2-Day Best Pingyao Tour from Xian by High-speed Train
Tour Overview
Tired of exhausting road trips? Maximize your weekend with this 2-day private tour from Xi’an to Pingyao, leveraging China’s lightning-fast high-speed rail to get you there in comfort.
Step back into the Ming and Qing dynasties as you wander the intact ramparts and stone-paved alleys of Pingyao Ancient City. Discover how modern Chinese banking was born at the Rishengchang Former Bank and then explore the sprawling, fortress-like courtyards of the Wang Family Compound — often called the “Folk Forbidden City”.
Feast your eyes on grand Shanxi merchant residences, intricate architectural carvings and Shuanglin Temple’s over 2,000 breathtaking, centuries-old painted Buddhist sculptures.
Travel Destination: Pingyao
Suitable for: History & culture lovers, architecture enthusiasts
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
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Day
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Destinations
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What to See & Do
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1
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Pingyao Ancient Town
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Ancient lanes, traditional courtyard houses, Rishengchang Former Bank, Xietongqing underground treasury, Ming-Qing Street, City God Temple, court hearing performance, panoramic views from the city wall
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2
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Wang Family Compound & Shuanglin Temple
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Grand courtyard complex, exquisite wood, brick & stone carvings, Hongmen Fortress, ancient painted Buddhist sculptures
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Highlights of this tour
Step inside a living Ming-Qing museum — Pingyao Ancient City where you can walk atop the ancient city wall, explore the bustling lanes and visit China’s very first draft bank.
Explore the labyrinthine multi-storey courtyards and exquisite brick-and-wood carvings of the massive Wang Family Compound, known as the “Folk Forbidden City”.
Walk through the tranquil Shuanglin Temple to admire more than 2,000 ancient painted sculptures.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Xi’an to Pingyao by High-speed TrainStroll Ancient Lanes and Streets, Explore Historic Shops and Traditional Architecture
In the morning, your driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Xi’an North Railway Station by private vehicle, a drive of about one hour. Then, take a high-speed train to Pingyao, a journey of roughly 2.5-3 hours.
Upon arrival, the local guide will meet you at the train station and take you to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, head to Pingyao Ancient City, one of the “Four Best-Preserved Ancient Cities in China” with a history spanning over 2700 years. Stroll along its stone-paved lanes to see courtyard homes and historic buildings.
Visit Rishengchang Former Bank, the first bank in China. Explore the restored offices and see historical items such as account books, seals, and other artifacts to learn how early Chinese banks handled financial services.
Rishengchang, China’s first private draft bank Xietongqing Former Bank is another highlight, where you can see a large collection of replica gold and silver ingots displayed in the underground vault.
City God Temple features a rare layout combining three temples into one complex. Take a leisurely stroll to admire the elegant glazed-tile roofs, exquisite carvings, and well-preserved architectural details.
At Pingyao County Government Office, watch a lively court hearing reenactment that shows how magistrates settled lawsuits in ancient times through dramatic courtroom dialogue.
Pingyao Ming Qing Street Continue to Ming-Qing Street, the ancient town's main commercial street. Walk along this historic street to discover the well-preserved shops that once operated as exchange shops, banks, drugstores, butcher shops, pawnshops, etc. Along the way, taste some local snacks, such as sea buckthorn yogurt and Pingyao braised beef.
You can also ascend the ancient city wall to get a panoramic view of the entire city.
- Day 2: Pingyao Back to Xi’an by High-speed TrainWander Through Traditional Courtyards and Admire Painted Buddhist Sculptures
Explore two cultural sites near Pingyao with interesting and in-depth explanations today. First, drive to Wang Family Compound, a large residential complex covering about 250,000 sq. m. Earning the title “Folk Forbidden City”, the grand compound features traditional Chinese architecture adorned with exquisite wood, brick and stone carvings.
Wander through the Gaojiaya Residential Area to appreciate the carved doors, windows, roofs, and walls. Then explore the courtyards in Hongmen Fortress and walk along the fortress wall for a bird’s-eye view of the entire architectural complex.
Wang Family Compound Travel Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking.
- At the highest point of the Wang Family Compound, you can order milk tea or coffee (at your own expense) and have it delivered by drone.
Continue to Shuanglin Temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pingyao Ancient City and known for its vast collections of ancient painted sculptures. Step into its Buddhist halls to see over 2,000 well-preserved sculptures dating from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Take time to observe the expressions, postures and costumes of these figures up close.
Colorful Sculptures in Shuanglin Temple Return to Xi’an by high-speed train after the tour. Upon arrival, meet the local driver in the arrival hall and transfer back to your hotel.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 2-Day Pingyao Tour from Xi'an
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
