Swift and Comfortable Journey: 2-Day Pingyao Ancient City Tour from Xi'an, Embracing Traditional Chinese Elegance

Day 1 Xian--Pingyao by Train

Today, you'll take the train from Xi'an to Pingyao at your own pace. Upon your arrival in Pingyao, your local guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the train station, holding a personalized welcome signage"Your Way Holiday". With a warm greeting and a friendly smile, your guide will assist you with your luggage and ensure a smooth transition from the train station. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in a comfortable vehicle, where our experienced driver will handle all the details of your transfer. This seamless service ensures that your arrival in Pingyao is stress-free, allowing you to relax and prepare for the exciting experiences that await you.

Your Pingyao adventure tour begins with a visit to the Qiao Family Courtyard, located 42 km from Pingyao Ancient City. This remarkable compound is a prime example of Chinese northern folk residences, showcasing traditional architectural designs and exquisite decorations. The complex, which from a bird's-eye view resembles the Chinese characters "xi" meaning joy and happiness, reflects both the wealth of the Qiao family and the folk customs of Shanxi Province. Highlights include intricate wood carvings, brick carvings, stone carvings, murals, and wall sculptures, each with unique features. Over 140 chimneys, each distinct in its design, add to the compound’s charm. The underside of the eaves features murals that depict local folktales. The Qiao Family Compound has also gained fame as a filming location, notably appearing in the acclaimed film "Raise the Red Lantern," which captures its distinctive character and cultural significance.

After lunch, you'll visit Mingqing Street, once known as the "Wall Street of China." Stretching about 750 meters, this vibrant street is lined with approximately 100 shops and traditional local houses. Although narrow, Mingqing Street offers a delightful blend of shopping and dining experiences. The shops, characterized by their Ming and Qing architectural styles and built from bricks and stones, are charmingly arranged along the street. The atmosphere is enhanced by the traditional Chinese red lanterns that adorn each storefront. As you stroll through the street, you'll be captivated not only by its historic ambiance but also by the enticing aromas of local cuisine, making it a must-visit spot for a taste of authentic regional flavors and cultural charm.

Next, continue your tour to the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao. Originally constructed around 2,700 years ago and expanded during the Ming Dynasty, this historic wall is one of the best-preserved ancient city fortifications in China. Encompassing a square perimeter of 5.4 kilometers, the wall stands 10 meters high and 5 meters wide, providing a formidable defense in its time. From an aerial perspective, the wall’s shape resembles a turtle, earning it the nickname "Turtle City." Walking along the ancient ramparts, you'll experience a unique blend of history and architecture, reflecting Pingyao's rich cultural heritage and its role as a well-preserved gem among China's historical cities.

After exploring the Ancient City Wall, you'll be driven to your hotel in Pingyao by our attentive driver. Upon arrival, our knowledgeable guide will assist you with the check-in process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. With the day's sightseeing complete, our guide will provide any additional assistance you might need and offer recommendations for your evening. This seamless transition from the tour to your hotel allows you to relax and unwind after a day of exploration, with every detail of your departure and accommodation taken care of by our dedicated team.

Day 2 Pingyao

After breakfast, your tour will begin with a visit to the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, renowned as the first draft bank in China's history. Established in 1823 during the Qing Dynasty, Rishengchang revolutionized finance in the 19th century, controlling nearly half of China's economy with its extensive network of branches across major cities and even international locations. Famous Chinese writer Yu Qiuyu described it as the "rural grandfather" of modern Chinese banks. Now a museum, Rishengchang was recognized as a Major National Historical and Cultural Site in 2006. The exchange shop, with its origins in Taiyuan, specialized in the issuance of cheques, known as "tickets," which required meticulous attention to avoid errors. At the time, Taiyuan was a central hub for Shanxi businessmen, serving as a vital base for the distribution and maintenance of goods.

Next, head to the Armed Escort Company Museum, where you'll gain fascinating insights into the pivotal role armed escorts played in safeguarding commerce during China's economic boom under the Qing and Ming Dynasties. With substantial amounts of cash and goods moving between regions, security was a major concern. Pingyao's enterprising merchants relied on these professional security escorts to protect their valuable assets from theft and robbery. The museum vividly illustrates how these escort companies ensured safe passage for merchants, detailing their strategies, equipment, and the dramatic history of their operations. This visit offers a unique glimpse into the historical intersection of commerce and security, highlighting the resourcefulness and resilience of Pingyao's merchants.

Your final destination is the County Government Office, a historic complex with origins in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and renovations in 1370, making it over 600 years old. As one of the largest and most well-preserved examples of classical county government architecture in China, this site offers a vivid window into ancient administrative life. The compound is thoughtfully divided into distinct areas: the front rooms for administrative offices, the back rooms for living quarters, with separate sections for civil servants and military officials. Visitors are treated to dynamic reenactments where the county magistrate presides over cases and handles official duties, while officials record files as they did in the past. These performances create a rich, immersive experience, allowing you to step back in time and witness the intricate workings of historical governance.

At the end of your exploration, our dedicated driver will ensure a comfortable transfer back to your hotel in Pingyao or to the Pingyao train station, depending on your travel plans. Throughout your journey, your guide has provided insightful commentary and assistance, enriching your experience with their deep knowledge and local expertise. Whether you’re heading back to relax at your hotel or catching a train for your next destination, our guide will be available to help with any last-minute details, such as luggage handling or travel advice. With seamless coordination between our guide and driver, your departure will be smooth and stress-free, leaving you with cherished memories of your time in Pingyao.

Price Per Person in US Dollars