谋生咖啡馆

A cafe on Shaxiang Street in Pingyao Ancient City. When I passed by the scenic area tour bus, I saw the name of "Making a Living Cafe" and was deeply impressed. I turned back and walked along the street, found the shop and went in to check it out. The cafe is indeed decorated with a literary and artistic atmosphere, with simple decoration and rich colors. Most of the customers are young tourists, some chatting and some dozing off. There are also local teenagers who gather together to drink and do homework. I ordered a cup of Dirty to get rid of the summer heat, and then asked for a special osmanthus latte. The rim of the cup was covered with a circle of nut crumbs, which had a unique flavor. The sun slowly set in the west, sipping coffee, browsing the circle of friends, and the leisurely afternoon time was very beautiful.

I stayed here for three days and discovered that Pingyao holds even more surprises. Noon: Awakened by the delicious food. Pingyao's South Street is always bustling and noisy. Pushing open the wooden door of Baishanxi, the aroma of warm air mixed with the scent of noodles wafted in. I ordered their signature braised pork belly and watched the chef stir-fry it in the open kitchen. The pork slices sizzled in the iron wok, paired with freshly cooked knife-cut noodles, making me sweat with delight. The owner said that winter ingredients absorb flavor better, and that's certainly true. Afternoon: Slowly passing the time in a warm space. Coffee has become my haven. Pushing open the door, Christmas bells jingled crisply. I ordered a hand-drip coffee and sat by the window overlooking the street. The manager was busy at the drinks counter, and sunlight filtered through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the wooden floor. This didn't feel like a coffee shop; it felt more like the home of an old friend, where you could forget about time. Afternoon: Witnessing the craftsmanship of time. Stepping into Yonglonghao felt like entering another dimension. A master craftsman was polishing a piece of lacquerware, his movements slow and focused. He said winter is the perfect time for lacquerware making, the humidity is just right. Watching him apply and polish the lacquer layer by layer using ancient methods, I suddenly understood what "craftsmanship" truly means. Every piece here carries warmth, more worthy of being treasured than any souvenir. Night: Songs in the Snowy Night Not knowing where to go at night, I decided to stay at the Mousheng Coffee Bar. A folk singer played guitar, singing a song about winter. Holding a glass of mulled wine, I watched people come and go outside the window. Such a night, I didn't want it to end too soon. It turns out, life in Pingyao can be so rich. Savoring seasonal delicacies in a warm restaurant, relaxing in a space filled with festive atmosphere, feeling the warmth of traditional craftsmanship in time-honored shops. These experiences are more unforgettable than fast-paced life. If you're also looking for a different kind of journey, why not come to Pingyao? The beauty here is far more than you imagine. #PingyaoAncientCity

Covered in blue bricks and gray tiles, the tranquil streets and alleys swaying with red lanterns 🌨️ This comprehensive guide will unlock the winter-limited charm of Pingyao! 🚗【Transportation Guide】 ✨High-speed rail passengers should get off at "Pingyao Ancient City Station" → Bus 108 goes directly to the North Gate/West Gate of the Ancient City (15-minute ride) → Taxi fare is 20-30 yuan; in snowy weather, taking a taxi is recommended! 🚂Train Traveler's Perk: 15-minute walk from Pingyao Station to the West Gate ⚠️Motor vehicles are prohibited within the ancient city; it is recommended to purchase a 10 RMB/trip shuttle bus ticket. 🎫【Ticket Guide】 ✔️125 RMB all-inclusive ticket for 22 core attractions (valid for 3 days❗) 📍Includes the city wall/Rishengchang Exchange Shop, etc. (Half price for students and seniors) ✔️Shuanglin Temple 35 RMB (Filming location for "Black Myth"!) ✔️Zhenguo Temple 25 RMB (Ancient architecture with Five Dynasties style) ⏰Winter Opening: 8:00-17:30 (Last entry 15 minutes before closing) 📸【Must-Visit Route】 Day 1️⃣ Ancient City Highlights ☀️Morning: Climb the South Gate city wall to see the auspicious purple clouds rising from the east amidst the snow ❄️ Experience the glory of Shanxi merchants at "Rishengchang Exchange Shop" 💰 Watch the 9:30 AM court hearing performance at the county government office (super ceremonial!) 🌙Afternoon: Explore the underground vault at "Xietongqing" 🏦 Get a fortune slip at "City God Temple" Evening: Must-see immersive theater performance "Encounter Pingyao Again" 🎭 Afterwards, take photos of the night view of the lanterns at Yingxun Gate 🏮 Day 2️⃣ Ancient Temple Exploration 🚌 Charter a car to Shuanglin Temple (the painted sculptures are absolutely stunning!) 🎨 Shop for Sun Wukong co-branded cultural and creative products ❄️A stroll along the ancient city wall is a must on a snowy day! 🏡【Snow Season Accommodation Recommendations】 ▫️Xiaoyaoyou Homestay (South Street) Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyard + underfloor heating 🔥 Super convenient walking distance to attractions ▫️Nanshuyuan Inn (Yamen Street) Quiet courtyard + free shuttle service 👵👶 ▫️Shiman Holiday Courtyard (North Street) Smart room type + private hot spring bath ♨️ Ideal for family trips 🍲【Winter Delights】 🔥Lao Zhao's Copper Hot Pot (South Street) A mountain of cabbage, meatballs, and crispy pork! 50 RMB per person for a full meal! 🍖Hongwuji Braised Beef in Aged Vinegar Sour, fragrant, and tender, perfectly paired with chilled millet cake! ☕Mousheng Coffee & Bar Enjoying a glass of mulled wine while watching the snow fall is incredibly romantic~ ⚠️【Avoid Pitfalls】 ✅Wear non-snow boots! Super slippery bluestone slabs ✅Prepare hand warmers and a power bank (batteries drain quickly in low temperatures) ❌Don't buy "antiques" from roadside vendors (99% are Yiwu goods) 🌟Photo Bonus: Snow scene at the Confucius Temple archway (Picture 2) Red pillars, green tiles, and white snow—perfect for photos! #ShanxiTourism #PingyaoAncientCity #WinterTravelPlans #AncientArchitecture #SnowSceneCheckIn

As you step onto the South Street paved with bluestone and enter the ancient city of Pingyao, it feels as if you've traveled back in time to a living city with a history of 2,700 years. Its ancient city walls were built in the third year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. Four main streets, eight smaller streets, and seventy-two alleys crisscross the area, making it once a major financial center and the birthplace of Shanxi merchants. Here, the weight of history is preserved, and it's also found in a steaming bowl of kaolao (a type of steamed bun) on a street corner or the polishing work of a lacquerware craftsman. The following three "stop and enjoy" recommendations will infuse your journey with flavor, rhythm, and meaning. Ancient City Culture and Pace of Travel Pingyao Ancient City is one of the best-preserved ancient county town layouts: the city walls, courtyards, and alleys are still alive. We suggest you explore at a leisurely pace: Morning: Climb the city wall, stroll along the main street, and admire the textures of the roof tiles and brick carvings; Noon: Stop for lunch at Baishanxi Restaurant, letting your stomach also learn about the ancient city; Afternoon: Explore handicraft shops and cafes, taking your time to stroll, take photos, and savor the experience; Evening: Soft lighting and quiet streets make for the perfect time for photos; Night: Experience the ancient city's night view, listen to folk songs, and watch a theatrical performance, feeling the sense of "people living in the city, life in the city." Eat | Baishanxi Restaurant (40-Year-Old Establishment) Located at No. 81, South Street of the Ancient City, this 40-year-old establishment is a highly regarded representative of the Juguangju branch. Recommended dishes: Pingyao beef, braised pork, yellow millet cake, fried rice cake, copper hot pot… every bite is an echo of local flavor. Locals often say: "After walking all over the city wall and exploring all the streets, the most worthwhile thing to do is to stop and eat here." This meal is not just about filling your stomach, but about sharing culinary memories with the ancient city. Play | Artistic and Slow-Paced Coffee Bar Hidden in a quiet sandy alley in the city, this coffee bar reveals another side of the ancient city. Ancient tiles, wooden windows, brick walls, and wooden beams bear the textures of traditional architecture; while the bar, guitar, and cocktails bring out the pulse of modern art and culture. Enjoy a cup of coffee by day, switch to cocktails or fruit wine by night, listen to a folk song, relax and give yourself a reason to slow down outside the city walls. Not far from the entrance, there are also large-scale indoor immersive performances, "Encounter Pingyao" and "Encounter the Bank," which you can experience after your visit to feel the vibrant cultural layers of the ancient city. Buy | Heritage Craftsmanship · Yonglonghao Lacquerware Shop In a small courtyard on the main street, you'll see artisans applying powder, gilding, and repeatedly polishing lacquerware. Pingyao's push-lacquerware technique is an intangible cultural heritage, and Yonglonghao is the repository of this tradition. Choosing a lacquer box or jewelry box is not just buying a souvenir, but taking away a moment of the artisan's meticulous work, making the ancient city not just a stop on your journey, but a trace of memory. Here, you don't need to chase after popular tourist spots, but slowly explore the story of a city: from the past of banks and banks to today's leisurely coffee, and the subtle brilliance of handcrafted artisans. Choose a quiet alley with few people, book a table by the window in an old house, and buy a piece of lacquerware to take back. Let Pingyao leave behind not just photos, but the moment when you gently call out "I'm here" in the ancient city.

This is my third visit to Pingyao, and I've finally found the right way to experience this ancient city. If you also enjoy leisurely travel, this strolling guide might be just what you're looking for. Morning: Enjoying Solitude on the City Wall I recommend climbing the city wall from Yingxun Gate in the morning. The ancient city is just awakening, and the gentle morning light shines on the blue bricks and gray tiles—the perfect time for taking photos. Walk slowly along the wall, overlooking the entire panoramic view of the ancient city, and feel the traces left by a thousand years of history. Morning: The Warmth of Shanxi Merchants' History Find a guide at Rishengchang Exchange House; the stories behind those old ledgers and abacuses are even more fascinating than you imagine. Standing before the weathered counter, you can almost hear the bustling sounds of "connecting the world" from bygone days. If you have enough time, the court hearing performance at the county government office is worth watching. Remember to check the performance time in advance; arriving late might mean you won't find a good seat. Noon: Delicious Food Hidden in the Old Street After visiting the attractions, head to Baishanxi on South Street for lunch. His family's braised pork is exceptionally authentic, with tender and juicy meat. Paired with a bowl of knife-cut noodles, it's a flavor even locals would recommend. Sitting by the window, watching the passersby on the street, you can enjoy a leisurely meal. Afternoon - A Great Place to Slow Down Afternoon is perfect for exploring the alleyways. The Mousheng Coffee Bar on Shaxiang Street is a pleasant surprise. Order a cup of their specialty coffee served in a covered bowl and you can easily spend the afternoon there. The dog "Ears" in the bar is very friendly, and there's a folk singer performing in the evening. Try the hot beer! It has a unique flavor. It's very close to the "Encounter Pingyao" theater, just a ten-minute walk. If you arrive too early for the performance, you can sit here for a while; after the show, it's also a pleasant place to have a drink and reminisce about the story. Evening - The Art of Craftsmanship Passed Down Through Generations Yonglonghao on Mingqing Street always captivates me. Through the window, you can see artisans polishing lacquerware, again and again, until the surface achieves a warm, lustrous sheen. This intangible cultural heritage, passed down for thousands of years, is soothing to watch just to observe its creation. You don't necessarily need to buy anything; simply watching the artisans at work brings inner peace. My Walking Itinerary: Day 1: City Wall → Rishengchang → County Government Office → Ming and Qing Street Day 2: Confucian Temple → Xietongqing → Lacquerware Shop → "Encounter Pingyao" Day 3: Escort Agency Museum → Ma Family Courtyard → Leisurely Stroll In Pingyao, the most beautiful sights are never found in travel guides. It might be the deserted streets in the early morning, the dappled sunlight in the afternoon, or the unintentional smile of an artisan. Slow down to discover the most captivating aspects of this living ancient city.