Pingyao 2-Day Tour from Beijing on Bullet Train
Why Pingyao Deserves A Tour
Three hours from Beijing by bullet train, Pingyao was a financial center of China in the Qing Dynasty. It is now renowned for its well-preserved ancient city wall, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pingyao still retains its city layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties, conforming to a typical Bagua pattern.
More than 300 sites in or near the city have ancient ruins. Preserved Ming- and Qing-style residences number close to 4,000. The streets and storefronts still largely retain their historical appearance.
Bullet train to Pingyao - It is the very best to go to Pingyao from Beijing.
Continued Trip to Xian from Pingyao
Pingyao sits perfectly between Beijing and Xian (Terracotta Warriors). You may take this tour and extendthe tour to Xian from Pingyao for a 2-hour ride on bullet train. Instead of going back to Beijing on Day 2, simply take the bullet train to Xian and have your dinner in Xian.
Highlights
• Discover the ancient town of Pingyao, one of the only cities in China to maintain its ancient city walls and streets. Being here will transport you back in time to the China of yesteryear. The city is something of a living museum
• Tour the exquisite ancient Buddhist temples of Pingyao, which are haunting and captivating in their beauty, as well as being a gateway to the ancient traditions of China
• Your hotel will be in the style of a traditional courtyard, giving you a much more intimate and memorable experience than the normal hotel
Pingyao Tour Itinerary
BEIJING-PINGYAO TOUR
Day 1 Beijing-Pingyao (by train)
You will take a bullet train from Beijing for 4 hours to get to Pingyao. Our guide and driver will meet you upon your train arrives.
First you will visit Former Residence of Family Chang. It is the largest mansion of all the mansions of Shanxi merchants in Shanxi. Chang's Mansion is located 40 km to the northeast of Pingyao. The hosts of Chang's Mansion, the Chang family, were among the well-known Shanxi businessmen in the Qing Dynasty. Actually it is a splendid group of constructions of northern folk houses in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Arrival at Pingyao town, stay at our designated Hotel in Pingyao ancient city.
Enjoy the irresistible flavors of local food in Pingyao. Local food in Pingyao is mainly wheaten products like noodles and clay oven rolls. They are never oily and great for your appetize.
Day 2 Pingyao (B)
After breakfast, you will first visit the Ancient City Wall of Pingyao City. The city of Pingyao is one of the four remaining well-preserved ancient cities in China. The city wall has a perimeter of 6.4 kilometers and is over 12 meters high and 3.5 meters wide. Then visit the Rishengchang Exchange Shop. It is the earliest bank in China, first opened in the 18th century.Rishengchang was the first money exchange shop in the history of China.
Afterwards, move on to the Mingqing Street. Ming and Qing Street, also called Nanda Jie. It is one of the busy and interesting streets in which to experience ancient Chinese culture. It is 440 long, Ming and Qing Street used to be the commercial center of Pingyao ancient city. Then move on to Armed Escort Company Museum. It offers an eye-opening armed escorts in protecting commerce. Cash moving from one area needed the armed escort firm to thwart of thieving hands. Finally visit County Government Office, an ancient city hall and law court.
You will catch a train in the afternoon to go back to Beijing.
