enter will be closed. Remarkable place in amazing ancient city of Pingyao. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Local craft shop. Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. We are again in the ancient city of Pingyao. For this time it is told not about artifacts come from past but about new made goods, luxury and beautiful in the ancient style. Yes, Pingyao ancient City is a good option for this kind of shopping, too. The shops look like museums but represented master pieces just have prices. The bright colors and motifs can not leave anyone indifferent. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip

We are in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, China. This post dedicated to the first well organized collectors, guards who is responsible for delivering and preserving money like our modern bank van drivers and guards, collectors. Since Pingyao was a biggest one commercial city in ancient China with non stop mode signing commercial agreements, deliveries and... doing of money transfers, logically, this place had been forced to develop protective mechanisms to guarantee money preservation and protection from robbers. Banks, in Pingyao invented their own special service, the guards, who was well trained and could be hired to come to the point and collect the money for further delivery to the bank for its clients. It has solved many problems. Here are the pictures of their ammunition and weapon. Cone to Pingyao to check it out! #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#bestislandtraveltowns#museumquest#historicculture

Rishengchang Bank or Ri Sheng Chang Former bank. This landmark is located on one of the major streets of the Pingyao ancient city (not Qing and Ming commercial street, another one connected with that by small streets lying through ancient blocks), Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. I was already mentioned in my previous post that Pingyao is best preserved and biggest ancient city of China among small number of survived cities until our epoch. Well, this bank was one of the biggest and richest during ancient time and of course it was located in Pingyao city, the trade point of ancient China. After entering inside you can understand how rich was it! And this bank presents hundreds of artifacts telling us different stories of ancient time and describing people life and, especially, accounting many centuries ago. This is number one place for visiting in Pingyao ancient city. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#bestislandtraveltowns#museumquest#historicculture

Ping Yao Gu Cheng aka Ping Yao Ancient City. This ancient city is located in Ping Yao City, Shanxi province. I guess many people herd about this place, about this very famous city and germ of Shanxi Province (not Shaanxi). This is the one of the most well preserved ancient cities in China. Thriving through the centuries in the ancient time, it has survived twenty's century and appears in its unique and charming style in front of our eyes. I would like to emphasize this is real city, all buildings are really ancient, not the new made after 2000 year. Really, unique place. The city is presented by its ancient streets and everywhere small museum are ready to accept guests. Every building is a museum, ancient hall or rich family yard. There are a lot of special artifacts. Totally, the visiting requires two days to visit every small place. Ticket gives the access to every location. Each place in this city deserved separate introduction. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest

Pingyao Ancient Town

Pingyao Ancient Town is a preserved town about 3-hours outside of Xi’an by high-speed rail🚉 It might not be a tourist hot spot, but it’s a pretty cool place nonetheless! Pingyao is known for its well preserved traditional architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. You might be wondering what it is exactly people do in Pingyao 🤔 For starters you can go shopping on Ming-Qing street! You can also check out the First Bank of China (yes the very first one). Cheap massages are always a good option for travelers with weary bones. And of course, you can just wander through the city’s many winding alleyways. However you choose to spend your time in Pingyao, you’re in for a treat! #summervacation#urbanexplorer

Pingyao is known as UNESCO wolrd heritage site, because it is the original ancient town in China. It has wall surrounding the ancient city part, which you can go up to and see the view from above #happynewyear #chinabeauty #happynewyear

A trip back in time. This is Pingyao, where the architecture remains beautifully preserved as it was a 1000 years ago. Away from the hustle and bustle, nestled in this breathtaking courtyard. Can the start to 2020 get any better? #happynewyear

ancient city of Pingyao. a nice short breather away from the typical hustle and bustle of China’s bigger cities. all the buildings have been painstakingly preserved and you get to enjoy being lost among its many alleys.

Pingyao is one of the old ancient city in China which is still very original and it is also one of the UNESCO world heritage site. This ancient city is surrounded by its outstanding city walls which were used by the guards to protect the city from enemies in the past. If you come here, try to find hotel inside the ancient town as it is a really nice area. You can also find many traditional restaurants and shops inside :) #HalloTrip