2 Days Private Pingyao Tour from Beijing

★ Fantastic Beijing to Pingyao High-speed Train Journey

This morning, please make your own way to Beijing Fengtai Railway Station to catch a high-speed train that we’ve booked for you in advance, which will take approximately 4 hours and arrive at Pingyao Ancient City Station. As the Chinese railway system has fully implemented e-tickets, you only need your passport to enter the station and board the train. During your ride, the scenery outside the window, ranging from urban skylines to the plains, loess hills, and extensive farmlands, will present you with a vivid documentary of China’s geology. What also surprises you is that when the thrill of traveling at 350 kph (217 mph) is coming to an end, that is, when the train brakes to pull into the station, a large amount of electrical energy will be recycled, which can power a 40W light bulb for 280 days.

Upon arrival, your private Pingyao guide and driver will pick you up at the train station, and then escort you to a boutique guesthouse located inside Pingyao Ancient City, for check-in. This 300-year-old traditional Chinese courtyard hotel, with its quaint architecture and handmade classical wood fittings, is more of a place for you to experience Chinese art and culture.

After a short rest, let’s begin the official visit to Pingyao Ancient City, a historical site originally built 2,700 years ago and expanded from the mid-14th to the early 20th century, featuring a complete city wall, a standard ancient urban layout, and traditional architecture. The essence of the city could be sensed while you are wandering along South Street, also known as the Ming and Qing Dynasties Street. Various kinds of restaurants, specialty boutiques, ancient costume rental studios in old buildings, along with some historical sites related to finance, generate a prosperous commercial atmosphere the same as hundreds of years ago. Here, take your time to explore Rishengchang Former Bank, one of the earliest currency exchange points in China, Tongxinggong Escort Agency that once transported goods and silver of merchants or banks, and Temple of the City God, with your guide. Also, climb up and walk around the well-preserved City Wall, which resembles the outline of a turtle, to have a panoramic view of the streets below - the patterns on the turtle’s back. After the visit, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

► Recommended Nighttime Activities (at your own expense): 
The ancient city is also lively at night, and if you’re interested, go out for a leisurely stroll and seek joy on your own. Discover some specialty snacks in old eateries, such as sauced beef, vinegar eggs, oil cakes, and buckwheat noodles. At 20:00, head to the South Gate for a free 18-minute light show that projects the local merchants’ culture and historical stories onto the ancient city wall through 3D projection technology. Alternatively, you could simply have a drink in a tavern while indulging in gentle folk music.

Accommodation: Pingyao Yide Hotel

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will accompany you on a 1-hour private car ride to the Qiao Family Compound. Constructed by a merchant family starting in 1756, the richest family then, this ancient residential complex is reputed as a scaled-down folk counterpart of the imperial Forbidden City in Beijing. It is said that the famous Empress Dowager Cixi (1835 – 1908 AD) once stayed here for one night during her escape and was extremely impressed by the architecture here!

Climbing above the entrance provides the best vantage point to feel the majesty and glory of the Qiao family, overlooking the entire compound and the surrounding rural landscape. With your guide’s explanation, you’ll find that its overall layout is axially symmetrical, presenting a Chinese character symbolizing happiness and joy - your guide will show you how to write it. Go deeper into the courtyard and admire various brick and wood carvings, as well as delicate murals, and be amazed by the wisdom and hard work of the ancient artisans. Enter the rooms and glimpse into the Qiao Family’s living habits through the furniture and daily necessities on display. Additionally, there is a folk museum, which showcases folk relics, traditional costumes, and wedding supplies, offering unique insights into local history, culture, and customs.

As your 2 days private Pingyao tour from Beijing ends, your guide and driver will see you off at the Pingyao Ancient City Station. We hope you have a pleasant onward journey! If you are less pressed for time, consider extending your trip by an extra day to visit more unmissable sights around Pingyao, such as the Zhangbi Ancient Castle and Shuanglin Temple. Welcome to contact our travel consultants for your customized itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast