Planning a trip to Pingyao Ancient Town from Beijing? You’re in for a journey back in time! Located in Shanxi Province, Pingyao is one of China’s best-preserved ancient towns, filled with historic courtyards, old city walls, and fascinating museums. Whether you’re a history lover, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a unique destination, Pingyao is a must-visit.
But first, how do you get there? Beijing to Pingyao travel options include high-speed trains, regular trains, long-distance buses, and self-driving. Each choice offers a different experience in terms of speed, comfort, and cost. This guide will help you choose the best way to travel from Beijing to Pingyao, book tickets, and make the most of your trip. Let’s dive in
1. How to Get to Pingyao from Beijing
There are four main ways to travel from Beijing to Pingyao Ancient Town:
- High-speed train
- Regular train
- Long-distance bus
- Self-driving
Each option has its pros and cons. Let’s break them down.
1) High-Speed Train from Beijing to Pingyao 🚄
The high-speed train is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pingyao.
- Departure Stations: Beijing North, Qinghe, or Beijing Fengtai Station
- Travel Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
- Arrival Station: Pingyao Gucheng Station (Pingyaogucheng平遥古城站). After exiting the station, you can take a local taxi or bus to the ancient city. Pingyao Gucheng Station is 6 km from the ancient city.
💡 Important:
Pingyao has two train stations:
- Pingyao Gucheng Station – for high-speed trains (15 minutes by taxi from the old town).
- Pingyao Railway Station – for regular trains (near the ancient city).
Ticket Prices:
- Second Class: ¥225.5–¥291.5
- First Class: ¥362–¥469
- Business Class: ¥698–¥911
Beijing Pingyao High-Speed Train Schedules:
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| G627 | 08:05 (Beijing West) | 11:59 | 3h 54m |
| G2455 | 08:06 (Beijing North) | 12:14 | 4h 8m |
| G625 | 10:38 (Beijing Fengtai) | 14:18 | 3h 40m |
| D1039 | 16:06 (Qinghe) | 21:30 | 5h 24m |
How to Book Train Tickets?
You can book tickets online in advance. Use these platforms:
🚄 Best for: Travelers who want speed, comfort, and convenience.
🏮 Private Datong Day Tour Arranged by Local Tour Guide Nancy
Explore ancient charm and local insight on this privately guided day trip with Nancy, a friendly and knowledgeable local expert. You’ll travel from Datong to the UNESCO-listed town of Pingyao, stopping at highlights like the iconic City Wall, the atmospheric Ming-Qing Street, the Temple of the City God, and the historic Ri Sheng Chang Exchange Shop—the world’s first bank!
With seamless transportation from your Datong hotel to your next stop (Pingyao or Taiyuan), this is the kind of stress-free, story-filled journey that makes China unforgettable. 🛤️✨
👉 Book Your Private Datong Day Tour Now !
💡 Why You’ll Love It:
- 👩🦳 Local Insight: Your guide Nancy brings the past to life with fascinating stories and personal touches.
- 🚗 Door-to-Door Comfort: Hotel pickup in Datong and drop-off in Pingyao or Taiyuan—no planning needed.
- 🏯 Historic Highlights: See Pingyao’s top sites, including the ancient city wall and banking museum.
- 🕰️ Go at Your Own Pace: Take time to wander, snap photos, and ask all the questions you like.
- 🎟️ All-Inclusive: Entrance fees are covered, so you can just enjoy the ride.
2) Regular Train from Beijing to Pingyao 🚆
If you prefer a cheaper and more authentic experience, take a regular train. These trains have sleeper beds, making them a good overnight travel option.
- Departure Stations: Beijing West, Beijing Fengtai
- Travel Time: 9 to 12 hours
- Arrival Station: Pingyao Railway Station (Near the old town). The train station is just 800 meters from the ancient city, about a 10-minute
Ticket Prices:
- Hard Seat: ¥91–¥105
- Hard Sleeper: ¥158–¥190
- Soft Sleeper: ¥243–¥274
Beijing Pingyao Regular Train Schedules:
| Train | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| K603 | 22:10 (Beijing West) | 09:47 (+1 day) | 11h 37m |
| K609 | 23:45 (Beijing) | 09:49 (+1 day) | 10h 4m |
🚆 Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind a longer journey.
3) Beijing to Pingyao by Bus 🚌
If you can’t get a high-speed train ticket in time, don’t worry! You can take a long-distance bus instead.
Buses leave from major stations in Beijing, like Sihui Long-Distance Bus Station (北京四惠长途汽车站) and Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站). The journey takes about 5-6 hours.
Key details:
- Ticket price: Around ¥100-150, depending on the bus company and route.
- Travel time: About 5-6 hours.
- Flexible departures: There are multiple buses throughout the day.
It’s a convenient backup option if train tickets are sold out! 🚍
🚌 Best for: Travelers on a tight budget who don’t mind a long road trip.
4) Self-Driving from Beijing to Pingyao 🚗
For those who prefer flexibility, self-driving is a great option.
- Route: G5 Jingkun Expressway (Beijing → Baoding → Shijiazhuang → Yangquan → Jinzhong → Pingyao)
- Distance: About 580 km
- Driving Time: Around 7 hours (including rest stops)
Estimated Costs:
- Toll Fees: ¥250–¥300
- Fuel Costs: ¥400–¥500
Parking in Pingyao
Since cars are not allowed inside the old town, you must park outside:
- Eco-Parking Lot (Pingyao Ancient City)
- ¥15 for 8 hours
- ¥30 for overnight parking
🚗 Best for: Travelers who love road trips or are traveling in groups.
5) Alternative Route: Beijing → Taiyuan → Pingyao
Another option is to take a high-speed train to Taiyuan first, then transfer to a bus or train to Pingyao.
- Step 1: Beijing to Taiyuan South by high-speed train (2.5 hours, ¥191).
- Step 2: Taiyuan South to Pingyao by train or bus (1 hour, ¥35–¥50).
🚉 Best for: Those wanting to explore Taiyuan or nearby attractions like Jinci Temple.
2. How to Get Around Pingyao Ancient Town
Once you arrive, getting around Pingyao is easy.
Walking 🚶
The town is compact and best explored on foot. Strolling through the alleys lets you soak in the historic atmosphere.
Electric Carts 🚗
If you don’t want to walk, you can use electric carts. A one-way ride costs ¥10–¥20.
Bikes 🚲
Renting a bike is another great way to explore. Rental shops are available near the South Gate.
3. Must-Visit Attractions in Pingyao Ancient City
Pingyao Ancient City is like a living history museum, packed with well-preserved buildings and cultural relics. Here are some must-see spots when exploring this fascinating town with entrance fees and opening hours:
Phone: 0354-5690000
Address: Kangning Road, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province,
Opening Hours
| Season | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Attractions close at 6:00 PM |
| Winter | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Attractions close earlier in winter |
| ⏳ Last Entry | 15 minutes before closing | Plan your visit accordingly |
Ticket Prices
| Attraction | Ticket Price | Included in City Pass? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pingyao Ancient City Pass | ¥125 | ✅ Yes | Covers 22 attractions, valid 3 days, one-time entry per site |
| Shuanglin Temple | ¥35 | ❌ No | Not part of the city pass |
| Zhenguo Temple | ¥25 | ❌ No | Not part of the city pass |
| “See Pingyao Again” Performance | ¥238 | ❌ No | Immersive theater experience |
1) Pingyao Ancient City Wall 平遥古城墙
This iconic wall, built during the Ming Dynasty, stretches about 6 km and remains remarkably well-preserved. Walk along the top for a panoramic view of the old town. Along the way, you’ll see gates, watchtowers, and scenic platforms, making it a great spot to soak in Pingyao’s history.
2) South Gate of Pingyao 平遥古城南门
The South Gate serves as the main and most impressive entrance to the city. It’s also the oldest of Pingyao’s gates. Climb to the top of the gate tower for stunning city views—it’s one of the best spots for photos!
3)⭐ Ming-Qing Street (South Street) 明清一条街
This 400-meter-long street is the heart of Pingyao’s commercial district. It’s lined with well-preserved shops from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including old banks, pawnshops, pharmacies, butcher shops, and silk stores—offering a glimpse into the city’s bustling trade history.
4) Confucian Temple (Wenmiao) 平遥文庙
One of the best-preserved Confucian temples in northern China, Wenmiao features grand halls, beautiful courtyards, and a strong cultural atmosphere. It’s a great place to learn about Confucian traditions and admire historical architecture.
5) Rishengchang Bank Museum 日升昌票号
Once China’s first-ever bank, Rishengchang was established during the Qing Dynasty and played a key role in China’s financial history. Today, it’s a museum showcasing ancient banking systems, giving visitors a glimpse into how money was managed centuries ago.
6) Pingyao County Government Office (Xianya) 平遥县衙
This well-preserved government office from the Ming and Qing dynasties lets you step into the world of ancient Chinese officials. Explore courtrooms, old prisons, and exhibition halls filled with historical artifacts that tell stories of justice and governance in ancient China.
7) 🏠 Lei Lütai’s Former Residence 雷履泰故居
At No. 11, Shuyuan Street, you’ll find the home of Lei Lütai (1770–1849), the founder of Rishengchang, China’s first private bank. Lei was a key figure in shaping Shanxi’s banking industry.
8) Pingyao Escort Agency Museum 镖局博物馆
Located at No. 61, South Street, this museum was once a security escort agency from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. It showcases the history of ancient Chinese security firms, the lives of famous bodyguards, and fascinating stories from the trade.
9) 🏯 Ma Family Courtyard 马家大院
This grand mansion at No. 34, Majia Lane, was once the residence of wealthy merchant Ma Zhongxuan. Built during the Qing dynasty, it took decades to complete and is known as “Pingyao’s Largest Courtyard” due to its impressive architecture.
10) Shuanglin Temple 平遥双林寺
Located just outside Pingyao, this ancient Buddhist temple dates back over 1,500 years to the Northern Wei Dynasty. It’s famous for its intricate murals and wooden sculptures, often called the “Louvre of the East.” The temple’s thousand-Buddha statues and colorful wall paintings are truly breathtaking.
11) Zhenguo Temple 镇国寺
Zhenguo Temple sits in Haodong Village, about 15 km northeast of Pingyao. It was built in 963 AD during the Five Dynasties period and was originally called “Jingcheng Temple.” In the Ming Dynasty (Jiajing era), it was renamed “Zhenguo Temple,” a name that remains today.
This temple isn’t just architecturally significant—it’s also home to stunning clay sculptures and murals. Inside the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, you’ll find the only surviving set of Five Dynasties sculptures in any Chinese temple. These rare treasures provide invaluable insight into the history of ancient Chinese sculpture and painting.
12) “See Pingyao Again” 又见平遥– Immersive Theater Experience
This one-of-a-kind performance brings history to life! Instead of sitting, the audience walks through different scenes, with actors performing up close and even interacting with visitors. Featuring elements of dance, drama, opera, and music, the 90-minute show creates a maze-like experience where you feel transported through time.
- Showtimes: Tuesday–Sunday, 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
- Ticket Price: ¥238 per person
- Seniors 60+ (with ID): Free entry
4. Must-Try Local Food in Pingyao 🍜
Pingyao isn’t just about history—it’s also a food lover’s paradise! Here are some local specialties you shouldn’t miss:
- Pingyao Beef 🥩 – A famous local delicacy, known for its tender texture and rich flavor. It makes a perfect snack or souvenir!
- Dao Xiao Mian (Knife-Cut Noodles) 🍜 – A classic Shanxi dish, with thick, chewy noodles shaved directly from a block of dough into a boiling pot. The broth is flavorful and hearty!
- Pingyao Lamb Soup 🍲 – Perfect for cold weather, this dish features tender lamb in a rich, savory broth.
5. Pingyao Ancient City: Where to Stay
Pingyao offers a mix of modern hotels and traditional guesthouses, each providing a unique experience. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect stay.
Choosing the Right Area
If you prefer modern comforts, staying outside the ancient city is a good option. Most hotels here have full amenities, but you’ll need to walk into the city each day. For easy access to the See Pingyao Again performance, pick a hotel near the West Gate.
For a more immersive experience, stay inside the ancient city. The best areas include South Street, Yamen Street, and North Street, where charming guesthouses let you soak in the local culture and history.
Recommended Guesthouses & Inns
- 印迹慢生活民宿 (Yinji Slow Life B&B) – A budget-friendly choice at ¥50 per person for two guests. Located on Xihu Scenic Street, this cozy stay offers a home theater, pet-friendly environment, and a kitchen. It’s close to the County Office, West Gate, and the See Pingyao Again Theater.
- 印迹逍遥游 (Yinji Xiaoyaoyou B&B) – A great pick at ¥40 per person, accommodating up to three guests. Situated at No. 112, South Street, it boasts a prime location, laundry facilities, and a home theater. Nearby attractions include South Street, the Escort Agency Museum, and the City Tower.
- 裕成源客栈 (Yuchengyuan Guesthouse) – Offering a more traditional stay for ¥80 per person, this courtyard-style inn accommodates two to three guests. Located at No. 41, Yamen Street, it features a classic three-section courtyard, elegant embroidery building, and great photo spots. Attractions like the County Office, South Street, and Ancient City Wall are just steps away.
- 裕成源·南书院 (Yuchengyuan South Academy) – A peaceful retreat at ¥70 per person, suitable for two to three guests. Nestled in South Alley, this quiet historic courtyard offers traditional architecture and ancient costume rentals. It’s close to Yamen Street, the County Office, and South Street.
- 云锦成 (Yunjincheng Hotel) – For those seeking luxury, this grand courtyard hotel costs ¥500 per person and accommodates two to four guests. Located on West Street, it features a traditional kang bed, a private siheyuan (courtyard house), and breakfast included. Major attractions like the West Gate, Rishengchang Bank, and South Street are nearby.
Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly comfort or a luxurious historic stay, Pingyao has something for every traveler. Happy travels! 🏯✨
6. Travel Tips for Visiting Pingyao
- Spring & Autumn 🌸🍂 – The weather is mild, making it the most comfortable time to explore.
- Summer ☀️ – It can get hot, but the city is lively with festivals and events.
- Winter ❄️ – A quieter time with fewer tourists, but be prepared for cold temperatures.
- Bring Cash – Some small shops don’t accept digital payments.
- Avoid Peak Holidays – Crowds are big during Golden Week (Oct 1-7).
- Try Pingyao Beef – A famous local specialty.
- Wear comfortable shoes! Some roads are uneven due to the city’s historic stone-paved streets.
- Try to avoid national holidays and peak seasons, as the town can get very crowded.
Now you know how to get to Pingyao from Beijing! Whether you choose a high-speed train, regular train, bus, or self-drive, the journey is worth it. Pingyao Ancient Town is a place full of history, culture, and charm.
Now that you know how to get there, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and start your journey! 🚆🏯✨
