Pingyao Ancient City is located in central Shanxi Province and dates back to the reign of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty, giving it a history of more than 2,800 years. The city comprises an extensive architectural complex that includes ancient city walls, historic shops, traditional streets, temples, and residential courtyards. Within the city, visitors can find 4 main streets, 8 secondary streets, and 72 alleyways laid out in a well-preserved urban grid. Once a thriving hub of commerce and finance, Pingyao stands today as a remarkable testament to the early development of China’s modern banking industry.

Recommended Itineraries

One-Day Tour of the Ancient City (Total walking distance: approximately 3 km)

1. Pingyao Confucian Temple

The Dacheng Hall of Pingyao Confucian Temple, reconstructed during the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234), remains perfectly preserved and is one of the few surviving Jin structures among all Confucian temples in China.

2. City God Temple

The City God was traditionally portrayed by local heroes or meritorious officials who were believed to protect the wellbeing of the city and its people.

3. Pingyao Ancient Government Office Museum

Located at the center of the ancient city, the Pingyao Ancient Government Office dates back to the Northern Wei period.

4. Rishengchang Draft Bank Museum

As China’s first private financial institution specializing in deposit, loan, and remittance services, Rishengchang became famous for its motto “Connecting Remittances across the World”.

5. Weitaihou Draft Bank Museum

Housed in a traditional three-courtyard shop complex, this museum preserves its historic charm and exemplifies the refined architectural style of the period.

6. Pingyao Ancient City Tower

One of Pingyao’s most iconic structures, the tower gained the nickname “Golden Well Tower” due to a nearby well whose water was said to appear golden.

7. China Escort Agency Museum

This museum presents the history of China’s traditional armed escort services and recounts fascinating stories from the era of overland trade.

Night Tour of the Ancient City (Duration: around 4 hours; walking distance: 1.4 km)

1. Jifuxiang Snack Street

Visitors can enjoy authentic Shanxi cuisine along this “Fu Culture”-themed food street, where they can fully savor the region’s rich culinary heritage.

2. Ming and Qing Street

Bathed in warm evening lights, this historic commercial street reveals even more charm at night, offering a vivid sense of ancient mercantile prosperity.

3. 3D Light Show

Staged on Yingxun Gate, the immersive light show blends Pingyao’s long history with its rich cultural traditions.

Ticket Information

Pingyao Ancient City Combined Ticket: RMB 125

Youjian Pingyao Performance (Again See Pingyao): RMB 238

Youjian Pingyao Performance (Again See Pingyao): RMB 159

Shuanglin Temple: RMB 33

Zhenguo Temple: RMB 23