Locals and visitors making their way on the south gate entrance in Pingyao ancient city in China

We almost skipped Pingyao—and we’re so glad we didn’t.  In this guide, we’re sharing what made this ancient town so special to us—along with practical tips, must-see sights, and everything you need to know to plan your own visit.

We weren’t sure if this place was worth visiting, we first thought it might be boring or just not that special. But it completely surprised us and ended up being one of our favorite spots in all of our China trip.

Pingyao is one of the best places in China to see what ancient towns used to look like. It’s even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. The entire old town is still surrounded by a huge 12-meter-high wall, and everything inside has been beautifully preserved or restored. There are no cars allowed, so you can walk around and really take in the traditional houses, old government buildings, and historic banks.

In the evening, Pingyao becomes even more magical. The narrow streets light up with red lanterns, it gets quiet and calm, and it feels like you’ve traveled back in time. If you love history and want to see a different, slower side of China, this is the place to go.

woman posing in front of chinese old doors in pingyao

chinese old building in pingyao ancient city

HOW MANY DAYS FOR PINGYAO?

We recommend spending 1–2 nights in Pingyao. While you can see the main museums and highlights in one full day, having an extra night gives you more time to soak it all in. We only stayed for one night—arriving in the evening, exploring the next day, and then heading off to Chengdu. It worked, but if you want to take it slow or dive deeper into the museums and hidden corners inside the ancient city walls, staying a little longer will make your visit feel more relaxed.

WHERE TO STAY IN PINGYAO?

One of the reasons we were so excited to visit Pingyao was the unique hotel design — many guesthouses are set in beautifully restored courtyard homes, featuring traditional wooden architecture, intricate carvings, and red lanterns hanging by the doors.

Staying inside the ancient city walls not only adds to the charm but also lets you experience Pingyao beyond the tourist rush. Most tour groups arrive around 8:00 am and leave by 7:00 pm, so the mornings and evenings feel much calmer and more atmospheric.

For booking, we recommend Trip.com — it has far more listings than Booking.com, especially when it comes to traditional-style stays.

BUDGET | Heping Residence is a charming stay in a traditional courtyard house with classic wooden design. A Chinese breakfast is included, and we loved the peaceful vibe and pretty details.

COMFORT | Pingyao Tian Shun Yi Guild Hall offers a lovely courtyard with traditional architecture, while the rooms are calm, clean, and modern inside.

HANOK | Xingshengjiu Courtyard Hotel combines spacious, modern rooms with a stylish Chinese flair. It includes free transfers and a generous afternoon tea buffet — super comfy and convenient.

HOW TO GET TO PINGYAO?

The easiest and fastest way to reach Pingyao is by high-speed train (HSR). The town is conveniently located between Beijing and Xi’an, with travel times of just 3 to 4 hours from either city.

You’ll arrive at Pingyao Gucheng Station (not the regular Pingyao station), which is about 15–20 minutes from the ancient city wall. From there, you can take a Didi or a taxi to the ancient city wall. Many guesthouses inside the old town offer free shuttle service from the city wall gate, since cars can’t enter the historic area itself.

If you’re traveling during a busy season, we recommend booking your train tickets a few days in advance via 12go.asia.

TRAIN | Check HSR schedules and book your seat here.

HOW TO GET AROUND PINGYAO?

The best way to explore Pingyao Ancient City is simply on foot. The old town is small and walkable, and wandering through the narrow alleys is part of the charm. You’ll come across electric carts that can take you to specific spots if you’re tired, and there are also tuk-tuk-style tours offered by friendly locals if you want a quick ride and a bit of commentary.

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PINGYAO CITY PASS

Like every attraction in China, you need to pay to visit any museum and the city wall. The city pass is valid for 3 days and you can visit most of Pingyao’s ancient city’s attractions. We initially tried buying tickets through WeChat but found it too complicated, check below to buy it with GetYourGuide. If you prefer buying tickets in person, be prepared to queue early at the ticket offices. Remember, you must scan your QR code online ticket to enter any attraction, so ensure your phone has enough battery or bring a power bank. Stay connected with a China Saily eSIM to book your tickets online, access QR codes, and explore top attractions with ease.

BUY | Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area Pass Ticket Only with GetYourGuide

The museums are housed within old buildings and courtyards, offering a glimpse into the city's past. This immersive experience truly allows you to step back in time and get a feel for how the city used to be. Realistically, you can explore most of the significant museums in just one day. While we enjoyed our time, it's worth noting that some places may start to look similar after a while. Some museums were bustling with visitors, while others were more peaceful.

OPEN | 8:00 a.m. to 17:30 p.m.

traveler couple hugging taking picture in front of the south gate in the iconic touristic spot in pingyao china

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OUR 6 FAVORITE ATTRACTIONS

1. Pingyao City Wall

Walk along the 12-meter-high Ming-era wall that completely encloses the ancient town. From up there, you get amazing views over the rooftops, temple towers, and narrow streets — it really helps you understand the city’s old layout and defenses. The wall is best accessed through the South Gate. Come here at sunset or early morning for the best light and fewer people.

2. Rishengchang Exchange House

This is where China’s first bank was founded in the 1820s, marking Pingyao as a major financial center. Inside, you can explore the original counters, historic documents, and even an underground vault. It’s one of the most visited spots in town, so if you're staying inside the walls, try to visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

3. Ancient Government Office (Yamen)

We didn’t expect it to be so large! This former Qing-dynasty government complex includes courtrooms, jails, a tax office, and ceremonial halls. Some areas even have live reenactments of trials or daily life (sadly only in Chinese), which makes the visit more vivid and memorable.

drone picture of south gate showcasing the wall from the front and the gate in pingyao china

4. Confucian Temple

A quiet and beautiful site with traditional Chinese architecture and inscriptions that date back over 700 years. A great place to learn about Confucianism and take a break from the busier streets. If you want to know more about what to keep in mind when visiting Chinese temples check our Chinese temple guide.

5. Ming-Qing Street (South Street)

The main pedestrian road lined with traditional shops, tea houses, red lanterns, and restored facades. It’s touristy, but still very scenic and incredibly beautiful at dusk when the lights come on.

6. Temple of the City God

One of our favorite stops — and surprisingly quiet when we visited. This Taoist temple stands out for its colorful, dramatic statues, especially those depicting scenes of hell and judgment. The expressions are intense, even a little creepy, but definitely fascinating and worth taking your time to explore.

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