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28 Available Tour Excursions in Pingyao
Wander the pinched lanes of Pingyao Ancient City, dozens of museums, hundreds of historic buildings and years of history unfold before your eyes. Accompanied by a private tour guide service, travel back to ancient time, discover the thriving merchant town during the Ming Dynasty.
Price: $76.00
Duration: 3 hours
Visit highlights of Pingyao including City Wall of Pingyao, traditional Ming-Qing Street,Temple of City God and Ri Sheng Chang Exchange Shop with this private day tour from Pingyao by foot, walking only, no vehicie. You will be picked up and dropped off at the Pingyao hotel(inside of the ancient city), but will have a option for pick up outside city as well.
Price: $170.00
Duration: 7 hours
This private one-day tour offers you an opportunity to explore Pingyao Ancient City, a World Heritage Site. Attractions you will visit during this day trip to the old town include Old City Wall of Pingyao, Bank Institutes, Confucius Temple, County Yamun, Shuanglin Temple, Zhenguo Temple and many more so you could be fully exposed to the fantastic history of 200 years old Pinyao.
Price: $289.00
Duration: 8-10 hours
Visit the masterpiece of residential architecture – Wang Family Mansion and see precious and colorful ancient sculptures and frescoes at Shuanglin Temple in this Pingyao day tour. You will be escorted by English-speaking tour guide, a personal car and driver.
Price: $175.00
Duration: 7 hours
Visit highlights of Shanxi including the Pingyao,Mount Wutai and Datong with this 5 days private tour from. You will be picked up from Your Pingyao hotel/train station and dropped off at the Datong hotel/train station.
Price: $1,028.28
Duration: 120 hours
Experience the best of Pingyao in a full-day tour that includes three top attractions: Qiao's Family Compound, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient City of Pingyao and Shuanglin Temple. Learn the history form your experienced tour guide. Lunch, attraction entrance ticket, and private transfer are all inclusive.
Price: $221.08
Duration: 8-9 hours
It is an amazing day to include the Pingyao Old Town and Wang Family Mansion Private tour. Highly Recommend! Visit the classic sites-Pingyao Old Town, Wang Family Mansion. Time-Smart, no shops, no detour, no time wasting, well-planed itinerary. Local guides, local foods, discover the local culture in a local way. Pick-up and drop-off hotel or personal address is supposed to be in the city Tour itinerary can be customized to your needs.
Price: $183.04
Duration: 8-10 hours
Visit highlights of Shanxi including Pingyao and Datong with this 4 days private tour from Pingyao. You will be picked up at Pingyao hotel/train station and dropped off Datong hotel/Train station.
Price: $999.00
Duration: 96 hours
Marvel at over 2,000 vivid colored sculptures created during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties in Shuanglin Temple, admire abundant artistic works at Chinese architectural museum of Wang's Compound, have delicious Chinese lunch in local restaurant, and enjoy private travel service provided by professional local tour guide with live commentary.
Price: $269.00
Duration: 8 hours
Visit highlights of Pingyao including City Wall of Pingyao, traditional Ming-Qing Street,Temple of City God, Ri Sheng Chang Exchange Shop,Shuanglin Monastery,Wang Family's Compound and Zhangbi Ancient Fortress with this 2 days private tour from Pingyao. You will be picked up and dropped off at the Pingyao hotel/train station.
Price: $360.93
Duration: 48 hours
Experience a wealth of Pingyao's rural and historical treasures at Qiao Family Compound, and Shuanglin Temple on this full-day trip from Pingyao with an expert guide. Traveling by air-conditioned vehicle, explore the 1,400 years old Shuanglin Temple which is reputed to be the 'ancient painted sculptures museum'. After lunch, stroll around the halls and courtyards of Qiao Family Compound to enjoy amazing Qing Dynasty architecture and brick carvings. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, entrance fee, lunch and travel by private vehicle.
Price: $141.91
Duration: 6-8 hours
Private round-trip transfer service between Mianshan Tourist Center and Pingyao Driver will wait for you on the foot of the mountain Air-conditioned Vehicle and polite, friendly driver.
Price: $60.00
Duration: 8 hours
We provides convenient private transfer service between Taiyuan Wusu International Airport(TYN) and your hotel in the downtown of Pingyao. We offer many choices of vehicles and all our drivers are professional and know every corners of this area quite well. All the clean, tidy air-con vehicles we use are licensed with insurance. The vehicles will be just for you, your family or your group.
Price: $64.00
Duration: 1 hours
Visit highlights of China including the Pingyao,Datong and Beijing by Bullet Train with this 7 days private tour from Pingyao. You will be picked up from Pingyao hotel and dropped off at Beijing hotel.
Price: $1,676.10
Duration: 168 hours
We provides convenient private transfer service between Pingyao and your hotel in the downtown of Datong. We offer many choices of vehicles and all our drivers are professional and know every corners of this area quite well. All the clean, tidy air-con vehicles we use are licensed with insurance. The vehicles will be just for you, your family or your group.
Price: $213.34
Duration: 5 hours
Join this comprehensive 2-day private tour to Datong from Pingyao. Alongside an expert guide, explore two spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple. Besides, you will also visit the Nine Dragon Screen and Datong City Wall. Gain valuable insight into the rich history of the city. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, entrance fee, lunches, travel by private vehicle during the tour. You can choose to end your tour in Datong or return Pingyao. Please book your own hotel in Datong.
Price: $532.65
Duration: 48 hours
Visit the highlights of Pingyao including the Wang Family's Compound, Zhangbi Ancient Fortress and Shuanglin Temple with this private day tour from Pingyao. You will be picked and dropped off at the Pingyao hotel/train station.
Price: $205.66
Duration: 8 hours
Enjoy door-to-door service in a comfortable private vehicle operated by a courteous friendly driver from your Pingyao city hotel to Wutaishan. You will have the maximum freedom to enjoy the attraction at your own pace. Your driver will take you to the main entrance, assistant you for the entrance fee, and waiting for you at the parking lot, after your self-guided tour finished, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel or accommodation in Pingyao, you also can. choose to have an English speaking tour guide who will accompany you at the attraction.
Price: $189.87
Duration: 8-10 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: CNY
- Languages: Mandarin Chinese, local Shanxi dialect, English (in tourist areas)
- Climate: Continental
- Timezone: Asia/Shanghai
- Population: Approximately 500,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is spring and autumn for comfortable weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Pingyao generally require a visa to enter China. Citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter China without a visa for short stays, but most tourists from the US, EU, and UK must obtain a visa before arrival. China offers e-visa options for certain regions, but Pingyao is not typically covered by these; therefore, a standard tourist visa is required. Visa on arrival is generally not available for Pingyao. Travelers should apply in advance and provide proof of accommodation and travel plans.
About Pingyao
Pingyao is a remarkably well-preserved ancient city located in Shanxi Province, China, renowned for its intact Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and historic city walls. It offers a unique glimpse into traditional Chinese urban life with its narrow streets, ancient courtyards, and vibrant markets. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pingyao stands out as a living museum where visitors can experience authentic Chinese culture and history. The city’s charm lies in its blend of historical authenticity and lively local culture, making it a compelling destination for travelers interested in heritage, architecture, and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore centuries-old banks, temples, and residences that tell stories of China’s economic and social past. The city’s compact size makes it ideal for walking tours, allowing travelers to immerse themselves fully in the atmosphere of a bygone era. Pingyao also hosts cultural festivals and offers opportunities to taste local Shanxi cuisine, enhancing the travel experience. Its combination of historical significance, cultural richness, and scenic beauty makes Pingyao a must-visit destination for those seeking to understand China beyond its modern cities.
Pingyao Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Northern China
- Duration Range: 2-8 hours
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: All Comfort Levels
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is spring and autumn for comfortable weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing due to temperature variations. Respect local customs, especially when visiting temples and historic sites. Carry some cash as small vendors may not accept cards. Stay hydrated and be prepared for crowds during festivals. English is limited, so having a translation app or guidebook can be helpful. Safety is generally good, but keep an eye on belongings in busy areas.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $250
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Pingyao’s cuisine is representative of Shanxi’s rich culinary tradition, known for its noodles, vinegar, and hearty flavors. Signature dishes include Pingyao beef, hand-pulled noodles, and various types of dumplings. Local specialties often feature sour and savory tastes, with vinegar playing a central role. Dining customs emphasize communal eating and sharing dishes. Noteworthy restaurants include those serving traditional Shanxi noodles and local snacks in Ming and Qing Street, where visitors can enjoy authentic flavors in historic settings.
Getting Around
Pingyao is accessible by train and bus from major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, and Taiyuan. The nearest airport is Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, about 90 kilometers away. Within the city, walking is the best way to explore due to the compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Electric carts and bicycles are available for rent. Local buses connect nearby attractions. Transportation costs are generally low, with affordable public transit and reasonable taxi fares.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is spring and autumn for comfortable weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing due to temperature variations. Respect local customs, especially when visiting temples and historic sites. Carry some cash as small vendors may not accept cards. Stay hydrated and be prepared for crowds during festivals. English is limited, so having a translation app or guidebook can be helpful. Safety is generally good, but keep an eye on belongings in busy areas.
Culture & Customs
Pingyao’s culture is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese values, emphasizing respect for history and community. Social customs include polite greetings and modest dress, especially in religious sites. Important festivals include the Lantern Festival and local temple fairs, which showcase folk arts and performances. Visitors should observe quiet and respectful behavior in temples and historic buildings. Gift-giving and bargaining are common in markets but should be done politely. Photography is generally allowed but ask permission when photographing people.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
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Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
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Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..