Come to Pingyao ancient city to see this raiders! Teach you how to avoid pits, save money and play more efficiently.

There are four ancient cities in China, namely Huizhou in Anhui, Langzhong in Sichuan, Pingyao in Shanxi and Old Town of Lijiang in Yunnan. Three of the ancient cities are located in the south, only Pingyao is a northerner, and Pingyao is also the best preserved ancient county in China. Therefore, tourists generally come to Shanxi to travel, and the ancient city of Pingyao around Taiyuan is a heavy attraction that cannot be bypassed. The ancient city is becoming more and more commercialized, and there are more and more routines; If you plan to visit the ancient city, I suggest collecting this raiders.

Quick tour of ancient city

The earliest history of the ancient city can be traced back to the Western Zhou Dynasty, with a history of more than 2,700 years. In the early Ming Dynasty, the city wall was built to resist foreign enemies, and Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty went to the Western Ocean and built four pagodas. Today's Pingyao ancient city still retains the appearance of the ancient city 500 years ago, the former "China Wall Street" and now a tourist attraction. From 65438 to 0997, Pingyao Ancient City was listed as a world cultural heritage, and it was a physical specimen for studying the political, economic, cultural, artistic and religious development of China.

The ancient city is full of vicissitudes, simple and remote. It's bigger than the Datong ancient city we went to before. If you want to visit in depth, it is recommended to stay in the ancient city for 1-2 days.

How to get there?

The transportation of Pingyao ancient city is very convenient, whether it is the ordinary railway station or high-speed railway station. If you are a tourist from other provinces, Pingyao County has no airport and needs to fly to Taiyuan first. From Taiyuan, you can take the bullet train or high-speed train to the ancient city, which takes 30-50 minutes and get off at Pingyao Ancient City Station. The ancient city of Pingyao in high-speed railway station is about 7 kilometers away from the scenic spot, and it takes about 15 minutes by taxi.

Those who don't want to arrive quickly can take the local train for about 1.5 hours and get off at Pingyao Station. Pingyao station is less than 2 kilometers away from the north gate of the scenic spot, and the distance is closer.

Self-driving tourists can park their cars in the official parking lot near the entrance of the scenic spot, one at the south gate and the other at the north gate; We parked at the north gate, with plenty of parking spaces, and the visitor center is just outside the parking lot, which is also very convenient.

Parking fee: 65438 yuan +00 yuan per car/ride, two days after midnight (ride).

Guide to avoiding pits and saving money

Most of the pits in Pingyao ancient city are at the entrance outside the ancient city, which is easy to reduce tourists' initial impression of the ancient city. For example, someone will tell you that there are still several kilometers to go from the parking lot to the scenic spot. I suggest you take their car and spend tens of dollars (there are also quotations 100 or more) to take the whole family to play. Even deceiving tourists that the appointment for entering the city on that day is full and they can't enter the city without a car, which is very outrageous.

The truth is that it is only a few hundred meters to walk from the visitor center at the entrance to the core of the scenic spot; If luggage is a burden, you can take a shuttle bus in the scenic spot, and each person only needs 10 yuan. If you book accommodation in the scenic spot, you don't have to worry. You can ask the boss to help with the luggage. It is also ok to make an appointment on the day of the pro-test ticket, and you are not nervous on non-holidays

Also, don't believe how expensive it is to eat, live and travel in the ancient city at the entrance of the scenic spot and the salesmen of hotels and restaurants in the scenic spot. In fact, the management of merchants in the ancient city is very standardized, and the prices of meals and accommodation are within a reasonable range, sometimes even cheaper than those outside the scenic spot (perhaps the competition in the scenic spot is too fierce).

The correct way is to go straight to the ancient city after arrival, and ignore any sales promotion during the period. After successfully entering the scenic spot, there are less than half of all kinds of pits; Our experience of playing in the ancient city is still very good.

buy a ticket

Ancient City Pass: 125 yuan/person (including 22 scenic spots such as city wall, county government, Rishengchang, Xietongqing and Confucian Temple). If you don't go to these small scenic spots, you just want to visit the streets of the ancient city and have a meal, and you can enter the ancient city for free.

It can be purchased on the official platform "Pingyao Ancient City Scenic Area" applet. After purchasing the pass, it is valid for 3 days. Students' ID cards are half price, officers' ID cards and disability cards are free, and elderly people over 60 years old can carry their ID cards free of charge.

In addition, tickets for Shuanglin Temple are 35 yuan/person, and tickets for Zhenguo Temple are 25 yuan/person. Ticket validity 1 day. Although these two scenic spots are outside the ancient city, friends who like quiet and humanity are strongly recommended to go. It will be described in detail later.

In addition, small partners who hold Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai ID cards, including Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple, are free of charge until the end of this year. As long as you make an appointment on the "Tour Shanxi" applet, you can have fun.

Choose a host family

Personally recommend living in the ancient city, the biggest advantage is that it is convenient to play, you can go out anytime and anywhere, and you can go back to your room to rest anytime and anywhere; It is convenient to enjoy the night view and avoid the peak of passenger flow in the morning and evening. Accommodation in the ancient city is not expensive, and the characteristic homestay is generally 100-200+/ night; There is also the kind of heatable adobe sleeping platform in Ming and Qing dynasties, which is very interesting for friends in the south to experience. However, there are B&B inns in the ancient city, and the conditions are uneven. Some rooms are only 65,438+00 square meters, and some may not have a single bathroom. So remember to look at the photos and the comments of the previous guests when booking.

This ancient city is very big. As for the choice of hotel location, you can take Pingyao Tower (ancient city C) as the center, and the closer it is, the more convenient it is. In addition, during the holidays, the accommodation in the ancient city will be tight, so it is recommended to book in advance. There are more accommodation options outside the ancient city. Besides B&B and star-rated hotels, it depends on personal habits.

Some homestays are more professional, and they will also provide maps of the ancient city and discount coupons for some cooperative restaurants in the ancient city. Moreover, many homestays in Pingyao ancient city are traditional houses with local characteristics. I don't go out occasionally, and it's also good to take pictures in the hotel.

Recommended tourist routes

One-day tour (not going back): Arrive at the scenic spot-Rishengchang-Nanjie (Gate Tower)-Xie Tongqing-Tongxinggong Escort Agency-Pingyao County Ya-Pingyao Ancient City Wall (Welcome to the Gate).

Two-day tour D 1: Arrive at the scenic spot-Rishengchang-South Street (Gate Tower)-Celebrate with Xie Tongqing-China Escort Agency-Tongxinggong Escort Agency-Pingyao Ancient County Ya-Pingyao Confucian Temple-Pingyao Ancient City Wall (Welcome Gate)-Night view of South Street.

D2: Zhenguo Temple-Shuanglin Temple (see Pingyao if you like to watch a performance)

Pingyao ancient city is very big, so tourists who don't have much time should not go blindly. In fact, most of the scenic spots and restaurants are concentrated at the intersection of South Street/East Street, all the way south to the intersection of South Street/Chenghuangmiao Street. This area is also the most densely populated place for tourists in the ancient city. If you want to stay in Pingyao ancient city for 2-3 days, you can spend some time exploring some alleys; Alleys and houses in non-core areas are often closer to the lives of local people.

You can follow the mobile phone map or paper map in turn, and it is not recommended to ask a tour guide. First, you can travel freely in the ancient city without a tour guide; Second, during the visit, I heard many tour guides explain by endorsement, which led to a short stay in the scenic spots.

attract

Even tourists who want to stay in Pingyao ancient city for 2-3 days can't visit all 22 scenic spots. The following are some representative ones, which you can choose according to your itinerary and visit preferences. Most scenic spots are open from 8:00- 18:00.

1/ Rishengchang Bank

The most famous bank in Pingyao was founded by Li Daquan, the treasurer, and Lei Lvtai, the shopkeeper, who invested 302,000 silver in Qing Daoguang for four years. Known as the "China's No.1 Draft Bank", it created a financial precedent in China, so many Shanxi Merchants Museums will be promoted and prospered when they hold exhibitions. Rishengchang has experienced a hundred years of vicissitudes and made brilliant achievements. Semicolons are distributed in more than 30 cities across the country, as far away as Europe and America, and are known as "Huitong World".

Rishengchang is not the largest bank in Pingyao, but visitors can see the shadow of contemporary banks and appreciate the wisdom of the Chinese nation from Rishengchang. Although Risheng Changji was in its heyday at that time, it did not give people the feeling of extravagance, but it was so elegant and calm that it was very suitable for being clear at a glance.

2/ Xie Tongqing's ticket number

Xie Tongqing Bank was established in Xianfeng for six years (1856) and operated for 58 years, during which 33 semicolons were established. This is the largest bank in Pingyao, including seven courtyards and underground vaults. The present celebration is still China Qianzhuang Museum. Xie Tongqing's architectural style is similar to that of other banks in Pingyao ancient city. They are all typical northern quadrangles, antique, carved with beams and painted buildings, especially wood carvings and brick carvings. There is no extravagance in elegance, but it reveals the simplicity of Shanxi merchants.

The biggest highlight of visiting Xie Tongqing is the vault of the Fifth Hospital. This is the largest underground vault in China, and the amount of gold and silver it could hold at that time was equivalent to 30 billion RMB now. Even Empress Dowager Cixi used the money from Xie Tongqing's vault.

3/ Peer escort agencies

The rise of ticket banks has promoted the prosperity of escort agencies. In addition to the ticket number, Pingyao's most distinctive attraction is the escort agency. In the fifth year of Xianfeng in Qing Dynasty (1855), the Child Star Escort Agency was founded by Wang Zhengqing, a famous martial arts expert in China at that time. It was one of the famous escort agencies in China at that time. Escort agency's business is mainly divided into human escort and material escort. The Wangs used to be the guards of Cixi. After the successful completion, they got a plaque with a blue background and gold paint, which is still hanging in the hospital.

At present, there are some physical materials about the bodyguard activities in the 64 years from the opening of 1849 to the closing of 19 13. For example, dart boxes, dart cars, weapons, smoking utensils, furniture, wood products, etc. What is used in daily life still vividly records the scene at that time, and it seems to see the scene where the escort guards are wandering and begging for a living at the tip of the knife. In addition, look at the story of Tong Xing Gong told by Pingyao Escort Agency.

With more time, Pingyao Ancient City, China Escort Museum, North China First Escort Museum, Back to Wulin and other scenic spots are also related to Escort. But it's a little repetitive, just look at 1-2.

4/ Pingyao Guxian Cliff

It is one of the few well-preserved ancient county offices in China. The main building was formed in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the earliest preserved building was the Yuan Dynasty. Although the entrance is not very eye-catching, I didn't expect to be suddenly enlightened after entering, and I strolled one after another in the yard. The whole county government covers an area of more than 26,000 square meters. The division of labor in front of the trial hall is clear and complete, followed by the inner residence of the county grandfather, which is also an informal narrative hall. The last entrance is a back garden with a water system, which is rare in Shanxi, which is short of water and makes people shine. In the back garden wing, there are also cultural and creative sales in Shanxi.

Every day at 9:30, 1 1:00, 15:30, there is an audition for the county grandfather. Visitors can participate in it and play related roles, which is very interactive. The trial content is different every day, which is quite a feeling of crossing.

5/ Pingyao Confucian Temple

I didn't intend to go, but I was highly recommended by the hotel owner, saying that it is the oldest existing Confucian temple at all levels in China.

Pingyao Confucian Temple is located in a very quiet corner of the ancient city. Founded in the early years of Zhenguan in the Tang Dynasty, its Dacheng Hall was rebuilt in the third year of Jin Dading (1 163), and it has maintained its original appearance to this day. It is also the only Jin Dynasty building in the national Confucian temple. Pingyao faces south, and there are four existing quadrangles. On the central axis, there are buildings such as Lingxing Gate, Dachengmen, Dacheng Hall, Mingluntang, Jingyi Pavilion and Tibetan Classics Pavilion. Dacheng Hall, the main hall of the Confucian Temple, is the legacy of the Jin Dynasty and the biggest attraction of the whole building complex. The Hall of Ursa Major is five rooms wide and located on the top of the mountain with only one roof. The store is huge and powerful, and it is a seven-store, two-legged and two-headed store, so it steals the heart and does not help the store.

There is also a new network celebrity punching street outside the Confucian Temple. When we arrive, there are few people, and those who are interested can go shopping.

6/ Pingyao Ancient City Wall

The wall of Pingyao ancient city was built in the early Ming Dynasty. The existing Pingyao City Wall, Pingyao Ancient City Wall is one of the four most complete existing ancient city walls in China, with a total length of 6157m and a height of10m. As a county-level city wall, the ancient city wall of Pingyao is still well preserved after ups and downs in history, which is really a miracle.

Most tourists will choose the flood gate in the south when visiting the city wall, and visit Wanxian Cliff or Confucian Temple and take the right road to the flood gate. The classic landscape of Pingyao South Street and the tower can be photographed at Yingxun Gate, and many promotional photos of Pingyao ancient city are taken from this angle. Walking along the city wall at dusk and watching a sunset are also very emotional.

But the biggest bug of Pingyao ancient city wall is that it is not open at night and can't go upstairs to see the night view; There is only a light show at 9 o'clock in the evening, so you can stand in the square under the city wall and watch it.

7/ Zhenguo Temple

Many people go to Pingyao ancient city, but it seems that they have never heard of the name Zhenguo Temple. Zhenguo Temple is a national security hidden under the light of Pingyao ancient town. Although it is not in the ancient city, it is worth visiting. Zhenguo Temple was founded in the Five Dynasties, formerly known as Jingcheng Temple. During Jiajing period of Ming Dynasty, it was renamed Zhenguo Temple, which is still in use today.

The temple faces south, and the Heavenly King Hall, the Ten Thousand Buddha Hall and the Three Buddha Buildings are arranged in sequence along the central axis, with the clock tower and other affiliated halls on the left and right sides. All temples in Zhenguo Temple have colored sculptures, among which the colored sculptures in Wanfo Hall are the most precious.

We were stunned by the colorful sculptures in the Ten Thousand Buddha Hall. The Buddha's face is plump, tall and burly, and his style is similar to that of the Tang Dynasty. Although modified by later generations, figures, costumes, faces and bun still retain the charm of the late Tang and Five Dynasties. Except for the Mogao Grottoes, it is the only five-generation painted sculpture preserved in temples in China.

8/ Shuanglin Temple

Together with Zhenguo Temple, it forms the pattern of "one city and two temples" in Pingyao. Shuanglin Temple, as the pinnacle of colored sculptures in China, promised me that even if you don't go to the ancient city, you must go to Shuanglin Temple once.

It is difficult to prove when this temple was built. Most of the existing buildings were built in the Ming Dynasty, and most of the statues were works of the Ming Dynasty. Shuanglin Temple has 1 1 buildings, among which Tang Huai, Song Monument, Ming Bell, ancient buildings, painted sculptures and murals are all national treasures. Undoubtedly, the most precious is the 2052 painted clay sculptures of the Ming Dynasty all over the temples, which constitute a colorful and beautiful Buddhist world.

For hundreds of years, these colorful sculptures are still colorful; Facial muscles, expressions and gestures are like real people, and even the eyes of the sculpture are made of black glass, which is full of realism. These colorful sculptures are against the constraints of ethical codes and regulations, flashing the atmosphere of human feelings and secularism.

Pingyao food recommendation

Pingyao has 108 kinds of snacks, and pasta is the main dining feature. You can taste most of Pingyao's flavor snacks in Nanjie.

Pingyao beef: every restaurant has it, and it is also the number one specialty of Pingyao. Thin slices, bright red color, full of fresh fragrance in one bite, seemingly dull, but actually very tasty; Meat is fat but not greasy, and thin but not firewood.

Pingyao UFO: I never knew what a UFO was. Many food stalls in Pingyao ancient city are selling, and there are also restaurants. The bowl holder is actually made of buckwheat noodles, which tastes strange and tough. Because of its heat and detoxification, it is a necessary food in summer.

Pingyao: What is it? Why do Pingyao have so many foods with strange names? I ordered a copy, only to know that the original stick is also a local specialty pasta, because it is shaped like a "basket bucket" and is called "stick" by the people. With rich soup, it tastes excellent and is a solid staple food.

Pingyao vinegar: You can see the specialty stores selling vinegar in the streets and lanes, and you can smell the vinegar when you walk on the road. The tables in the dining room are also seasoned with vinegar, which smells like honey and red dates. It is the first time that vinegar can make so many "articles".

Pingyao has many delicious foods, such as beef copper chafing dish, rotten fruit, cold rice noodles, red noodles and so on. Seeing is believing, so try it yourself!

Restaurant recommendation

Raiders including locals recommended these two: Ji and Kui. He also said that local people in Hongbuji will also eat, and Yuan Kui is entirely for tourists. Both restaurants occupy the best position, adjacent to each other and close to the busiest urban buildings. We both went and both felt very good. We can eat well at 40-50 pounds per capita.

By the way, there are so many restaurants in Pingyao (including the whole of Shanxi) that friends in the south can order food directly according to their usual habits, reducing it by half. We organized a set meal for two people online and found that three people had more than enough to eat. The clerk's service is comparable to Haidilao, telling us that the set meal is enough without adding extra dishes, and asking us how it tastes from time to time.

Tian is also very popular, ranking first in the praise list. The environment is also antique, the service is comparable to Kyrgyzstan, and the involution is very powerful.

I knew I couldn't finish eating, so I didn't order a set meal. I ordered a long eggplant. It is said that it was inspired by Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish in the south of the Yangtze River, and it was sweet and sour.

Crispy sesame mutton is also very distinctive, and it is very enjoyable to dip in the sauce.

If you are in a hurry during the day, KFC in the ancient city also has it. The architectural style of this KFC is very Pingyao, but the price of KFC in the ancient city is slightly more expensive than that outside.

Like to drink coffee and milk tea, Ruixing also drove to the ancient city. One thing, Mi Xue Bing Cheng, a chain tea shop, also has the advantage of commercialization.

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Ancient city attractions are always mixed, so is Pingyao ancient city. If you just glance at the flowers, then the experience will not be very good; Only by spending more time, staying away from the minefield and finding the right way to open it can we feel the true charm of this ancient city. Pingyao, the city of two temples, has been imitated and never surpassed, and it is worth going again.