Shanxi, Pingyao 2 Days Tour

The two-day itinerary explores the cultural treasures of Shanxi in depth. We enjoyed the ancient charm of Pingyao and Shuanglin Temple; and felt the profound culture of Zhangbi Ancient Fort and Wang Family Courtyard.

The trip was not only a visual feast, but also a profound historical and cultural journey.

From $94
Entrance fees of all the attractions as listed.

What to Expect

● From the quaint streets of Pingyao Ancient City to the temple of art at Shuanglin Temple to the military defence system of Zhangbi Ancient Fort, every step of the way reverberates with history.

● The grandeur and magnificence of the Wang Family Courtyard is the pinnacle of residential architecture in the Qing Dynasty, showcasing the luxurious life and deep cultural heritage of the ancient tycoons.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1 Shanxi

Pingyao Ancient City - Shuanglin Temple
4+ stars hotel
None

First, you will go to Pingyao Ancient City, which is known as the "Museum of Ming and Qing Dynasty Architecture". With a history of more than 2,700 years, Pingyao Ancient City is not only one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich cultural connotation and unique architectural style. Here, you can witness the towering ancient city walls, exquisite courtyards and quaint temples, each of which speaks of the vicissitudes of history and the accumulation of culture.

Next, you can climb the Pingyao Ancient City Wall to get a full view of this ancient town and experience its unique urban planning and layout. Then, you will visit the Rishengchang Old Bank to experience the financial landscape of that era and learn about the operation of ancient banks.

Then, you can stroll along Mingqing Street, a cobblestone road full of historical flavor, lined with ancient buildings that seem to bring you back to the bustling bazaar of the old days.

At the end of the tour, we will go to the City God Temple, which is an ancient temple full of mysterious colors, in which the wood carvings, paintings and sculptures are even more exquisite. Here, you can feel the ancient people's devotion to their faith and desire for a better life.

After exploring the quaint Pingyao Ancient City, a short 15-minute drive will take you to the Shuanglin Temple. This temple is famous for its many clay sculptures and wood carvings of various gods, goddesses and saints, each detail of which seems to tell a breathtaking story of history and legend.

Recommend for Activities

If you are so inclined, you can also choose to enjoy the wonderful theater performance of See Pingyao Again, which will present the prosperity and decline of Pingyao during the Qing Dynasty and give you a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture.

DAY 2 Shanxi

Zhangbi Ancient Fort - Wang Family Courtyard
None
Breakfast

After breakfast, you will proceed to Zhangbi Ancient Fort. Originating from a series of tunnels and tunnels dug to escape from war more than 1,380 years ago, this ancient fortress displays a breathtaking display of ancient architectural and engineering skills.

We will then proceed to the Wang Family Courtyard. Known as the "Art Museum of Traditional Chinese Architecture" and the "Forbidden City of Folk", the compound is a brilliant architectural complex built by the Wang family of the Ming and Qing dynasties over 300 years and several generations. It includes five alleys and six castles, 231 courtyards, 2,078 rooms, and a street covering 250,000 square meters. Here, each courtyard contains rooms, kitchens, a schoolhouse and a prayer pavilion, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of life.