Why Trust This Article?
- • Author: Hesham Al-Daaja (based in China since 2019)
- • Last updated: Sep 24, 2026
- • Based on direct field experience with Arab travelers and buyers
Pingyao: A Complete Ancient Chinese City, Not Just One Landmark
I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Pingyao is one of the best remaining examples of a fully walled Chinese city from the Ming and Qing dynasties -- the city wall itself, the stone-paved alleys, and the traditional courtyard houses are all still standing, and you can actually walk through them.
Quick Answer
Entering the old city is free, but a combo ticket for 22 sites inside costs ¥125 and is valid for 3 days. From Beijing you can arrive same-day by high-speed train; from Xi'an the trip is about 3-3.5 hours for roughly ¥150.
The Ancient City Wall
The wall itself is one of Pingyao's main attractions -- you can walk along the top and see the entire old city below. Entering the old city is completely free, but if you want to enter the 22 core sites inside (historic merchant houses, old banks, temples), you need the combo ticket at ¥125, valid once per site over 3 days.
How to Get to Pingyao
From Beijing, you can leave in the morning and arrive same-day by high-speed train. From Xi'an, the trip is about 3-3.5 hours for around ¥150. From Pingyao train station, bus 108 drops you near the old city's North Gate for just ¥1, or a taxi costs about ¥30-40 (roughly 30 minutes).
Quick Summary
- Old city entry: free
- 22-site combo ticket: ¥125 (valid 3 days)
- From Xi'an: 3-3.5 hrs, about ¥150
- From the train station: bus 108 for ¥1, or taxi ¥30-40
Planning a Trip to Pingyao?
I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Message me on WhatsApp and I'll fold Pingyao into your itinerary, or visit my tailored trip planning page.
