How to Tour Shuanglin Temple and Wang’s Compound from Pingyao

If you’re visiting Pingyao, don’t miss the opportunity to tour two famous attractions: Shuanglin Temple and Wang’s Compound. This private tour is operated only for your party, giving you a chance to learn from a knowledgeable local guide, immerse yourself in history, and enjoy comfortable transport aboard an air-conditioned car. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit:

Overview of the Tour

The tour starts with pick-up from your hotel lobby at 9:00 am, and you’ll head straight to Shuanglin Temple. This temple is considered a painted sculptures museum, housing over 2000 colorful sculptures reflecting the exquisite skills of artisans from the Song Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Your guide will take you through the large and small halls, where you can view the vivid and lifelike sculptures. After exploring Shuanglin Temple, you’ll take a break to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to Wang’s Compound. Wang’s Compound is a luxurious residence that belonged to the Wang Family, built during 1762-1811. The compound features large courtyards, houses, and halls, offering a glimpse of the wealthy lifestyle of the Wangs at the time.

Tour Highlights

1. Privately operated: the tour is conducted only for your party, ensuring exclusivity and a personalized experience. 2. Experienced guide: Your local guide will provide you with insights into the history and significance of Shuanglin Temple and Wang’s Compound. 3. Comfortable transport: The tour includes air-conditioned transport, ensuring a comfortable journey to and from the destinations. 4. Cultural immersion: You’ll immerse yourself in the culture and history of ancient attractions, gaining a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich heritage.

Full Tour Description

1. Shuanglin Temple
Reputed to be a painted sculpture museum, Shuanglin Temple is a must-visit attraction while in Pingyao. The temple features over 2000 colorful sculptures dating back to the Song Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. These sculptures showcase the artisan skills of past generations as they remain vivid and lifelike to date. At the temple, you’ll enjoy guided tours of the large and small halls, viewing first-hand the exquisite sculptures on display. 2. Lunch at a Local Restaurant
After exploring Shuanglin Temple, you’ll take a break to enjoy lunch at a handpicked local restaurant. The restaurant serves local delicacies that you’re sure to love, and the break will offer you a chance to relax and refresh before proceeding to Wang’s Compound. 3. Wang’s Compound
The luxurious residence of the Wang Family, Wang’s Compound, is a treasure of architectural gems, showcasing the wealth of the family. Built during 1762-1811, the compound features stunning courtyards, halls, and houses, taking you back in time to an era of luxury and privilege. Your guide will offer insights into the history and importance of the compound and lead you through its main architectural gems, culminating in the Four-Courtyard Complex, which stands out as the centerpiece of the compound.

How to Book the Tour

To book the Shuanglin Temple and Wang’s Compound tour, visit the official site of GetYourGuide and make a reservation. On the site, select the date of your visit, the number of people attending, and reserve your spot. You’ll receive confirmation via email, and you’ll pay on the day of the tour. Avoid disappointment and book your tour early!

Book Your Tour Now

The Shuanglin Temple and Wang’s Compound tour from Pingyao is a must-visit destination for tourists who love immersing themselves in history, culture, and heritage. The private tour allows exclusivity and personalized experiences with knowledgeable local guides, making this a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Book now and join us on this unforgettable journey.

FAQ about Pingyao

1. What is Pingyao?

Pingyao is an ancient walled city located in the central part of Shanxi province in China. It is renowned for its well-preserved city walls, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The city was once an important financial center for China and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

2. How do I get to Pingyao?

You can get to Pingyao by train or bus. If you are coming from Beijing, you can take a direct train to Pingyao. The journey takes about 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi province, which is about 100 km away from Pingyao. The journey takes about 2 hours.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Pingyao?

There are many must-see attractions in Pingyao, including:

1. The City Wall: The ancient city wall of Pingyao is one of the best-preserved city walls in China. It was built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and has a total length of about 6 km.
2. The Rishengchang Former Bank: This former bank is the birthplace of modern Chinese banking. It was established during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) and played an important role in the economic development of China.
3. The Qiao Family Compound: This well-preserved compound was once the residence of the wealthy Qiao family. It features traditional Chinese architecture and is a great place to learn about the life of wealthy families during the Qing dynasty.
4. The Shuanglin Temple: This ancient temple was built during the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534). It features more than 2,000 painted sculptures, many of which are more than 1,000 years old.

4. What is the best time to visit Pingyao?

The best time to visit Pingyao is from March to November when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, it is also the peak tourist season, and the city can be crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit in December to February, but the weather can be cold and dry.

5. What is the local food in Pingyao?

Pingyao is famous for its local snacks, which include:

• Pingyao Beef: This is a type of beef jerky made with lean beef and various spices.
• Daoxiao Noodles: These are noodles that are shaved off a block of dough with a knife. They are usually served with a spicy sauce and vegetables.
• Wheat Cake: This is a type of flatbread made with wheat flour. It can be served with various fillings, such as meat or vegetables.

6. Is it easy to get around Pingyao?

Yes, it is easy to get around Pingyao on foot. The city is small, and most of the attractions are located within the city walls. If you prefer not to walk, you can rent a bicycle or take a traditional Chinese tricycle.

7. What is the local currency in Pingyao?

The local currency in Pingyao is Chinese Yuan (CNY). Most of the shops and restaurants in the city accept cash, but some of the larger hotels and tourist attractions also accept credit cards.

8. Can I communicate with local people in English?

Mandarin Chinese is the official language in Pingyao, but many of the locals do not speak English. However, most of the tourist attractions have signs in both English and Chinese, and some of the larger hotels and restaurants have staff who speak English.

9. Are there any festivals or events in Pingyao?

Yes, there are several festivals and events in Pingyao throughout the year, including:

• Pingyao International Photography Festival: This is an annual event held in September. It features exhibitions and workshops by both Chinese and international photographers.
• Pingyao International Film Festival: This is an annual event held in October. It features screenings of Chinese and international films.
• Double Ninth Festival: This is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month. It is a day for climbing hills and enjoying the autumn scenery.

10. Are there any accommodations in Pingyao?

Yes, there are many accommodations in Pingyao, including hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Some of the most popular options include:

Hotel Name	Price Range
Pingyao Hongshanyi Hotel	$30-$50/night
Pingyao Cheng Jia Hotel	$20-$30/night
Pingyao Harmony Guesthouse	$15-$25/night

It is recommended to book your accommodations in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

Book Your Tour Now

Pingyao is a unique and fascinating city that offers visitors the opportunity to experience China’s rich cultural heritage. With its well-preserved ancient city walls, traditional architecture, and delicious local food, there is something for everyone in Pingyao. Whether you are interested in history, photography, or just want to explore a new place, Pingyao is definitely worth a visit.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Pingyao

If you’re planning a trip to China, then you cannot miss visiting Pingyao. It is an ancient city that still retains its old-world charm with its ancient walls, traditional buildings, and rich history. Pingyao is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an excellent place to experience China’s culture and history. But with so much to see and do, it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to planning your trip. To help you out, we’ve put together this guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Pingyao.

1. Visit the Ancient City Walls

The Ancient City Walls are the main attraction of Pingyao. These walls were built in the Ming Dynasty to protect the city from invading forces. They are nearly 6 kilometers long and feature six gates, 72 watchtowers, and over 3,000 battlements. You can take a walk along the walls and get a panoramic view of Pingyao. It is especially beautiful during sunset and sunrise. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes as the walk can be quite long.

2. Explore the Traditional Architecture

Pingyao is famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture, which dates back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The city is filled with beautiful courtyards, temples, and mansions. One of the most famous buildings is the Rishengchang Draft Bank. It was the first draft bank in China and played an important role in the financial history of the country. You can visit this building and learn about Chinese banking history.

3. Visit the Ancient Temples

Pingyao is home to several ancient temples, each with its own unique history and architecture. One of the most famous temples in Pingyao is the Shuanglin Temple, which is over 1,400 years old. The temple has over 2,000 painted sculptures that showcase the art of the Tang and Song dynasties. Another temple worth visiting is the Zhenguo Temple. It has a stunning wooden structure and is one of the few temples in China to have survived the Cultural Revolution relatively intact.

4. Try the Local Cuisine

Pingyao has a rich food culture that is worth exploring. Traditional dishes include Pingyao beef, black sesame candy, and Pingyao tofu. You can visit local restaurants to try these dishes or even take a cooking class to learn how to make them yourself.

5. Attend the Pingyao International Photography Festival

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Pingyao in September, then you can attend the Pingyao International Photography Festival. This event attracts photographers from all over the world and features exhibitions, workshops, and lectures.

6. Walk through the Ming and Qing Street

The Ming and Qing Street is a famous commercial street in Pingyao. It is lined with traditional shops and businesses that have been operating for centuries. The street is particularly beautiful at night when the lanterns light up.

7. Go to the Pingyao Film Festival

The Pingyao International Film Festival is another fantastic event to attend. It takes place in October and showcases a wide range of independent films and documentaries from around the world.

8. Visit the Wang Family Courtyard

The Wang Family Courtyard is a grand mansion that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. It is an excellent example of Chinese architecture and is renowned for its grandeur and beauty. You can visit this courtyard to learn about the history of the Wang family and enjoy the stunning architecture.

9. Hike the Mian Mountain

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, then hike the Mian Mountain. It is a beautiful mountain range located just outside of Pingyao. You can take a hike through the mountains and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

10. Shop at the Local Markets

Finally, make sure to visit the local markets to shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts. The Night Market is particularly famous and features a wide range of delicious street food and unique crafts.

Book Your Tour Now

Pingyao is a beautiful ancient city that’s full of history and culture. From exploring the ancient city walls to enjoying the local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Pingyao. By following this guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Pingyao and experience all the city has to offer.