2024 Pingyao Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Shanxi | A land of millennial aesthetics, a journey that will move your soul.

| A land of millennial aesthetics, a journey that will move your soul. Shanxi, a city that deeply impressed me😍! Here, you can see the flying eaves and brackets at a glance, carrying the cultural memories of the Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin dynasties in the long river of history. There are also artistic treasures such as painted sculptures, wood carvings, murals, and glazed tiles🎨. 27 out of 36 real-world locations in "Black Myth: Wukong" are in Shanxi. Only by being there in person can you appreciate the ultimate aesthetics that span over a thousand years🙌. 🌟【Reverse Travel Route】 • Day 1 - 2: Lüliang • Lijia Mountain Village➡️Qikou Ancient Town➡️Xibayun Village, here you can find ancient buildings, cave dwellings, and traces of life from generation to generation on the loess plateau. It is recommended to stay in Lijia Mountain Village, where there are fewer people and accommodation is cheaper, and it is only a 13-minute drive from Qikou🚗. • Day 3 - 4: Datong • Yungang Grottoes➡️Huayan Temple➡️Shanhua Ancient Temple➡️Yong'an Zen Temple, perfectly preserved ancient buildings from the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Many attractions are free of charge, and the grottoes are even more amazing. Remember to enter Yungang at 9:00 am for the first wave of visitors, and choose to visit Shanhua and Yong'an in the afternoon when the light is good☀️. • Day 5 - 6: Jinzhong • Pingyao Ancient City➡️Shuanglin Temple➡️Zhen'guo Temple, this is an "ancient city too poor to be demolished", with the most complete ancient county seat preserved today. Visit Shuanglin Temple and Zhen'guo Temple first in the morning, and take photos at the Pingyao Ma Family Courtyard📸. 💡【Travel Tips】 • Attractions in Shanxi are far apart, it is recommended to drive yourself🚙, time is flexible and controllable. • Travel during off-peak hours to avoid wasting time looking for restaurants😜. • If you are hungry on the way, you can try Jinmailang Shanxi Knife-cut Noodles, 0 fried noodles, smooth and chewy texture, soft and non-sticky, more fragrant the more you chew, with vegetable and vinegar packets, full of flavor😋. • It is not recommended to join a tour group, this place is suitable for quiet and slow travel, to experience the charm of historical and cultural heritage🎊. Come to Shanxi and embark on a soul-stirring journey through a thousand years!

I rarely use the word "shocking" to describe a place.

Recommended for: Shuanglin Temple, like a silent wise man for thousands of years, stands quietly in the long river of time. Every brick and tile here, every Buddha statue, contains endless stories and wisdom. Entering the temple is like traveling through time and space, coming to a quiet and solemn world, forgetting the hustle and bustle, and indulging in it. Tour route: Starting from the Hall of Heavenly Kings, your journey is connected with the ancient charm. The Four Heavenly Kings guard this pure land with majesty, as if telling a thousand-year legend. As the footsteps deepen, the Thousand Buddha Hall, Bodhisattva Hall, Arhat Hall, etc. are presented one by one, each hall is like a poem and a painting, and each Buddha statue is lifelike. Especially the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha in the Thousand Buddha Hall, with kind eyebrows and kind eyes, universal sentient beings, and the surrounding group of Arhat statues are even more different, which makes people can't help but admire the craftsmanship of the craftsman. Play time: In Shuanglin Temple, time seems to slow down. It is recommended that you slow down and taste every detail here. 2-3 hours of time is enough for you to establish a deep emotional bond with this ancient temple, and feel the ingenuity and tranquility from a thousand years ago. Transportation/Transportation: The journey to Shuanglin Temple is itself a kind of enjoyment. You can choose to take a bus and feel the pulse of the city; you can also choose to drive by yourself and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way. When the vehicle slowly drove into the scenic spot, the tranquility and solemnity came quietly. Other tips: In Shuanglin Temple, every Buddha statue has its own story. It is recommended that you understand some related knowledge in advance, so that you can better appreciate the beauty of it. The environment in the temple is quiet, and loud noises and flash photography are prohibited. Please respect this tranquility and solemnity, and let your soul be purified and sublimated here. Please dress appropriately when visiting, do not wear too exposed or casual clothes. This is not only respect for the ancient temple, but also a kind of self-cultivation. If time permits, you might as well have a cup of tea or a vegetarian meal in the temple. In this Zen life, you will find inner peace and joy. Shuanglin Temple, like a poem flowing for thousands of years, tells endless stories and wisdom. Here, you can slow down and feel the tranquility and solemnity from a thousand years ago.

It's rare to describe a place as breathtaking, but this one is.

Shuanglin Temple, originally known as Zhongdu Temple, is located in Qiaotou Village, six kilometers southwest of Pingyao County, Shanxi Province. This ancient temple was built in the second year of Wuping in the Northern Qi Dynasty (571 AD). After experiencing the vicissitudes of life, it still preserves a large number of ancient buildings and painted sculptures. As an important part of the World Cultural Heritage of "One City and Two Temples", Shuanglin Temple attracts countless tourists with its unique charm. 🛕Temple tour: 1️⃣Hall of Heavenly Kings The Hall of Heavenly Kings is magnificent, with 50 Dharma Vajra statues written inside and outside the hall. They are lined up in a row, sitting sideways, bare-chested and back, showing a majestic and compassionate temperament. 2️⃣Sakyamuni Hall The Sakyamuni Hall is built on brick steps. On the Buddha altar in the hall, there is a Sumeru seat, and Sakyamuni Buddha sits on it, wearing a snail bun and a shoulder-to-shoulder cassock, with Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva standing on both sides. The hall is full of hanging sculptures, with the story of Sakyamuni Buddha as the theme, divided into 84 plots in the wall. These exquisite painted sculptures make us feel as if we are in the world of Buddhism, feeling a sense of transcendence and tranquility. 3️⃣Mahavira Hall The Mahavira Hall is the tallest building in Shuanglin Temple and the third main hall on the central axis. On the Buddha altar in the hall, there are statues of Dharma, Bao, and Ying San Shen Buddha, with Manjushri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva sitting on both sides. There are 136 square meters of fine brushwork and heavy color murals around the hall, with bright colors and smooth lines, showing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Standing in front of this hall, I can't help but have a deep awe of ancient culture. 4️⃣Thousand Buddha Hall The Thousand Buddha Hall is one of the most spectacular halls in Shuanglin Temple. There are more than 30 donor figures under the front eaves of the hall, with vivid characters, children, old men, and literati, each with their own emotions. The statue of Guanyin of the Moon in the center of the hall is one of the representative works of Shuanglin Temple. Her free sitting posture breaks people's inherent solemn treasure of Guanyin, showing a casual and peaceful state. 👁Highlights 1️⃣Thousand-Hand Guanyin A thousand eyes, see the world; a thousand hands, care for all beings. 2️⃣The most handsome Weituo The only Weituo statue on the stamp. "Angry eyes wide open" is fully demonstrated on it. 3️⃣Free Guanyin Sitting with one knee, the posture is heroic. Full of relaxation! 📌Location: Shuanglin Temple 📍Address: No. 28, Shuanglin Zheng Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province 🎫Ticket: CNY 32 ⌚️Opening hours: 8:00-19:00

Pingyao Ancient City One-Day Tour - Super Detailed Route Guide is Here!

Content: 👉 Hi, friends! Today I want to share with you my exciting one-day tour in Pingyao Ancient City, including the route, transportation, and food! If you have enough time, consider staying overnight, which will make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable~😉 ✅ Transportation Revealed: 🚞 Train: For friends who live close to Pingyao, the train is definitely the first choice. The train station is only 800 meters away from the ancient city, and it takes less than 10 minutes to walk there, making it super convenient! 🚅 High-Speed Rail: For those taking the high-speed rail, please get off at Pingyao Ancient City Station. Although it is a bit farther from the ancient city, it is very convenient to take a taxi or bus No. 108 after getting off the train, allowing you to easily reach your destination. 🚗 Self-Driving: For self-driving friends, please note, do not drive your car into the ancient city! Otherwise, you might find yourself in an awkward situation of being unable to move forward or backward. ✔️ Itinerary Planning: County Government Office——City Wall——Confucian Temple——City God Temple——China Escort Agency——Xietongqing——Rishengchang——Ma Family Courtyard 📍 County Government Office Ticket: All-in-one ticket The most complete county government office in existence in China. There are court sessions at 9:30, 11:00, and 15:30 every day, making you feel like you have traveled back in time to experience the solemnity and majesty of that era. 📍 City Wall Ticket: All-in-one ticket Standing on the city wall, you can take in the beautiful scenery of the entire Pingyao Ancient City. The ancient buildings seem to tell stories of a thousand years. 📍 Confucian Temple Ticket: All-in-one ticket The Dacheng Hall in the Confucian Temple is the only existing Jin Dynasty building among all levels of Confucian temples, ancient and elegant, making people linger. 📍 City God Temple Ticket: All-in-one ticket The unique structure of three temples in one, and the rare glazed tiles, let you feel the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. 📍 China Escort Agency Ticket: All-in-one ticket This place mainly introduces the history of the development of China's escort agencies and some martial arts schools, allowing you to appreciate the heroism and chivalry of the martial world. 📍 Xietongqing Ticket: All-in-one ticket It has the largest existing underground vault open to the public, allowing you to explore and feel the prosperity and glory of ancient finance. 📍 Rishengchang Ticket: All-in-one ticket China's first bank, the ancestor of modern banks. Walking in here, you seem to hear the echoes of history and feel the changes in finance. 📍 Ma Family Courtyard Ticket: All-in-one ticket The residence of Ma Zhongxuan, the richest man in Pingyao during the Qing Dynasty, with a typical Jin merchant courtyard style. Walking through it, you can feel the magnificence and exquisite details.🥰 Food Recommendations: 1️⃣ Breakfast: You can go to Dongji Fried Bowl Cake (Yamen Street). They have a variety of fried bowl cakes, all freshly fried. Paired with oil tea or sea buckthorn fermented rice soup, it is simply delicious!😋 2️⃣ Lunch: You can go to Hongwuji. If you don't know what to order, you can refer to the group purchase menu! There are delicacies like fried pork and vinegar eggs waiting for you to taste. Also, order the signature dish yellow rice cake, it's perfect!🎉 3️⃣ Dinner: If you can still eat, you can go to Lao Zhao's Shanxi Copper Hotpot. The copper hotpot has a rich variety of ingredients, and one assorted copper hotpot is enough for two people. If there are many people, you can also order some barbecue! Highly recommend the grilled pork belly and potato slices for you to try! 🍲 That's my exciting one-day tour in Pingyao Ancient City! I hope this guide can help you~ If you have the chance to visit Pingyao Ancient City, be sure to experience it well!😊

The filming location of Black Myth: Wukong is in Shanxi!

Last year, I planned a trip to visit ancient buildings as a designer, and checked in at the following classic ancient buildings in Shanxi: Taiyuan: Jinci Temple, Qingyuan Confucian Temple, Tianlong Temple, Dou Dafu Temple, Shuangta Temple, Chunyang Palace Xinzhou: Drum Tower, Daizhou Confucian Temple, Foguang Temple, Nanchan Temple, Yanqing Temple, Hongfu Temple, Princess Temple, Yanshan Temple Datong: Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Hanging Temple, Yong'an Temple, Yuanjue Temple Lvliang: Taifu Temple Shuozhou: Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Chongfu Temple, Jingtusi Temple Jinzhong: Pingyao Ancient City, Houtu Temple, Zishou Temple, Zhenguo Temple, Shuanglin Temple, Jingxin Temple Ruicheng: Yongle Palace The twenty-day journey brought me so much shock. The aesthetics, wisdom, and craftsmanship of the ancients are all worth learning from! However, checking in at ancient buildings in Shanxi is not easy. There are many spots and they are scattered. It is recommended to drive by yourself. Some niche ancient buildings are not open to the public and require contacting cultural preservation personnel.

A city to see Shanxi, a street of five thousand years, stroll through the ancient city of Pingyao, and experience the culture of Jin merchants!

I. Itinerary Tour the 8 essential attractions, plan for 2 days of play. II. Precautions 1. Do not easily trust strangers on the roadside to avoid unnecessary trouble and expenses. 2. Visit between June and October, and you can choose local delicacies such as Pingyao beef, cold bowl jelly, cold cake, copper hot pot, and bubble oil cake, but be cautious when ordering. III. Accommodation Recommendations Stay at the Juyuan Pavilion Inn within the ancient city of Pingyao, which is quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, with good prices and services. Avoid choosing accommodations too far from the ancient city. IV. Souvenir Purchase For souvenirs like aged vinegar, Fenjiu, beef, lacquerware, oil tea, bread slices, and red dates, you can go to the Jinpin Hui Specialty Supermarket in the city for better prices.

How to eat, stay, and play on a one-day tour of Pingyao Ancient City, you'll understand after reading this

A city named Ping, a dream named Yao This ancient city, dating back 2800 years, comes from the north, different from the gentle ancient towns of the south, Pingyao Ancient City reveals the vicissitudes of history Follow this guide, step into Pingyao, and meet the first millennium-old town in the Central Plains . 📍Pingyao Ancient City: The most well-preserved ancient county city in our country, located in Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province . 🚄Transportation: ⭐️High-speed train: Pingyao Ancient City Station (about 20 minutes by taxi from the ancient city ⭐️Taxi from the high-speed train station to the ancient city costs 20-25 yuan (it's expensive if it exceeds this price, there is also a bus on the right side of the station that can get there ⭐️Train: Pingyao Station (next to the ancient city, you can walk to the ancient city . 🏡Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Nan Dajie or Yamen Street in the ancient city, which is more convenient for strolling. . 💰Ticket: 100 yuan per person for a pass ⭐️Includes many attractions for internal visits, if you're just strolling the streets, no need to buy a ticket; if you're in a hurry in the afternoon, no need to buy one either, as many attractions close after 5 pm ⭐️Sightseeing car: 10 yuan per person from the city gate to the core area of the ancient town, generally the inn you stay in will include a sightseeing car pick-up service . I personally think Pingyao is not big, the core streets are just two perpendicular ones, consisting of Nan Dajie, Yamen Street, and Chenghuangmiao Street, and the attractions are basically distributed along these two lines and the nearby alleys 🔮Essential tips for must-visit spots: 1️⃣Yingxun Gate (South Gate) - Ticket required for city wall access, free otherwise The most photogenic city gate in the ancient city, especially in the afternoon light, and there's a light show every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at 8 pm 2️⃣Nan Dajie - Free The busiest street in the ancient city, with many attractions for internal visits distributed here 3️⃣County Government Office - Ticket required Located on Yamen Street, it's good if you can catch a trial reenactment performance 4️⃣Tingyu Lou - Free Located on Yamen Street, it's photogenic 5️⃣Baichuan Tong - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, a famous Qing Dynasty bank 6️⃣Escort Agency - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, it introduces the history of the escort agency 7️⃣Xietongqing - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, it's an underground vault and banking museum 8️⃣City Tower - Free Located on Nan Dajie, it's the highest point in the ancient city center, photogenic, and the night view is also here, no night view elsewhere 9️⃣Rishengchang - Ticket required Located on Nan Dajie, the first private institution specializing in deposits, loans, and currency exchange, a pioneer in the banking industry 🔟Martial Temple - Free Located on Academy Street, the roof is decorated with glazed tile beasts ⏸Confucian Temple - Ticket required Located on Confucian Temple Street, it's a Confucian temple, one of the only remaining Jin Dynasty buildings in China's Confucian temples . 🍜Food: ⭐️To be honest, Nan Dajie and Yamen Street are basically local people selling snacks from other places, not recommended! I went to a local food restaurant and the taste was very average ⭐️Later I found that there are many eateries on the street next to 'Xiaximen', which look more authentic, recommended are knife-cut noodles, dry-fried kaolao lao, although Pingyao beef is famous, but I'm afraid of being cheated in the ancient city ⭐️I transferred in Linfen, for friends who did the same, I recommend Linfen's beef meatball noodles, oily meat noodles, these noodle shops usually have barbecue, also very delicious · 🙆‍♀️I am Fei Shishi, who loves to share and never stops moving 📸Passionate about capturing the beauty of travel with my camera ❤️Follow me🤩 🙌Providing you with more travel photo and play strategies ·

Just returned from Pingyao Ancient City, listen to my real feelings

Shanxi Pingyao Ancient City, which has endured more than two thousand years of vicissitudes, the architectural style and market life of the Ming and Qing dynasties, walking through the ancient streets and alleys, the years are peaceful, as if a cup of aged wine, exuding a rich Shanxi charm. Of course, the commercialization here is also very serious, with tourists everywhere, but if you like the history, ancient architecture, and snacks of Shanxi, then Pingyao Ancient City is still and definitely worth it. - 🚉How to get to Pingyao There are Pingyao Ancient City Station (high-speed rail station) and Pingyao Station, Pingyao Station is very close to Pingyao Ancient City, about a 10-minute walk; Pingyao Ancient City Station is about 6 kilometers from Pingyao Ancient City, you can take a taxi or bus route 108. - 📷Recommended travel route Enter from the South Gate➡️Nan Dajie➡️Wenmiao (Confucian Temple)➡️Chenghuang Temple➡️Pingyao County Office➡️Biaoju Museum (Escort Agency Museum)➡️Shilou (City Tower)➡️Majia Courtyard➡️Qingxu Guan (Taoist Temple)➡️Rishengchang Piaohao➡️Climb the city wall at Xi Xi Men➡️Descend the wall at Yingxun Gate➡️Exit from the South Gate. The ancient city is very crowded with tourists during the day and at night, walking is very crowded, but before 7:30 in the morning, there are few tourists in the streets and alleys, which is comfortable to walk around and convenient for taking photos. - 🎫No ticket is required to enter or exit Pingyao Ancient City To visit the 22 scenic spots inside the ancient city, you need to buy a ticket, which costs 125 yuan per person. The spots are crowded with tour groups, which is not a great experience. On the contrary, I really like to walk slowly in the ancient city. 'Again Seeing Pingyao' is a must-visit theater performance when coming to Pingyao Ancient City, and if time permits, it should not be missed. The theater is located outside the west city wall of Pingyao Ancient City. - ⭐️Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Spot Check-in ♦️Ancient City Wall, the time mark of Pingyao Ancient City, climbing the city tower to watch the sunset is very nice. ♦️Majia Courtyard, once the residence of the head of Pingyao, with Ming and Qing architectural styles, great for photography, and you can also overlook the entire Pingyao. ♦️Rishengchang Piaohao, the ancestor of Chinese banks, with a gold vault, silver vault, and even a secret passage. ♦️Pingyao County Government Office, originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, with a six-entry courtyard and more than two hundred rooms, it is like a miniature version of the imperial palace. ♦️Confucian Temple, originally built in the early years of the Tang Dynasty's Zhenguan period, it is the earliest surviving Confucian temple. ♦️Qingxu Guan, originally built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, contains buildings such as the Hall of the Three Purities, Jade Emperor Pavilion, and Hall of the Three Officials. - 🍭There are many delicious snacks in Pingyao Ancient City ✅Pingyao Beef✅Pingyao Bowl Coaster✅Knife-Cut Noodles✅Youmian Kaolao ✅Shanxi Guoyou Meat✅Bubble Oil Cake✅Changshanyao (Chinese Yam)✅Tofu Brain ✅Shuijianbao (Water-Fried Buns)✅Cat Ears✅Sea Buckthorn Juice✅Red Noodle Paste ✅Herb Meat✅Cao Family Smoked Meat.

Pingyao Ancient City, a treasure that carries a history spanning over a thousand years

It was founded during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou😎, and has a long history of more than 2800 years👏. The entire ancient city is composed of city walls, shops, streets, temples, and residential houses, forming a vast and magnificent architectural complex🤩. Its overall layout strictly follows the Bagua orientation🧐, ingeniously forming a Bagua pattern with four main streets, eight small alleys, and seventy-two winding lanes👀, while the South Street, East Street, West Street, Yamen Street, and Chenghuang Temple Street form a unique 'T'-shaped commercial street😜. Standing on the ancient city walls👣, accompanied by the beautiful sunset in the evening🌇, one can overlook the magnificent panorama of the entire ancient city🧐, as if traveling through a thousand years of time in an instant😍! The city walls are towering and majestic😃, witnessing the vicissitudes of time👀; the streets are narrow and winding😄, filled with an ancient charm🤓; the residential houses are well-arranged😉, displaying a unique architectural style🤗. Pingyao Ancient City🤝, is not only an architectural complex with profound historical significance🤜, but also a brilliant treasure of Chinese culture🤛. It carries the wisdom and emotions of people over thousands of years😇, showcasing the glory and heritage of the Chinese nation to the world🤝!

Pingyao Ancient City - Shanxi ☆

UNESCO World Heritage Site Ping Yao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century. Its urban fabric shows the evolution of architectural styles and town planning in Imperial China over five centuries. Getting There - I drove from Taiyuan, but you can take a high speed train. Attractions - The Ancient city itself, nice environment to walk around, rent a bike... Hotels - I would have stayed one night inside if I had time, so you can enjoy the city without too many people. Food & Restaurants - Some Chinese restaurants and lots of snack shops. Shopping - Main street with many shops. #culturalattraction

Pingyao ancient city fortification and defence. Well, those times were not very calm and peaceful, but Pingyao and its inhabitants were very rich. The strong and well developed defence system was necessary. Now we can observe some part and some artifacts like gunnery, double wall corridor with iron gate and cage. Inner space separating two gates are particularly interesting. The introduction and description are provided on the spot. Pingyao ancient City is very unusual and interesting place. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Bell Tower of Ming and Qing road. Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao city, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. This is the bell Tower if the Ming and Qing Road built centuries ago in the cross-road of two important streets here, in Pingyao. We are exactly in the center of Pingyao ancient city. Actually, this is the tallest building in whole ancient city of Pingyao. It is possible to climb there and all visitors are doing it. Then you will be rewarded by beautiful view on the ancient city and possibly to take pictures of main road in the city, still crowded and vivid like many centuries ago. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Catholic Church of Phingyao Ancient City, Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao city, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China. Well it was so unexpected to spot this type of building here in Pingyao ancient city, in the land of Confucius doctrine, but this Christian Catholic temple is historical mark and prove that missioners had reached this region and even founded their own temple here. By the way, the temple is still functioning. It's located right away from Confucius temple at the next cross-road. #culturalattractions#museumquest#historicculture

Pingyao ancient city and its Newspaper Museum. Located in the heart of ancient City of Pingyao, included in two days combo ticket and it is very interesting and quite different compared to others places museum. The most interesting newspapers are collected here with drawings, articles comments and original design. The historical period of first half of twentieth century is completely presented here. Feel the atmosphere of those days. Probably this place will take no more than thirty minutes, but it definitely must visit. #museumquest#historicculture

Xie Tong Qing or Xietongqing (just different guides, books and websites are writing this name separately or together). Once again we are in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. And this well preserved through the centuries places Xie Tong Qing is the typical example of small museums in Pingyao ancient city combined together in the one by cultural heritage and as I like to express regarding Pingyao ancient city, the museum under the sky. It's true. Xie Tong Qing is decided into several sections of yards presenting here different artifacts of scenes of ancient City of Pingyao's life related to the trade, escort guards hiring and keeping earned gold. All of these is introduced in very interesting way, it seems you are really getting back to the ancient city of Pingyao. #summervacation

Tong Xing Gong is another place representing escort agency service which was in demand during flourishing of trade operations and merchant activities in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Yes, there is a lot of very interesting, useful and historically true information about ancient time escort agencies and their services. The museum expositions and introductions are illustrating how it was at that time, including the escort organization (front, middle, back, rear and several other parts having different tasks), elements of armour and weapon decor, skills of guards and ways of they were trained in. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

China escort agency, Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Well, well, well, it is really easy to get lost or misunderstood where you are and which escort agency's house or base you are visiting exactly now because there are several escort agencies in Pingyao ancient city. I mean the museums dedicated to this type service providers, the service which was in demand at that time centuries ago. But exactly this place is indicated as "China Escort Agency" in the tourist guidebooks. Yes, here are also presented weapons, artifacts, descriptions of trainings for guards and cultural relics of that epoch including treasures. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Wang Family courtyard, Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Well, this is probably richest one and most well decorated private courtyard which is belong to famous local family, members of that were successful entrepreneurs in ancient times here in Pingyao. It is very hard to make sure which family was richest in the Pingyao but definitely this one build their houses taller and with more decor. The gardens are inside giving the shadow during the hot summer, walls protects from winter winds. From the second floor it is opening view on the roofs of Pingyao. I've never seen so beautiful roofs. Roofs of Pingyao are amazing. So romantic. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

We are continuing to explore the historical and immense cultural heritage area of Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. This place named a little bit longer than other locations and sounds like Hua Bei Number One Biao Ju. This is the place where ancient merchants could hired soldiers doe protection and escorting them into other cities. The ancient China roads was not so safety. Even about ancient Pingyao it could be said like that: half of Pingyao is selling gold, another half of Pingyao people is selling not their gold. So, the escort service was in demand and escort agencies grown like a mushrooms offering well trained guards and their swords for protection to the ancient deallers. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

The Temple of Confucius or Kong Zi Miao aka 孔子庙 of Pingyao ancient city. This is the temple dedicated to one of the most famous man in the world, one if the most brightest mind the history ever knew. Due to the respect to his person, Confucius temple has a vast territory and open space grounds with several halls. This place is located a little bit far away from walking streets and trading tourist center of Pingyao ancient city, in a silent end if one small and narrow street. When you entering there in the temple yard then you immediately start to feel the atmosphere of wisdom and some kind of peace Like other temples in the city The Confucius Temple also presents the Pingyao ancient city history and introduces basics of the Confucius study. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Qiao Family Court yard. We are in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, China. Every corner, every small narrow streets here in Pingyao ancient city hides surprises. What kind of surprise could be expected from one of the richest family of ancient Pingyao? It is really impressive. After entering here it is becoming clear, this family was very rich and had earned a lot of money by the successful trade operations to keep such kind of house and territory for private use. Now this court yard is a tourist spot and interesting museum. This is also good option for taking pictures and opportunity to become more familiar with Pingyao ancient city history. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Pingyao ancient city government residence in the middle of the ancient city of Pingyao, Shanxi province, China. This scenic spot and museum is located very close to the ticket office, in the main artery of the city which is called Ming and Qing ancient street. Just for note, entrance into Pingyao ancient city is free of any admission, but to enter museums or some mansions it's necessary to purchase the ticket. Ticket is a kind of combo ticket opening access to all places during two days from the moment of buying for visitors. Yes, it was not easy to govern such kind of vivid and active ancient city, I guess. Government had a lot of work to support justice and piece in the ancient time Pingyao. The court is also located here. Nowadays the show telling the stories of justice is being performed here. Very interesting historical place for visiting. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Museum of Chinese Imperial examination is located in the historically real and based in the same location Imperial Examination Center of ancient China's Pingyao city. We are again visiting Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Long time ago to get the post or position in the government administration, the young men had to pass one if the most difficult exams which could ever be imagined. Ancient time it was not so easy to get the governing job, if we express by modern language. Many scholars arrived in the city and day and night studied materials, subjects, disciplines to they their skills and luck aiming to get the better future. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#museumquest#historicculture

Cheng Huang Temple, the ancient temple which is located in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. Pingyao is a one big museum under the sky. There are so many unique creations, buildings, installations and artifacts. This temple is still playing its religious role but also has become the tourist hot spot attracting all kind of visitors arriving in the Pingyao ancient city. The territory is big and includes several sectors. All buildings are open for entering. #summervacation#urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao, Shanxi province, China. Every city has its own main street, Broadway or something like this. In Pingyao ancient city this role was granted to the Ming and Qing Ancient Street, the largest one and longest one in the city. The city plan has not been changed and we can see so called original architectural design or plan for the city. This was the main trade street here, always overcrowded with thousands of people running for their businesses and thousands of commercial opetationd done every day. It especially beautiful from the top view of central Tower. Today mostly dedicated to the satisfying tourist needs it is still vivid street representing the spirit of ancient merchants. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Ancient City Wall of the Pingyao ancient city (Pingyao Gu Cheng), Pingyao ancient City, Shanxi province. Like every ancient City on China Pingyao is surrounded by its own city wall, tall and monumental with Towers and observation decks. It is pretty interesting walking on the top of city wall hanging this ancient city like a belt. The views are pretty good, both, outside of the city and, of course, on the roofs and streets with people inside of this open space museum under the sky. Taking pictures will bring a lot of memorable shots. Please, note, that city wall is opened only until 18.00 or six pm, then the gates of places for enter will be closed. Remarkable place in amazing ancient city of Pingyao. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest#historicculture

Local craft shop. Pingyao ancient City, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. We are again in the ancient city of Pingyao. For this time it is told not about artifacts come from past but about new made goods, luxury and beautiful in the ancient style. Yes, Pingyao ancient City is a good option for this kind of shopping, too. The shops look like museums but represented master pieces just have prices. The bright colors and motifs can not leave anyone indifferent. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip

We are in Pingyao ancient city, Pingyao, Shanxi province, China. This post dedicated to the first well organized collectors, guards who is responsible for delivering and preserving money like our modern bank van drivers and guards, collectors. Since Pingyao was a biggest one commercial city in ancient China with non stop mode signing commercial agreements, deliveries and... doing of money transfers, logically, this place had been forced to develop protective mechanisms to guarantee money preservation and protection from robbers. Banks, in Pingyao invented their own special service, the guards, who was well trained and could be hired to come to the point and collect the money for further delivery to the bank for its clients. It has solved many problems. Here are the pictures of their ammunition and weapon. Cone to Pingyao to check it out! #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#bestislandtraveltowns#museumquest#historicculture

Rishengchang Bank or Ri Sheng Chang Former bank. This landmark is located on one of the major streets of the Pingyao ancient city (not Qing and Ming commercial street, another one connected with that by small streets lying through ancient blocks), Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao, Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. I was already mentioned in my previous post that Pingyao is best preserved and biggest ancient city of China among small number of survived cities until our epoch. Well, this bank was one of the biggest and richest during ancient time and of course it was located in Pingyao city, the trade point of ancient China. After entering inside you can understand how rich was it! And this bank presents hundreds of artifacts telling us different stories of ancient time and describing people life and, especially, accounting many centuries ago. This is number one place for visiting in Pingyao ancient city. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#bestislandtraveltowns#museumquest#historicculture

Ping Yao Gu Cheng aka Ping Yao Ancient City. This ancient city is located in Ping Yao City, Shanxi province. I guess many people herd about this place, about this very famous city and germ of Shanxi Province (not Shaanxi). This is the one of the most well preserved ancient cities in China. Thriving through the centuries in the ancient time, it has survived twenty's century and appears in its unique and charming style in front of our eyes. I would like to emphasize this is real city, all buildings are really ancient, not the new made after 2000 year. Really, unique place. The city is presented by its ancient streets and everywhere small museum are ready to accept guests. Every building is a museum, ancient hall or rich family yard. There are a lot of special artifacts. Totally, the visiting requires two days to visit every small place. Ticket gives the access to every location. Each place in this city deserved separate introduction. #urbanexplorer#roadtrip#museumquest