4 Days Pingyao Xian Tour by High Speed Train - Highlights of Shanxi & Shaanxi

Upon arrival this morning, your guide will meet you and escort you to explore Pingyao Ancient City, then check in at your hotel for overnight. 

Welcome to Pingyao, an ancient city established between 827 and 782 BC. It features numerous well-preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including city walls, watchtowers, streets, and alleys. These structures not only hold significant historical value but also showcase ancient Chinese architectural artistry and aesthetic concepts. The city walls stretch 6,163 meters with 3,000 battlements and 72 watchtowers, symbolizing Confucius' "Three thousand disciples, seventy-two worthy men," hence earning Pingyao Ancient City the moniker of "Cultural City." Internally, the layout of the ancient city comprises the pattern of the Four Main Streets of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Eight Small Streets, and Seventy-Two Alleys. Many experts regard this layout as a typical representation of northern Chinese Ming and Qing urban centers, drawing worldwide attention due to its exceptional, systematic, and pure preservation.

Moreover, Pingyao Ancient City is also one of the birthplaces of Shanxi merchant culture. It witnessed the establishment of the first financial institution in Chinese history to engage in silver exchange, loans, and deposits—the Rishengchang Draft Bank. The founding of Rishengchang and its lucrative profits inspired numerous other businesses in Pingyao County to follow suit, resulting in the establishment of a total of 22 draft banks. These institutions not only propelled local economic growth but also left a profound impact on the financial history of China and globally. Presently, Pingyao Ancient City hosts various cultural events such as the Pingyao International Photography Festival, Pingyao Chinese New Year celebrations, and traditional local performances, attracting tourists from all around the world.

Today, you will enjoy a city walk in Pingyao Ancient City, a world cultural heritage site. Known as one of the “Four Best Preserved Ancient Cities in China”, Pingyao is an outstanding example of a Han Chinese city of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With a history of over 2,700 years, the construction of Pingyao resembles a tortoise shell, symbolizing auspiciousness. With its six major city gates and towering city walls, it stands as a stronghold akin to an impregnable fortress. The city has four main streets, eight small streets, 72 winding alleys, and countless narrow lanes, resembling the patterns on a tortoise's back. You can climb the city wall from the Yingxun Gate (迎薰门) to explore this northern Chinese city that combines defensive and cultural functions.

In the 19th to early 20th centuries, Pingyao was the financial center of the entire Chinese banking industry, earning it the nickname "Little Beijing." Stepping into Pingyao, you can wander among the gray brick walls, touch the sturdy wooden doors, feel the imprints of cart tracks underfoot, and imagine the bustling activities of the Shanxi merchants who influenced the world over 100 years ago, seeking their former glory in the buildings they left behind. You can visit the County Government Office (县衙) and witness a 20-minute performance of the county magistrate presiding over a court session (free; please verify the performance schedule). As China's largest surviving county office, it houses a vast collection of cultural relics from ancient officialdom, allowing you to glimpse into the appearance of ancient government offices.

You won't want to miss visiting Rishengchang (日昇昌; 1823-1923), the first draft bank in China and the pioneer of modern Chinese banking. Its name contains four "日" characters, symbolizing business flourishing like the rising sun, witnessing the glory of Shanxi Merchant Culture. Rishengchang once had 35 branches nationwide, conducting business as far as Europe, America, Southeast Asia, and other countries, earning the reputation of "Connecting the World汇通天下." Today, Rishengchang has transformed into the Chinese Draft Bank Museum (中国票号博物馆), facing south and comprising two courtyards, the Central and Eastern yards. It is a mixed-style quadrangle courtyard, representing the most comprehensive, grand, and typical structure among Ming and Qing Dynasty Shanxi draft banks. The museum houses a wealth of material artifacts from Rishengchang, serving as sources for studying Chinese financial history. If time allows, you can also visit Xietongqing (协同庆; 1856-1913), known as the Chinese Money Shop Museum (中国钱庄博物馆), to explore what was once the largest underground treasury in China. You can walk leisurely to the Armed Escort Company Museum (中国镖局博物馆) to learn about the protection of the tangible currency and the top 10 escort companies and top 10 guards. After that, have a nice stroll on the most prosperous traditional Ming and Qing Dynasties Street, which used to be the “Wall Street of China”, taking you back to the former bustle bazaar in the old days.

Optional Show of Pingyao:
Seeing Pingyao (19:00~20:30; Closed on Mondays;《又见平遥》), a large-scale historical drama directed by Wang Chaoge王潮歌, tells the story of the late Qing Dynasty. In the ancient city of Pingyao, the boss of the Pingyao ancient draft bank, Zhao Yishuo赵易硕, spends all his money to hire 232 Armed Escorts to rescue the branch manager Wang of the Russian branch. It takes you on a journey to appreciate the richness of Shanxi merchant culture and the depth of history.

Arrival Ideas:
1.How to get to Pingyao By Air: The nearest airport is in Taiyuan, it is about 100km away from Pingyao ancient city. Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (太原武宿国际机场) is located about 16 km from city center. Direct flights connect Taiyuan with major cities in China, such as Beijing (1.5h), Shanghai (2h20min), Chengdu (2h15min), Chongqing (2h15min), Kunming (3h), Hangzhou (2.5h), Xiamen (3h), etc. It's essential to check flight schedules in advance, as not all routes operate year-round.
2.How to get to Pingyao By High-speed Train: Pingyao Gucheng Station provides high-speed trains to Beijing (3h40min), Xi'an (3h), Datong (3.5h), Taiyuan (1h10min), etc. Contact us for ticket booking.

Today, you will visit Wang Family Compound (50 km away) to get more ideas about the famous Shanxi Merchants. Then, head back to Pingyao via a stop at the Zhangbi Ancient Castle, a unique village hidden deep in the mountains. Take a high speed train to Xian for overnight.

The Wang Family Compound is the former residence of the Wang Family & the filming location for Zhang Yimou's "Full River Red《满江红》". It is a "Folk Forbidden City民间故宫" constructed over more than 300 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. As the largest of the Shanxi Courtyard Houses, you will see "the home is a courtyard, the courtyard is a city家是一座院，院是一座城," during its peak its size reaches 250,000 square meters, equivalent to 1.6 times the size of the Beijing Forbidden City. As the members of the Wang family were involved in both business and politics, you will see there are official and civilian residences within the compound. The structure of the compound embodied the different statues of men and women, masters and servants.

Situated in an area that endured nearly 150 years of war and turmoil, you will understand the architectural layout of the Wang Family Courtyard exhibits defensive characteristics, with buildings strategically positioned on elevated ground and by the surrounding mountains. Stepping into the Wang Family Compound, you will encounter intricately arranged courtyards and towering structures, each brick and tile engraved with the past splendor of the Shanxi merchants, every beam and pillar narrating the prosperity of the family lineage. Another highlight of the Wang Family Courtyard is the "brick, wood, and stone" carving artistry, showcasing a unique style and charm in ancient Chinese architectural decoration. Here, you can sense the profound thoughts, worldly wisdom, and strict family values of the Shanxi merchants of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Then, head to visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle (张壁古堡), the "Number One Astrology Village in the World天下第一星象村". It is named after two constellations: Zhang and Bi (张宿和壁宿). It is said that entering Zhangbi Ancient Castle is like stepping into the midst of a constellation. Zhangbi Ancient Castle is hailed as "It is a city both above ground & below ground (地上一座城，地下一座城)," and is one of the best-preserved ancient miniature castles in China, integrating military, residential, production, astrology, and religious activities, covering an area of only 0.12 square kilometers. It was built 1,600 years ago as a military fortress and features an extensive underground tunnel system (about 10 km) to escape warfare. The tunnels are equipped with traps, communication passages, observation holes, ambush routes, drainage outlets, and more.

The numerous temples within Zhangbi Ancient Castle are also a major highlight. There are 16 temples, including the Zhenwu Hall, Erlang Temple, Guandi Temple, and more, most of which are built on the city walls, adding to their unique charm. Located in Jiexiu, known as the "Hometown of Colored Glaze Art琉璃艺术之乡," the roofs of Zhangbi Ancient Castle display stunning colored glaze ridge animals, with flying dragons, dancing phoenixes, running beasts, blooming peonies, and stoic warriors, shining brightly after centuries of history. After that, head to the train station for Xian.

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to the Terracotta Warriors Museum (Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses). Here, you can discover the Terracotta Warriors and Horses: an army of around 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry entirely made of baked clay or terracotta. This Terracotta Army has silently stood guard over the soul of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, for more than 2,000 years. Until an accidental local farmer digging a well in 1974 struck upon one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Upon stepping into this "underground military museum," you will encounter two awe-inspiring shocks. The first is the magnitude of the archaeological marvel before you: thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formations. The second shock is that the faces of thousands of Terracotta Warriors are still vivid, despite the passage of more than 2,000 years. Each figure is unique, with distinct postures, hairstyles, and armor, making them seem to come back to life in the next moment.

During your visit, an knowledgeable guide can take you to highlights of the museum, including Pit One, Pit Two, Pit Three and provide valued explanations and insights that you might not get from simply observing the sculptures on your own. Afterward, you will have a rare opportunity to create your own miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter. This will allow you to appreciate the craftsmanship and techniques of the Qin Dynasty as well as gain a deeper understanding of how terracotta warriors were made.

After lunch, drive back downtown to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda which is one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda, standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple, is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. While at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying on Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), and capture memorable moments in Hanfu.

As evening falls, visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City which showcases the life and times of the Tang Dynasty. The light show is decorated with structures, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that transports you back to the times of the Tang Dynasty, providing a magical experience of walking through time.

This morning, you can visit the Ancient City Wall of Xian. Xi'an is one of the few cities in China where the imposing old city walls still stand. Built in 1370 during the Ming dynasty, the magnificent 12-meter-high walls, form a rectangle with a perimeter of 14 kilometers. To get an idea of Xi'an's former grandeur, take a leisurely walk on the wall. Each step here is a chance to resonate with the echoes of history that the stones reverberate. Or cycling ( optional ) the full extent of the wall offers a rewarding panoramic view of the city - a tangible contrast between the old and new, and a testament to Xi'an's historical significance and modern vibrancy. Once you've delved into the city's historical narrative, don't forget to indulge in the delicious food and experience the vivid local life. 

The Muslim Quarter is a paradise mixed with different local snacks and Muslim culture, and you can surely taste the most authentic local food there. Don't miss the Great Mosque, an architectural gem that beautifully blends Islamic and Chinese design styles. 

At last, it is time to end your 4 Days Pingyao Xian Tour. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China Tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!

Extension Ideas:
1.If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Shanxi and Shaanxi, such as Datong, Wutaishan, Taiyuan, Huashan, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.
2.If you plan to continue your exploration to other cities in China, such as Beijing, Luoyang, Chengdu, Chongqing and Shanghai, please feel free to let us know. We can customize your itinerary and assist you with travel arrangements.