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

2 Day Pingyao Tour


Destination
Pingyao
Tour Type
CustomPrivate

2 Day Pingyao Tour

2 Day Pingyao Tour

Pingyao Old Town Highlights Walking Day Tour


Destination
Pingyao
Tour Type
CustomPrivate

Pingyao Old Town Highlights Walking Day Tour

Pingyao Old Town Highlights Walking Day Tour

5 Day Beijing - Datong - Pingyao Tour


Destination
Pingyao Datong
Tour Type
CustomPrivate

5 Day Beijing - Datong - Pingyao Tour

5 Day Beijing - Datong - Pingyao Tour

Other Tour Packages you may like

3 Day Datong & Pingyao Tour


Destination
Datong Pingyao
Tour Type
CustomPrivate

3 Day Datong & Pingyao Tour

3 Day Datong & Pingyao Tour

6 Days Experience the Age-old Charm


Destination
Beijing Pingyao
Tour Type
CustomPrivate

6 Days Experience the Age-old Charm

6 Days Experience the Age-old Charm

10 Days Best of China with Pingyao Ancient Town


Destination
Beijing Pingyao Xi’an Shanghai
Tour Type
CustomPrivateSmall Group

10 Days Best of China with Pingyao Ancient Town

10 Days Best of China with Pingyao Ancient Town

Why ChinaTours.com?


No commission-based shopping tours

We showcase China’s best culture, history and natural landscape with no commission-based shopping stops.

Discover More

Talk with real people

Our team of China travel consultants take care of every detail even when you book your China tour online.

Discover More

Create beautiful travel memories

We’re committed to designing a China tour you’ll remember long after you’ve arrived home.

Discover More

Best choice

We create tours people want and holidays people love.

Discover More

Discover China’s best visa free tours and layovers with ChinaTours.com

Visa-free Travel
Short on time, big on experience

Travel Memories

Read what people say about travelling with ChinaTours.com


Customers from UK

Customers from UK

Customers from USA

Customers from USA

Customers from Canada

Customers from Canada

Customers from Ecuador

Customers from Ecuador


View More Travel Memories

Testimonials


Cruiser63567
Cruiser63567
Reviewed on July 07, 2026
Tripadvisor score China 8 day tour

June 2026 • Solo

So impressed with China Tours. Communication from the main contact (Dora) was clear and timely. I had three guides on the trip (Lee, Summer and John), all of them were perfect with good communications and a friendly / knowledgeable delivery of their local knowledge. I highly recommend China Tours to anyone who wants to see some of the amazing sights China has to offer
Read more Read less
Ben H
Ben H
Reviewed on July 06, 2026
Tripadvisor score Amazing tour guides and tour.

May 2026

We had a wonderful trip with China Tours - the tour was everything we could have wanted - wonderful tour guides, a small group, good hotels in central locations! No forced shopping stopovers like a lot of the competition. Would absolutely use and recommend China Tours
Read more Read less
Laurissa S
Laurissa S
Reviewed on July 05, 2026
Tripadvisor score Xi’an Must Do Experience

July 2026

Xi’an was an unexpected delight! So much to see and do. In a couple days we were able to visit the City Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Muslim quarter, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On our guide Eric’s recommendation we even saw an incredible live show with live camels and wolves and all kinds of special effects. Eric made the tour particularly special with his great attitude, videos to explain history, and sense of humour. Eric took exceptional care of us. We joked his backpack was magical as he always seemed to have anything one would want - an umbrella, extra fan, snack, or even a prop to demonstrate an ancient amusement. He was respectful and interested in our culture. He will leave enormous shoes to fill for our remaining guides!
Read more Read less
Dougie
Dougie
Reviewed on July 01, 2026
Tripadvisor score Fantastic Xi’an & the Terracotta Army

July 2026 • Couples

What a great place, in particular the Terracotta Warriors outside Xi’an, which were absolutely amazing. We also enjoyed the City Walls, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, the Muslim Markets and the Shadow puppet show in the old Chinese house. Our guide, Crystal, was extremely knowledgeable and keen to teach us and our driver, Lena, was excellent. Thank you.
Read more Read less
Katie A
Katie A
Reviewed on June 15, 2026
Tripadvisor score Amazing

May 2026

Once in a lifetime experience! Highly recommend, the tour guides and driver were amazing and me and my dad had a great time.
Read more Read less
Venture798509
Venture798509
Reviewed on June 7, 2026
Tripadvisor score Wonderful and memorable trip from China Tours

June 2026

We had an absolute wonderful time in China. We did the 17 day Spectacular China Vista and China Tours did a fantastic job organizing this trip. All the guides were fantastic and really took care of us. Thank you China Tours.
Read more Read less
Edwin H
Edwin H
Reviewed on June 4, 2026
Tripadvisor score Tour to China, excellent!

June 2026 • Couples

An excellent experience with the company, no forced shopping stops, guaranteed tickets, small groups; in Shanghai we were even alone with my wife, and we received personalized attention throughout. Highly recommended.
Read more Read less
Armin E
Armin E
Reviewed on June 2, 2026
Tripadvisor score Excellent experience with guide Kobe

June 2026 • Couples

We had a great experience in Xi'An. Kobe, our tour guide, took well care of everything we needed to have an excellent and worry free at Xi'An. Truly recommend both China Tour for anyone who wants to visit China.
Read more Read less

For the very best in China tours

Filter our search options to find the best suited tour

Destination

Tour Durations

Reveal Tour Options

Quick Question

Expected reply 24 - 48 hours

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

We are upgrading our system to serve you better. If you have trouble submitting the form, please contact us at [email protected]