Wondering how to book Pingyao attraction tickets before your trip? You’re not alone. Pingyao Ancient Town, a stunningly preserved city from the Ming and Qing dynasties, is like walking through a living museum. With its ancient city walls, historic courtyards, old banks, and temples, it’s no surprise that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of only two entire towns in China with this distinction.
For first-time visitors, planning ahead is essential. From choosing the right ticket type to navigating where and how to buy them, getting the details right can save time and make your experience smooth and stress-free. This guide covers everything you need to know to explore Pingyao with confidence.
1. Pingyao Travel Overview
Pingyao is located in central Shanxi Province, about 100 kilometers south of Taiyuan. With over 2,700 years of history, it is one of China’s most culturally rich ancient towns. Originally built during the Western Zhou Dynasty (827–782 BC), the city was later expanded in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty. Today, the ancient city still keeps much of its Ming and Qing architectural charm.
👉 Book All Pingyao Tours & Excursions with local guides via Viator
First, the Ancient City Wall is a major highlight. It stretches 6,163 meters around the town and stands 12 meters high. It’s one of the most complete county-level city walls in China. Next, explore Ming-Qing Street, the busiest commercial street inside the town. It features well-preserved traditional shopfronts and lively local vibes.
Additionally, don’t miss the Rishengchang Draft Bank, known as China’s first private bank. It pioneered deposit, loan, and remittance services in the Qing era. Another must-see is the County Government Office, the largest and best-preserved complex of its kind in China.
For something quieter, visit Shuanglin Temple, famous for its vibrant clay sculptures. It’s often called a treasure house of Eastern painted sculpture.
🌤 The best times to visit are spring and autumn (April–June, September–October), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers are hot and crowded, while winters are cold but peaceful — ideal if you enjoy snow-covered scenery without the crowds.
2. Recommended Attractions to Book in Advance in Pingyao
1) Pingyao Ancient City Pass (Access to 22 Attractions)
This all-in-one ticket offers access to 22 of Pingyao’s top sites, including Rishengchang Bank, the County Government Office, Confucian Temple, City God Temple, and the ancient city walls. It’s valid for 3 days, and you can enter each site once — perfect for those wanting to explore at their own pace.
🔗 Booking Options: Official WeChat: “平遥古城景区”; Chinese OTAs: Ctrip, Meituan, Tongcheng; International platforms: Viator, Trip.com, Klook; On-site Purchase: Main gates and ticket booths; Hotel/agency booking: Ask your hotel for help
👉 Book 1-Day Pingyao Ancient Town Sightseeing Walking Tour via Viator
🎫 Ticket Prices: Regular: ¥125; Student: ¥65; Free: Seniors (60+), children under 6 or 1.2m
🕒 Opening Hours: Peak (Apr–Oct): 08:00–18:00; Off-season (Nov–Mar): 08:30–17:30
📍 Address: Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi
📞 Phone: 0354-5690000
🌐 Website: www.pingyao.gov.cn
🚇 Getting There: High-speed train to Pingyao Gucheng Station → Bus 108 or taxi (~¥20); Driving: Navigate to Pingyao Ancient City; parking is available.
2) “See Pingyao Again” Live Show 《又见平遥》演出
This immersive theater experience, created by renowned director Wang Chaoge, brings Pingyao’s history and merchant culture to life. Set in the 19th century, the story follows a bank owner and 232 armed escorts on a dramatic journey to Russia. The show blends music, drama, and dance, with the audience walking through multiple live-action scenes. It lasts about 90 minutes and offers a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
🔗 Booking Options: Official WeChat: “又见平遥” (recommended); Chinese OTAs: Ctrip, Meituan, Tongcheng; International: Viator, Trip.com, Klook; Hotel concierge or on-site purchase (may sell out in peak season)
🎫 Ticket Prices: Standard: ¥238; VIP: ¥398 (priority entry + reserved seating); Free: Children under 1.2m (with adult, no seat); No discounts for students/seniors
🕒 Showtimes: Off-season: 14:00, 19:00; Peak: 14:00, 16:00, 19:00, 21:00 (extra weekend shows)
📌 Arrive at least 30 minutes early
📍 Address: 154 Shuncheng Road, Pingyao
📞 Phone: 0354-5698888 (info) / 0354-5699999 (complaints)
🚇 Getting There: From Ancient Town: 15-min walk, e-cart (~¥10), or taxi (¥5 start fare); From high-speed station: Bus 108 (20 mins ) ; Taxi: 10 mins
3. Attractions with On-Site Ticketing (But Booking Ahead Is Still Smart)
1) Shuanglin Temple 双林寺
Located just 6 km southwest of the ancient town, Shuanglin Temple is a must-see. Built in the Northern Qi era and renovated during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it houses over 2,000 brightly colored clay statues — a true treasure of Chinese sculpture. Most famous is the Weituo statue in the Thousand Buddha Hall, often called the best of its kind in China.
🔗 Booking Options: On-site Purchase ; WeChat: “双林寺”; Chinese OTAs: Ctrip, Meituan, Tongcheng; International platforms: Viator, Trip.com, Klook; hotel/agency booking available
🎫 Ticket Prices: Regular: ¥35; Student: ¥15; Free: Seniors (60+), children under 6 or 1.2m
🕒 Opening Hours: Peak: 08:00–18:00; Off-season: 08:30–17:30;
📍 Address: Qiaotou Village, Pingyao County
📞 Phone: 0354-5779023
🚇 Getting There: Shuttle from Pingyao North Gate or taxi (~¥15–¥20)
2) Zhenguo Temple 镇国寺
Zhenguo Temple is a cultural gem located 15 kilometers northeast of Pingyao Ancient Town. Built in 963 AD during the Five Dynasties period, it’s home to the Wanfodian (Ten Thousand Buddha Hall) — one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in China. Inside, you’ll find rare colored clay sculptures dating back to the same era, making it a key site for those interested in early Chinese Buddhist art.
📍 Along with Pingyao Ancient City and Shuanglin Temple, Zhenguo Temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation for the region.
🔗 Booking Options: On-site tickets are available; OTA platforms like Trip.com, Ctrip (recommended for convenience)
🎫 Ticket Prices:; Regular: ¥25; Student: ¥10; Free: Seniors (60+), children under 6 or below 1.2m
🕒 Opening Hours: Peak season: 08:00–18:00; Off-season: 08:30–17:30
📍 Address: Haodong Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi
📞 Phone: 0354-5848041
🚇 Getting There: Bus: Take the Pingyao–Zhenguo Temple shuttle from Pingyao Bus Station; Taxi: Around ¥30–¥40 from Pingyao Ancient Town.
4. Free Sights in Pingyao That Don’t Require Booking
1) Pingyao Ancient City Wall 平遥古城墙
The Pingyao City Wall is more than just a historic boundary — it’s a symbol of the town’s proud past. Originally built during the Western Zhou Dynasty (827–782 BC) and rebuilt in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty, this wall remains the most complete county-level city wall in China today.
📏 It stretches 6,163 meters in length and stands 12 meters tall. There are 72 watchtowers and 3,000 battlements, numbers symbolizing Confucius’ 72 disciples and 3,000 students. Climbing the wall gives you sweeping views of the ancient town — perfect for photography and perspective.
🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day (but climbing the wall requires the city pass)
📍 Location: Surrounds the entire Pingyao Ancient Town
📞 Phone: 0354-5690000
🌐 Website: www.pingyao.gov.cn
🚇 Getting There: Easy to reach on foot from anywhere inside the ancient town
2) Ming-Qing Street (South Street) 明清街（南大街）
Located in the heart of the old town, Ming-Qing Street is Pingyao’s most vibrant commercial hub. This lively street is lined with traditional shopfronts that date back to the Ming and Qing eras.
🛍 You’ll find everything from local snacks and souvenirs to handmade crafts and guesthouses. It’s a great spot to soak in the daily life of Pingyao. At night, the red lanterns and lit storefronts give the area a magical glow — perfect for an evening stroll.
🕒 Opening Hours: Open all day
📍 Address: South Street, Pingyao Ancient Town
📞 Phone: Not available
🌐 Website: Not available
🚇 Getting There: Easily walkable from anywhere inside the old town
5. Day Trips Around Pingyao
1. Wang Family Courtyard 王家大院
Located in Jingsheng Town, Lingshi County, the Wang Family Courtyard is about 50 km from Pingyao. Known as “the first residence of Chinese folk houses,” this enormous Qing Dynasty complex is even larger than the Forbidden City by 100,000 square meters. It includes five alleys, six forts, and one main street, covering 250,000 square meters in total.
🏛 Inside, you’ll find exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings, making it a true museum of Chinese decorative arts. The layout is grand, and the attention to detail is remarkable. It’s a must-visit for fans of architecture and history.
🎫 Ticket: ¥55
🕒 Opening Hours: 08:00–18:00
🚇 Getting There: Take a bus from Pingyao Bus Station to Lingshi (about 1.5 hours), then a taxi to the site
2. Qiao Family Courtyard 乔家大院
The Qiao Family Courtyard, located in Qixian County, is around 40 km from Pingyao. It gained international fame from the film Raise the Red Lantern. Built in the Qing Dynasty, this mansion covers 8,724 square meters and includes six large courtyards, 20 smaller ones, and 313 rooms.
🏯 The layout is symmetrical, and the design reflects traditional northern Chinese residential architecture. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy cultural sites with cinematic history.
🎫 Ticket: ¥115
🕒 Opening Hours: 08:00–18:30
🚇 Getting There: Take a bus from Pingyao Bus Station to Qixian (about 1 hour), then take a short taxi ride
6. Sample Itineraries for International Visitors in Pingyao
📅 One-Day Pingyao Highlights Tour
This one-day plan is ideal if you’re short on time but want to experience the essentials.
Morning
08:30–10:00 | Start at the Ancient City Wall. Climb up and enjoy panoramic views of the old town.
10:00–12:00 | Visit Rishengchang and Xietongqing Banks. Learn about Pingyao’s rich merchant history.
Lunch
12:30–13:30 | Enjoy local dishes at Jinsheng Furnace Food Shop, a traveler favorite.
Afternoon
14:00–15:30 | Explore the County Government Office, the largest surviving complex of its kind.
16:00–17:30 | Wander down Ming-Qing Street. It’s perfect for souvenirs and photos.
Evening
19:00–20:30 | Watch the immersive show “See Pingyao Again”. It’s a must-see cultural experience.
📅 Two-Day Pingyao In-Depth Tour
With two days, you can dive deeper into Pingyao’s cultural treasures.
Day 1
Morning | Use the Pingyao City Pass to visit key sites like Rishengchang and the Confucian Temple.
Afternoon | Head to Shuanglin Temple. Marvel at over 2,000 colorful clay sculptures.
Evening | Stroll along Ming-Qing Street and enjoy a local dinner under lantern light.
Day 2
Morning | Visit Zhenguo Temple, famous for its rare wooden architecture.
Afternoon | Explore any remaining pass-access sites or just relax with some free time.
Evening | End your stay with the unforgettable “See Pingyao Again” show.
🚄 Two-Day Beijing–Pingyao Round Trip
For travelers coming from Beijing, this efficient plan offers a great 2-day getaway.
Day 1
07:20 | Take a high-speed train from Beijing West Station to Pingyao Gucheng Station (approx. 4 hrs).
11:30 | Check into a guesthouse inside the ancient town.
12:30–13:30 | Grab lunch.
14:00–17:30 | Explore Pingyao’s top attractions using the city pass.
19:30–21:00 | Watch “See Pingyao Again”, an immersive theater experience.
Day 2
08:30–11:30 | Visit Shuanglin Temple or Zhenguo Temple, both UNESCO sites.
12:30–13:30 | Enjoy a leisurely lunch.
14:00–16:00 | Shop for souvenirs or visit any missed spots.
17:00 | Take the high-speed train back to Beijing.
7. Tips for International Visitors in Pingyao
🏛 Ancient Town Etiquette
Pingyao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please do not write or carve on any historic buildings. Smoking is also not allowed inside the ancient town, except in designated areas.
🚶 Getting Around
The old town is a pedestrian-only zone, so motor vehicles are not permitted. However, you can easily explore on foot, or rent a bike or electric cart for a smoother ride.
🛏 Accommodation Advice
We recommend staying in a traditional courtyard guesthouse within the ancient city. These inns offer charm and easy access to main sites. During holidays like May Day or National Day, make sure to book in advance, as rooms fill up quickly.
🍜 What to Eat
Don’t miss local specialties like Pingyao beef, wantuo (savory jelly), and kaolaolao (steamed oat noodles). However, be mindful of hygiene and avoid raw or unclean food, especially in summer.
🛍 Shopping Tips
Great souvenirs include lacquerware, Pingyao beef, and paper cuttings. But shop smart — check for authenticity and avoid impulse purchases.
🎭 Cultural Experiences
The live show “See Pingyao Again” is highly recommended. You can also rent Ming-Qing style costumes for fun photo sessions around town.
🗣 Language & Communication
Most major attractions offer English signage. Still, we suggest downloading a translation app to help with directions or ordering food.
💳 Payments & Cash
While WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, some smaller shops only take cash. Carry some cash just in case.
🔒 Safety & Security
Always watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas. At night, bring a flashlight or phone light, as some lanes may be poorly lit.
🌿 Environmental Awareness
Pingyao promotes waste sorting. Please throw garbage in the right bins and keep the ancient town clean for everyone to enjoy.
👉 Book All Pingyao Tours & Excursions with local guides via Viator
Pingyao Ancient Town is truly a living museum of Ming and Qing China. With its well-preserved walls, merchant heritage, and intricate architecture, it offers international visitors a rare window into traditional Chinese culture. Additionally, its charm lies not only in the sights but also in the stories they tell.
By planning your trip in advance and knowing how to book Pingyao attraction tickets, you can explore the town with ease and depth. Whether you’re in for a one-day highlight tour or a multi-day cultural journey, Pingyao welcomes you with its timeless character and rich heritage.
We hope this detailed ticket and travel guide helps you craft the perfect Pingyao itinerary. From scenic walks on the city wall to powerful performances like See Pingyao Again, every moment here can be unforgettable.
📌 Travel tip: Ticket policies and opening hours may change, so it’s always wise to check the latest updates via the “Pingyao Ancient City” official WeChat account before your visit.
Safe travels — and enjoy your journey through this thousand-year-old gem!
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