Three-Day Tour of Pingyao Ancient City and Ancient Temples: A Millennium-Long Cultural Feast

Duration: 3 days Theme: Shanxi Merchants Culture, Ancient Architecture Art, Essence of Polychrome Sculptures Suitable for: Culture enthusiasts, photography lovers, history explorers Budget per person: 800-1000 RMB (excluding major transportation) Detailed Itinerary Day 1: In-Depth Tour of Pingyao Ancient City Morning: • Pingyao Ancient City Wall: Start early from the South Gate (Yingxun Gate) to climb the city wall and enjoy panoramic views of the ancient city and sunrise. Built in the third year of the Ming Hongwu era, Pingyao City Wall is one of the largest, oldest, and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. • Rishengchang Draft Bank: Visit China’s first draft bank to learn about the history of ancient finance. Experience making a vintage silver note by hand, explore the underground vault, and immerse yourself as an ancient accountant for a day. Noon: • Lunch: Recommended to dine at Kangqianji to taste authentic Pingyao cuisine. Must-try dishes include Pingyao beef, snowflake meatballs, and Fen River vinegar fish. The cold-marinated Pingyao beef is savory and refreshing with firm texture. Afternoon: • Pingyao County Government Office: Watch the court session performance at 11 AM to avoid the midday heat and experience the fun of ancient trials. • Xietongqing Draft Bank: Visit the large-scale draft bank ruins, especially the rotating passage in the underground vault, a unique architectural structure perfect for photography. • Tongxinggong Escort Agency: Learn about the culture and history of ancient escort agencies. Evening: • Night Tour of Ming and Qing Street: Stroll the ancient street with lanterns, taste sea buckthorn yogurt paired with beef sausage, and feel the charm of the ancient city at night. • Light Show: At 9 PM, enjoy a free 3D light show at Yingxun Gate Square. The 18-minute performance fully showcases the millennium culture of Pingyao Ancient City (remember to check the schedule in case of rain). Day 2: Exploration of Ancient Temple Art Morning: Shuanglin Temple • Located 6 km southwest of Pingyao County, known as the "Treasure House of Eastern Polychrome Sculpture Art." • The temple houses over 2,000 polychrome sculptures preserved from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. • Highlights include the Weituo statue in the Thousand Buddha Hall (praised as a masterpiece combining strength and gentleness, martial and literary qualities), the free-spirited Guanyin statue, and the vivid Eighteen Arhats in the Arhat Hall. • Photography tip: Shoot the Thousand-Hand Guanyin from a 45-degree low angle for a solemn and stunning effect. Noon: • Lunch: Dine near Shuanglin Temple or return to the ancient city. Try the old Pingyao copper hotpot at Zhuangyuanlou, where fried tofu soaks up the broth and the cabbage is sweet and tender. Afternoon: Zhenguo Temple • Located 12 km northeast of Pingyao County in Haodong Village. • Admire the wooden structure without a single nail; all parts are joined by wood mortise and tenon joints. • The Wanfo Hall is one of the oldest wooden structures in China, with polychrome sculptures comparable to early works in the Dunhuang Mogao Caves. Evening: • "See You Again in Pingyao" Performance: Watch this large-scale live-action show at the Shawa Theater to experience immersive Shanxi merchant culture stories (advance tickets required). Day 3: Lesser-Known Ancient Temples and Departure Morning: Cixiang Temple, Longfu Temple • These two ancient temples are relatively less visited, allowing quiet appreciation of ancient architectural art. • If time is limited, prioritize visiting Cixiang Temple to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient temple. Noon: • Last Meal: Taste Pingyao beef at Deshenglou Beef Shop inside the ancient city. The beef here has clear marbling, balanced fat and lean, and is cooked to perfection. Afternoon: Shopping and Departure • Tui Guang Lacquerware: Purchase beautiful Tui Guang lacquerware inside the ancient city. This famous Shanxi craft is named for the glossy finish achieved by hand polishing and has a long history. • Departure: Take the high-speed train from Pingyao Ancient City Station. You can save money and convenience by taking bus 108 for 1 RMB to the high-speed rail station. Practical Information Tickets: • Pingyao Ancient City Pass: 125 RMB (includes 22 attractions, unlimited visits for 3 days, half price with student ID, free for seniors over 60). • Shuanglin Temple: 35 RMB. • Zhenguo Temple: 25 RMB. • Tickets for Cixiang Temple and Longfu Temple available on-site. Transportation: • High-speed rail: Arrive at Pingyao Ancient City Station, turn right after exiting to take bus 108 for 1 RMB to the North Gate. • Self-driving: Navigate directly to the eco parking lot, 20 RMB/day. • Inside the ancient city: Walk or take electric carts for sightseeing. Accommodation Suggestions: • Choose a characteristic inn inside Pingyao Ancient City to experience traditional kang beds; prices are moderate and locations convenient. Best Season: • Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) have pleasant weather and are the best times to visit.