Getting There
Overnighttrainsfrom Beijing save you a night's hotel stay and arrive in Pingyao in the morning. The Taiyuan-Yuncheng train, the K25/K27, stops in Pingyao; so does the Xi'an-Tianjin train, the 2562; and the Taiyuan-Xi'an train, the 2535. For sleepers, you may have to leave from Taiyuan. Luxurybusesfrom Beijing's Lize Qiao Long-Distance Bus Station leave every 20 minutes (6 hr.; ¥120/$15). Transfer to a direct Iveco bus to Pingyao (2 hr.; ¥25/$3.15). The new expressway from Beijing to Pingyao has reduced the total drive to 6 hours. There are three to six buses daily connecting with Xi'an (8 hr.; ¥115/$14).
Getting Around
Trains and buses arrive at the Pingyaorailway stationin the "modern" city that is west of the ancient wall. The 7-minute ride bybicycle rickshawto the old city is ¥5 to ¥10 (60¢-$1.20), depending on your negotiating skills. Taxis are only allowed into the narrow streets of old Pingyao during the very early morning hours, so if you arrive later in the day, walk a short stretch or take a bicycle rickshaw. The better courtyard hotels will arrange free pickup with a taxi for people arriving on the morning train. Most of the courtyard hotels are in the vicinity of the Shi Lou (Market Building) -- the tallest building in sight -- at the center of the ancient town, on Nan Dajie (also called Ming Qing Jie).
The old town has only four main streets and a number of small lanes, so most places are within walking or biking distance. A ride on a motorcycle or bicycle rickshaw to places within the wall costs only a few yuan. A bicycle rickshaw that can accommodate two people can be hired for ¥40 ($5) for a whole day. Several of the courtyard hotels rent bicycles. There's alsobike rentalat Xi Dajie 50 (near Bei Dajie).
Tours
Most of the courtyard hotels can arrange cars and buy bus and train tickets for a small fee.
Fast Facts
Banks, Foreign Exchange & ATMs-- None available, but many of the hotels will exchange major foreign currencies, including U.S. dollars, euro, and yen.
Internet Access-- Internet cafes can be found throughout the old town, and in the dining and lobby areas of many courtyard hotels. They charge ¥5 (60¢) per hour. Dial-up is tel.169.