Known as "Little Beijing", Pingyao Ancient City is located in the central part of Shanxi Province. It is an ancient Ming and Qing architectural complex with more than 2,700 years of history. "The four most well-preserved ancient cities" is also the only ancient county in my country that has successfully declared the world cultural heritage with the entire ancient city. After entering Pingyao Ancient City, many friends feel like entering a maze. They don’t know where to start. Many friends also ask how to visit Pingyao Ancient City. Can Pingyao Ancient City be visited in one day? Can you recommend a tour route? Today, the editor will give a detailed description of the time and route of the scenic spots in Pingyao Ancient City, hoping to help more friends who come to Pingyao Ancient City to travel!

The time to visit Pingyao Ancient City can be long or short. It can be completed in one day or three days. The key is how to arrange the attractions and how to choose. The ancient city of Pingyao covers an area of ​​about 2.25 square kilometers, which is not too large and can be visited on foot. There are only six or seven main attractions, namely the ancient city wall, county government, Rishengchang, Confucian Temple, Chenghuang Temple, Synergy Qingpiaohao and Escort Bureau. Others are repetitive Escort and ticket numbers and various museums. Dear friends, if time is tight, it is best to take a tour bus and find a tour guide. Three hours is absolutely no problem. Dear friends, if you visit all the scenic spots carefully, then the time is definitely not enough, at least two days.

There are six gates in Pingyao Ancient City. It is not mandatory to buy tickets to enter Pingyao Ancient City. You can enter at any time. Remember that foreign vehicles without a pass do not enter the ancient city. If you are photographed, you will be fined 200 and deducted three points~. So what are the tickets for Pingyao Ancient City? The ticket for Pingyao Ancient City is actually a combination of 22 small scenic spots in the ancient city, which is what we often call the scenic spot pass. If you buy this pass, you can go in and see all the scenic spots in the ancient city, such as climbing the city wall, ticket number, Escort, County government office, Confucian Temple, etc. Of course, if you don’t plan to buy tickets, then there is no problem shopping on the streets in the ancient city.


Next, the editor will give you a detailed introduction to how to play each scenic spot.


Ancient City Wall

The ancient city of Pingyao has a well-preserved city wall. The circumference of the city wall is about 6.4 kilometers. Parents can climb the city wall for sightseeing. You will have a different feeling when looking at the style of the ancient city from the city wall. Not all the ancient city walls are open to tourists. It is recommended to visit 1/4 of the city wall.

Specific route: Go up the north gate (you can also go directly off the north gate) → go up the Great South Gate → go down Yunlufengfeng Street.


County government

Pingyao ancient county government can be regarded as the best-preserved ancient county government in the country. It still retains the layout of county-level administrative organs in the Qing Dynasty. If you come here to play, you can get familiar with the ancient official system. There is also the only prison in the country preserved from the Qing Dynasty in the county government office, and there are regular performances. Also, if you like historical sites and culture, the couplets of Pingyao ancient county government are a major feature.

Visit the ancient county government office for about 1 hour.


Rishengchang Bank

The first bank in China, Rishengchang Bank, is the first private bank in Chinese history, and it is the originator of all modern banks. It is located in the prosperous area of ​​West Street, Pingyao Ancient City, the "first financial street in the Qing Dynasty". Founded in 1823 in the Qing Dynasty, it was co-founded by Li Daquan, Xidapu Village, Pingyao, investing 300,000 taels of silver and Lei Lutai, the shopkeeper of Xiyao Village. The establishment of the Rishengchang bank has since ended the backward form of escorting cash by the security bureaus in our country. After development, the annual exchange amount of Rishengchang reached as high as 38 million taels of silver in the golden age, which was called "a thousand dollars of daily profit" at that time; its business outlets spread almost all over China. What makes us even more admirable is that the environment in which the bank was established was frequent foreign aggression and internal strife, while Rishengchang has been in the ups and downs for a hundred years, and has formed a set of management systems that amazed outstanding western management experts.


Today's "Rishengchang" former site has been opened up as a museum of bank accounts in China. The Rishengchang bank adopts a three-entry corridor building, which not only embodies the traditional characteristics of Jinzhong dwellings, but also absorbs the style of Jinzhong shops, achieving the harmony and unity of architectural art and use functions. The main courtyard is along the north-south longitudinal axis, the east courtyard is a long and narrow north-south courtyard, and the west courtyard is Rizhongxin Bank (both Rizhongxin and Rishengchang are the wealth owners of the Dapu Li family).


Rishengchang has thick wooden gates along the street, colorful paintings under the eaves, and horizontal plaques with shop nameplates. The first entrance of the courtyard house is the counter and account room. Go up the bluestone steps, pass through the middle of the pavement, and enter the Rishengchang bank. There are cabinet rooms on the left and right sides of the aisle.


Walk out of the back doorway in the middle hall, and you will arrive at the backyard. The backyard is fronted by the rooms of the two shopkeepers. There are three wing rooms in the east and west respectively, and the south hall is built on the opposite side. On the top of the front eaves of the main house, there is a gold plaque with "beautiful day and radiance", and on the left and right pillars is hung a couplet of "the essence of all treasures in the sun, the sky, and the sky. The couplet is concise and to the point, the first character is embedded in the name of the shop, and it also describes the prosperous scene at that time, but it is a pity that I don't know which famous artist it came from.



travelling guideline:

(1) On the wall of the "counter", there is a jingle created by Rishengchang that year. This is a set of codes for exchanging money orders, which hides the time, place, amount, etc. of the money order. Relying on this set of codes, Rishengchang has never made a mistake for more than 100 years.
　 (2) Under the soot of the stove next to the big kang in the "reception room" is the entrance to the Rishengchang Changbei treasury. Usually the treasury has hundreds of thousands to several million taels of silver in stock.
　　Scenic Spot Activities: Mr. Cashier writes drafts (daily), ticket number recruits apprentices (daily)


Temple of Literature


The earliest surviving Confucian Temple in China, the largest group of statues of Confucius and Confucian sages in China, the largest existing permanent imperial examination history exhibition in China, the only professional photography museum in China, and the only surviving number one scholar in the history of imperial examinations in China for more than 1,300 years were unveiled in Pingyao Temple of Literature. Pingyao Confucian Temple is located in the southeast corner of the county. It was built in the early years of Zhenguan in Tang Dynasty. Its Dacheng Hall was rebuilt in the third year of Jin Dading (1163). It is the only remaining Jin Dynasty building among Confucian temples in China. The main attractions are: Lingxing Gate, Panchi, Panqiao, Minghuan Temple, Xiangxian Temple, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, East and West Hall, Minglun Hall, Jingyi Pavilion, Zunjing Pavilion, etc. The whole scenic spot is rich in cultural atmosphere, and also displays a large number of treasures such as the only existing number one examination paper in China, Qing Dynasty civil servant series costumes.

Tourist season: all seasons.

Traffic guide: 1) Walking: You can walk within the ancient city (recommended).

2) Bus: From the square in front of Pingyao Railway Station, you can take bus No. 804 and No. 308 directly to the Confucian Temple Scenic Spot.

3) Human-powered tricycle: The starting price is 2 to 5 yuan per person, and the basic mileage is two kilometers. The rental price is negotiable for driving more than two kilometers.


Town God's Temple


The Pingyao Town God's Temple was first built in the Northern Song Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,100 years. It was renovated on a large scale in Ming and Qing dynasties. Therefore, all the architectural features of the Ming and Qing dynasties are preserved inside, covering an area of ​​7,302 square meters. , is currently one of the most well-preserved Town God's Temples in China. It is famous for its large scale, rich connotations, and exquisite architecture. The entire temple complex sits north and faces south, with four courtyards front and back, a mountain gate facing the street, a theater building in front of the hall, and a sleeping palace behind the hall. It is a typical architectural form of Chinese Taoist temples. On the central axis, archways, mountain gates, theater towers, tribute halls, city god's halls, and palaces are layered on top of each other; the corridors, official halls, east and west wing rooms, and side halls on both sides are connected in depth and run through one body. It has both the characteristics of temple halls and government offices. The style, its theological interest and the function of "going to court and going to bed later" are very obvious. In addition to the main hall and the bedroom, there is Zaojun Temple in the east and west, and the God of Wealth Temple is adjacent to both sides, forming a self-contained system and communicating with each other. strange.

travelling guideline

Scenic spot activities: sketch performance: Town God's Temple, every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 and 16:30


Visiting route of each gate of Pingyao Ancient City

1. The North Gate of Pingyao Ancient City begins to visit the route:

1. Buy tickets at the ticket window outside the North Gate of Pingyao Ancient City;

2. Go down the steps along the tourist passage to enter the Wengcheng;

3. After passing through the Wengcheng, enter the ancient city, and go up the steps to the front left to see the entrance of Pingyao Ancient City Wall. After checking the ticket, climb up the ancient city wall to appreciate the style of the ancient city and the whole picture of the ancient city inside and outside;

4. After getting off the city wall, turn right into North Street, walk along North Street to the center of the ancient city, pass a fence about 50 meters, turn into West Street (turn left at the intersection), go forward for about 60 meters, and you will be on the right It is the Rishengchang Bank Bank Museum, check the ticket and enter the site of the Rishengchang Bank Bank, which is known as the first bank in China, to understand the culture of Shanxi merchants and learn the way of operation;

5. After visiting the Rishengchang Bank, turn left after issuing the ticket, turn left at the first intersection about 60 meters away, turn into Erhemu Lane and go straight until you reach the intersection of Huayuan Street, turn right and turn into North Lane , continue to go south, turn right after arriving at Yamen Street, about 100 meters on the right is Pingyao Ancient City County Government, check the ticket and enter the county government to visit the old administrative function center of our country;

6. After visiting the county office, turn left at the gate, go east along Yamen Street, continue to the south street, enter Chenghuangmiao Street, and go east. When you see a archway, turn left You can see the Chenghuang Temple scenic spot from the side, and the back door entrance of the Confucian Temple and Xuegong scenic spot is on the right side. You can visit both scenic spots or all of them;

7. After visiting these two scenic spots, return to Chenghuangmiao Street, start walking westward, go to South Street, turn right at the intersection with South Street, enter South Street, which is known as a street in Ming and Qing Dynasties, and enjoy the Linglang on both sides Full of specialty products, feel the prosperity of this road known as China's Wall Street in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are also some scenic spots on both sides, such as escort bureaus and money houses. You can check tickets according to your interests and hobbies;

8. Go northward along South Street until you reach the intersection of South Street, East Street and West Street, the tour is basically over, turn into West Street, go forward for about 150 meters, turn right, turn into North Street, Go to the north gate and go out of the city. The tour of Pingyao Ancient City is officially over, let’s savor the beauty that Pingyao Ancient City brings to you!

2. The South Gate of Pingyao Ancient City begins to visit the route:

1. Self-driving tourists need to park their cars at the South Gate Ecological Parking Lot or the Xiaonanmen Parking Lot, walk into the Xiaonanmen Gate, go straight to the Wu Temple and turn right 30 meters away. There is a ticket office on the left side of the street. Or enter Xiaonanmen, turn right and follow the city wall to buy tickets for Pingyao Ancient City at the ticket office of Dananmen attractions;

2. Follow the signs to visit the city wall of the south gate. After the tour of the city wall, go down the city wall from Yunlu Fengqing Street, which is the scenic spot of Confucian Temple Academy; , about 20 meters away is the Chenghuang Temple scenic spot. If you are interested, you can enter and visit. After the end, return to Chenghuangmiao Street, go straight along Chenghuangmiao Street, enter Yamen Street and go straight. After passing through the building cave, the county government scenic spot is on the right;

4. After visiting the County Yamen Scenic Area, go out the gate, turn left, walk eastward along Yamen Street, turn left at the intersection and enter South Street, start to visit Mingqing Street, and you can also visit the scenic spots on both sides of Mingqing Street;

5. Walk along South Street to the intersection of East and West South Streets, turn left and turn into West Street, and walk about 150 meters to the left, which is the earliest bank in my country - Rishengchang Bank;

6. The visit basically ends here, and you can return to the inn or return to the South Gate along South Street.

3. The lower west gate of the ancient city of Pingyao starts to visit the route:

1. Those who travel by car need to park their cars at the Xiaximen parking lot, and then buy the ancient city scenic spot pass at the scenic spot ticket office opposite the parking lot. Walk into the west gate, or take a tour bus into the ancient city;

2. Enter the West Street and go straight, pass the fence of the pedestrian street 200 meters to the right and you will find the Rishengchang Bank Bank Museum. Check the ticket and enter the site of the Rishengchang Bank Bank, which is known as the first bank in China. road;

3. After visiting the Rishengchang Ticket Office, turn right at the exit and go straight. There are Huiwulin, Weishengchang, Weitaihou and other scenic spots in front of you. Then go straight to the intersection in front of you and go straight to East Street. The attractions on East Street are mainly Qing Xuguan, China Chamber of Commerce, etc. Turn right at the intersection, which is South Street, commonly known as Ming and Qing Streets. Appreciate the exquisite and special commodities on both sides, and feel the prosperity of this street known as China’s Wall Street in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are also some scenic spots on both sides, such as escort bureaus and money houses. You can check tickets according to your interests and hobbies;

4. Continue to go straight south along South Street, pass Shilou to a crossroad - Jishikou. Turn left to Chenghuangmiao Street, and turn right to Yamen Street. At this time, relatives suggest to go to Pingyao County Government first;

5. After visiting the county government office, go back to the intersection of Jishikou on the same road, turn right and go to the entrance of the city wall of Dananmen first, and go up the city wall from here to appreciate the style of the south gate of the ancient city and the whole picture of the inside and outside of the ancient city;

6. Follow the signs to visit the city wall of the south gate. After the tour of the city wall, go down the city wall from Yunlu Fengfeng Street, which is the scenic spot of Confucian Temple Academy. After visiting the scenic spot of the Confucian Temple, exit the scenic spot from the back door of the Confucian Temple, and you will arrive at Chenghuangmiao Street, turn left, and the Chenghuangmiao scenic spot is about 20 meters away. Those who are interested can enter and visit.

After visiting the Town God's Temple, the main attractions are gone. Dear friends, you can walk around the streets of the ancient city relatively easily~~.