The only ancient city in the country preserved because of poverty.

In-depth travel guide to Pingyao Ancient City: A time-travel journey through the Ming and Qing dynasties Pingyao Ancient City is located in central Shanxi Province and is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing county towns in China, with a history of over 2,800 years. It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1997. Every brick and tile here carries the profound heritage of Shanxi merchant culture. Strolling through it feels like stepping into a living "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." 📸 Highlights and must-visit spots 1. Ancient City Wall and Sunset - South Gate (Yingxun Gate): The best spot to climb the city wall! At dusk, the setting sun gilds the blue brick alleys, overlooking the entire Pingyao Ancient City, Rishengchang Draft Bank, City God Temple, Ming and Qing Street, Yingxun Gate, City God Temple, and the turtle-shaped ancient city (named for its "earth" character layout). Every snap is a masterpiece. - Walking the city wall loop: If you have the energy, walk around the city wall (about 1 hour) to fully experience the ancient city’s layout and bustling street life. 2. The Financial Heart of Shanxi Merchants - Rishengchang Draft Bank: China’s first bank, with restored accounting rooms where you can experience writing ancient drafts. Wearing Hanfu and taking traditional-style photos creates a great atmosphere. - Ming and Qing Street (South Street): Known as "China’s Wall Street," red lanterns hang on both sides of the bluestone road. The Escort Agency Museum and Xietongqing Underground Vault (pretend to be a bank manager) are hidden here. 3. Immersive Cultural Experiences - Pingyao County Government Office: The largest ancient county government office in China. At 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM daily, the "County Magistrate’s Court Session" is performed, offering interactive fun. - City God Temple Opera Stage: Red silk wish ribbons flutter, and the ancient stage backdrop naturally adds a time-travel filter, a unique photo spot. - Confucian Temple and Imperial Examination Museum: Feel the thousand-year Confucian atmosphere between red walls and green tiles. Authentic imperial exam papers are worth a close look. 🍜 Must-try local delicacies - Pingyao Beef: Bright red, salty, fragrant, and tender. Highly recommend the old Chen vinegar-braised beef at Hongwu Ji Restaurant, where the vinegar flavor soaks into the meat, perfect with rice. - Two ways to enjoy Wantuo (a local noodle dish): cold and refreshing (Dong Ji stir-fried Wantuo) or hot and chewy (served with fried dough twists or ham). The texture is like cold skin noodles but more springy. - Shanxi Copper Hotpot: Lao Zhao’s charcoal slow stew, with crispy meat, meatballs, and vermicelli blending in bone broth. Dip in special spicy sauce for a warming and satisfying taste. - Unique desserts: Liang Xiansen’s yogurt with aged vinegar is slightly sour and sweet, surprisingly harmonious with sea buckthorn fruit bits. 🏡 Stay in the ancient city: Overnight through a thousand years - Core area of South Street: Deshenglou Inn (ancient-style opera courtyard), Hongwu Ji upstairs, with windows overlooking the bustling Ming and Qing Street. Attractions are within a 5-minute walk. - Quiet courtyards on Yamen Street: Yuchengyuan (a century-old three-entry courtyard), Nanshuyuan (family suites + tea house), peaceful yet not far from the hustle and bustle. - North Street design spaces: Shiman Holiday Courtyard (smart home + Ming and Qing courtyard), parking lot accessible immediately after exiting the north gate for self-driving tourists. ✨ Insider tips: Avoid crowds, play smart 1. Best times: - 7 AM: Enjoy the empty ancient streets and take prime photos with soft light. - 9 PM: 3D light show at Yingxun Gate Square, the ancient city wall transforms into a giant screen. 2. Transportation tips: - Take the high-speed train to Pingyao Ancient City Station, then a 10-minute taxi to the city; for regular trains, choose Pingyao Station, a 20-minute walk to the city. - Walking is the only way inside! The stone roads are uneven, so wear sneakers. 3. Bonus experiences: - Rent Shanxi merchant lady Hanfu (recommended Yun Jin Tang) for dramatic photos at the draft bank and old residences. - Buy lacquerware jewelry boxes and homemade vinegar from the family vinegar shop (hawthorn/persimmon flavors) as souvenirs, crafted with intangible cultural heritage skills. The charm of Pingyao lies in the seamless blend of history and daily life. Explore the escort agency and banks by day, chew beef while watching lanterns light up at dusk, and stay in a century-old courtyard listening to the wind through carved windows—this "living ancient city" awaits you to decode its millennia-old secrets.