Pingyao Tours

Pingyao Tours

Experience historical China on a Pingyao tour

Pingyao city is really something else in the realm of historical China. Come on one of our Pingyao tours and go back in time. Pingyao city is a destination where you can marvel at the business and administrative ingenuity that evolved from this ancient city – in trade, banking, government, and defense– that still hold value today. On a Pingyao tour, it’s entirely possible to imagine the lifestyle of prosperous leading families who drove business, when visiting their home compound that has formed the backdrop for the memorable Chinese film, Raise the Red Lantern.

Among its great appeal, Pingyao boasts one of the most complete examples of an ancient Chinese town. Within its still intact Ming and Qing dynasty City Walls, you will find a veritable treasure trove of culture, society, economy, and religion from an era long gone. It is possible to spend two or three full days exploring with a local bilingual guide on a Pingyao tour.

Our private, small group and custom Pingyao tours encompass all the must-see attractions, while also allowing ample time for relaxed ambling through the narrow historical streets to create your own unique travel memories in this curious destination, such as Pingyao Ancient Town, Qiao, the Wang Family mansion, and the primitive Zhangbi Castle.

Highlights of our Pingyao tours

Our Pingyao tours include memorable highlights.

  • Rishengchang Former Bank – Wonder at the march of financial progress emanating from the Rishengchang Former Bank, a forerunner of modern banking, believed to be founded in Pingyao in 1823 during the Qing Dynasty. “Sunrise prosperity” (translation of Rishengchang) certainly lived up to its name, at its peak spreading throughout major cities in China and some foreign countries until the Xinhai Revolution of 1914. Gain a firsthand view of the inspiration behind today’s banking in China preserved in its original style.
  • Ancient City Wall – A favorite Pingyao tours attraction. As the financial center of the region from the 16th century, Pingyao needed the wall for protection. Since becoming a World Heritage Site in 1997, restoration has continued on the 12 meters high, 4 meters wide wall, with a 6,163 meters perimeter, surrounded by a deep moat. The 72 watchtowers and more than 3,000 battlements are said to represent the number of Confucius’ disciples and other students.
  • Ming and Qing Street – Envisage trade of old in the bustling business center of Pingyao’s narrow, orderly Ming and Qing Streets, built in the traditional Ming and Qing style architecture of bricks with stone. Shops and houses of prosperous trading families line what was once the “Wall Street of China”.
  • Qiao Family Compound – Moviegoers may recognize the Qiao Family Compound as the main location in the film Raise the Red Lantern. Construction began in 1756 and was completed sometime in the 18th century to become the residential compound for a well-known financier. Architects believe the 9,000 square meters of the estate to be one of the finest examples of imposing private residences in northern China and a must-see on a Pingyao tour.
  • Shuanglin Monastery – Be surprised by the Shuanglin Monastery, located in Qiaotou village in the countryside about 7 kilometers outside Pingyao. Founded in the 6th century, the monastery is notable for its collection of more than 2,000 decorated clay statues dating back to the 12-19th centuries.

Experience more

A world away from China’s super-sized modern cities, Pingyao is a welcome and refreshing change. With its history reflecting China’s strong commercial pedigree, in Pingyao, we help travelers create their own unique experience of this destination.

We can make special arrangements to make your Pingyao tour truly memorable.

  • Imbibe history – On a Pingyao tour, it’s possible to dine as the Chinese did 300 years ago at Yunjincheng. Eat traditional Pingyao Beef served in the elegant blue and white porcelain tableware and you’ll be stepping back in time and taste.
  • Revive the old – Ancient Pingyao comes alive again at the Pingyao Night Show. Set in an old city scene from the Qing era, the show combines music, drama, dance, and performance. Be amazed by this not to be missed Pingyao tour attraction.
  • Visit Tongxinggong Escort Agency – Make a stop at the Tongxinggong Escort Agency which served as an ancient security firm for protecting businesses and individuals trading valuables. Here you’ll gain an appreciation of the necessity for such a service. The organization maintains characteristics of escort: vehicles, cases, equipment and a field for martial arts.

Private Pingyao tours

On each of our private tours, we provide our travelers the certainty of careful attention to detail. When you book a Pingyao tour with us, we’ll arrange your itinerary and provide you with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic bilingual tour guide. Understanding the importance of balancing structure with flexibility, our tours allow for ample time to explore at your own pace, while gaining firsthand knowledge of your destination.

Why not have a look at some of our other popular China tour packages as well, these tours too can be taken as private tours, just you and your family or fellow group of travelers.


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alizasopharr
alizasopharr
Reviewed on May 27, 2025
Tripadvisor score Amazing trip, extraordinary people !

May 2025 • Friends

Linda (Sun) was an incredibly sweet and attentive guide, she helped make an already amazing trip extraordinary by going above and beyond to help us be as comfortable as possible. I would recommend her and China Tours to anyone hoping to visit, truly an unforgettable experience!
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Adventurer508882
Adventurer508882
Reviewed on May 26, 2025
Tripadvisor score Xi’an more than only the Terracotta Army

May 2025 • Couples

It was a dream come true. Excellent guide, Felix and very good driver with a spacious and clean car. A wonderful experience and a lovely hotel.
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Ruby J
Ruby J
Reviewed on May 22, 2025
Tripadvisor score Beijing china tour

May 2025 • Friends

Sun (Linda/ling ling) was an absolute pleasure to have as a tour guide. I really feel like she went above and beyond to make the beginning of this tour an amazing experience. She was patient but ensured we were on time to everything and clearly very knowledgeable about the beautiful sights to see in Beijing. My luggage was lost and she was very diligent in its recovery, I am very grateful she was out tour guide she made this an even better experience without a doubt
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Hannah B
Hannah B
Reviewed on May 22, 2025
Tripadvisor score China tour

May 2025 • Friends

Sun/linda was very kind and attentive to all of our needs. She was patient and made the experience so much more enjoyable and easy considering we do not speak Chinese. She was very knowledgeable and made navigating the city fun and entertaining. I am so grateful she was our tour guide she took the best photos f me at so many beautiful places in Beijing
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A W
A W
Reviewed on May 19, 2025
Tripadvisor score A memorable trip

May 2025 • Friends

The trip is very organized and tour is running smoothly. The trip is memorable and money is well spent. The contest highly recommended.
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 Allen M
Allen M
Reviewed on May 17, 2025
Tripadvisor score Highly recommended

Apr 2025 • Family

As an experienced international traveler, I had never used a travel agency before. I felt China was different and that I should use an agency. I am 100 percent happy I did and that I chose China Tours. Martha was responsive, helpful and listened to our particular wants and desires. We had three different guides and they were all of very high standards. Would highly recommend using for any China trios.
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C S
C S
Reviewed on May 10, 2025
Tripadvisor score Great and flawless experience

Apr 2025 • Family

I booked them for two cities and I had a very smooth experience from the beginning until the end. They were able to accomodate to any changes, and all the pickups, guides, and transport were flawless. I would book them again anytime.
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Rene N
Rene N
Reviewed on May 10, 2025
Tripadvisor score Unforgetable memories from Beijing

May 2025 • Couples

Unforgetable stay in Beijing. The service of Chinatours is excellent, everything went smothly, no crowds, no waiting time in queue lines. And our tour guide Nancy was so high professional! She cared about us unbelievably nicely. I would reccomend this travel agency to all who would like make a trip to China.
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