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.


Pingyao Tours

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Testimonials


Anto
Anto
Reviewed on Feb 02, 2026
Tripadvisor score Thanks China Tours

Jan 2026 • Couples

We used China Tours to plan a six day itinerary to cover the Great Wall and Terracotta Army. China Tours planned and executed a seamless experience that was just excellent! We saw and experienced far more than we had initially expected. The guides in both Beijing and Xi'an were excellent with an incredible knowledge.
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Derik H
Derik H
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026
Tripadvisor score Fantastic Family Adventure

Jan 2026

What an amazing trip in China. China tours did a fantastic job planning out my 12 day trip in China! Dora was very helpful in planning the trip and making adjustments as needed based on what type of experience I was looking for. Not only was she accommodating but she also went out of the way to help me get in contact with the orphanage institution that I was from in China. The main goal of this trip was to visit my home town that I grew up in and to explore China. Dora helped achieve those goals and made a great itinerary. We went to Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Lishui, and Hong Kong. Everything went seamless and smooth and the private tour guides were amazing. I would highly recommend using China tours for visiting China!
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Maxime M
Maxime M
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026
Tripadvisor score Very good experience

Dec 2025

I went on a family trip in China, going from Hong Kong (arranged by us), to Guilin, Chengdu, Xi'an, and Beijing (arranged by China Tours). The agency provided us with hotels, guides, and transportation, and was available to answer our questions (we used emails and WeChat to communicate, but other options might be available). We generally had a wonderful trip, with very nice attractions, nice guides as well, and a good balance between attractions and personal time. I will recommend China Tours to my acquaintances that want to do a tour in China.
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ErronW
ErronW
Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026
Tripadvisor score Amazing trip to Beijing

Dec 2025 • Couples

We had an amazing time in Beijing and it was our first trip to China. Glad that we chose China tours to organise the trip, thank you Martha!

Our guide, Li, and the driver Sun, were very attentive and helpful and they are insightful! Every day was fantastic, we were taken to the Great Wall at Mutianyu point and took chairlift up. We then took the Toboggan down which was so much fun.

The experience around Forbidden City was also mesmerising. It felt like stepping back in time. We love all the historical stories. Li also took us to the Summer palace where we saw beautiful paintings along the endless corridor and we walked alongside the frozen lake. They were on time but never rushed, so it was relaxing. The hotel, The Regent Beijing was fabulous, the room, the food, location all was perfect. Thank you for organising this trip and we had precious happy memories!
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Dorothy K
Dorothy K
Reviewed on Dec 25, 2025
Tripadvisor score Please Use China Tours, They Deserve It!

Oct 2025 • Family

China Tours was wonderful and I highly recommend them. Lora was very patient and thorough with all of our pre-trip emails and questions. I discovered that everyone in our group also received the same excellent pre-trip customer service. Our guides met us on time in every city and pleasantly accompanied us to our destinations. Hotels were great with awesome breakfast buffets!
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Luc v
Luc v
Reviewed on Dec 07, 2025
Tripadvisor score 8 day China tour

Oct 2025 • Couples

We had an 8 day trip in organized by China Tours to Being, Xian and Zhangjiajie. There was a different tourguide in every city so we were always with a local! They even made sure we were on the correct seat of the train to the next place. Great memories
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Sumaiya S
Sumaiya S
Reviewed on Nov 20, 2025
Tripadvisor score First Time Traveller 10/10

Oct 2025 • Solo

My entire experience was a 10/10 - the hotels, schedules, timeliness and even the tour guides - on par, they spoke English and gave a lot of insights into historical events and cultural significance as we went on various tours. I would highly recommend! My entire two weeks was absolutely exciting, little packed but worth it. Definitely using China Tours for my next trip!
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Resort12472330819
Resort12472330819
Reviewed on Nov 07, 2025
Tripadvisor score Great experience!

Oct 2025 • Couples

Fabulous 13 day no shopping, small group China trip. (4 of us in Beijing and Xi’an and just 2 for remainder). Itinerary included Beijing, Xi’an, Chonqing, Yangtze cruise, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai. Great guides and drivers, accommodation was excellent and we were lucky enough to get 2 upgrades! Guides were all knowledgeable, professional, punctual and very helpful. Right from planning and booking stage, Dora from China Tours delivered a great experience. Guides included, Lee (Beijing), Helen (Xi’an), Jasmine (Chongqing), Amber (Yichang), Fiona (Zhangjaijie) and John (Shanghai). Thanks China Tours!
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