Jinzhong 2-Day Journey: Ancient Charms and Cultural Heritage

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by Bella

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Jinzhong 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day cultural odyssey through Jinzhong, a city brimming with historical allure. Your journey begins at the UNESCO-listed Pingyao Ancient City, where you'll spend a full day immersing yourself in a perfectly preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city. Stroll along its cobblestone streets, flanked by antique shops and red lanterns, and feel the echoes of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Day one concludes with a visit to the Qiao Family Courtyard, a grand mansion exemplifying opulent Shanxi merchant architecture and intricate wood carvings, offering a glimpse into the affluent lifestyle of the Qiao family. On day two, Yuci Old Town awaits, inviting you to wander through its historic streets and ancient architecture, providing a serene backdrop to reflect on the region's storied past. Next, delve into the rich tapestry of local history at the Jinci Museum, set within a scenic park that's home to ancient temples and sculptures. Your cultural exploration culminates at the Wang Family Courtyard, a monumental complex that showcases the grandeur of family compounds during imperial times. Each site in this itinerary has been carefully selected to ensure a profound connection with Jinzhong's heritage, making your 2-day trip a memorable sojourn through the heart of Chinese culture.

Top 6 Hotels in Jinzhong
TOP 1
Pingyao Hotel
Pingyao Hotel
hotelStar
4/5
640 reviews
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TOP 2
Yonghuage Renwen Inn
Yonghuage Renwen Inn
hotelStar
3/5
1375 reviews
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TOP 3
Pingyao Hotel
Pingyao Hotel
hotelStar
5/5
771 reviews
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Yuerong Kingmax Hotel
Yuerong Kingmax Hotel
hotelStar
4/5
747 reviews
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Pingyao Yixinyuan Inn (Pingyao Ancient City North Gate Branch)
Pingyao Yixinyuan Inn (Pingyao Ancient City North Gate Branch)
hotelStar
2/5
583 reviews
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PingYao Time And Kiosk Yard
PingYao Time And Kiosk Yard
hotelStar
3/5
667 reviews
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Day 1: Time-Traveling in Jinzhong - From Ancient Streets to Historic Homes

1

Pingyao Ancient City

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Begin your Jinzhong journey with a step back in time at the Pingyao Ancient City, a place where the past echoes in every stone-paved alley and weathered wall. Designated as a world cultural heritage site, this ancient city offers a full day's exploration into China's storied history. Stroll along the bustling Zhaobi South Street, immerse yourself in the architectural marvels, and let the timeless charm of Pingyao's old town captivate your senses.

Attraction Info

  • No. 58 Zhaobi South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 days
  • Open from 8:00am-5:30pm

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2

Qiao Family Courtyard

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After delving into the depths of history at Pingyao, a short journey will lead you to the Qiao Family Courtyard. Spend a couple of hours marveling at this exquisite example of historical Chinese architecture. The courtyard, a museum in its own right, offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the prominent Qiao family and stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. Located in Qiaojiabao Village, this attraction is a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Attraction Info

  • Qiaojiabao Village, Dongguan Town, Ji County, Jinzhong City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 1/1-12/31(Winter),8:30am-5:00pm

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Where to Stay Tonight

4.1/52 Reviews
4.1/5Very Good2 Reviews
Qiao Family Courtyard
Qi County
|0.69km from city center
4.4/529 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent29 Reviews
Qiao Family Courtyard
Qi County
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4.4/544 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent44 Reviews
Qiao Family Courtyard
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|0.84km from city center
4.7/521 Reviews
4.7/5Outstanding21 Reviews
Qiao Family Courtyard
Qi County
|0.93km from city center

Day 2: Time-Traveling in Jinzhong's Historical Heart

1

Yuci Old Town

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Begin your second day stepping back in time at Yuci Old Town, nestled in the heart of Yuci District, Jinzhong City. As the morning sun casts a golden hue over the ancient streets, you'll have three hours to immerse yourself in the town's historic charm. Wander through the maze of lanes lined with traditional architecture, where every brick and tile tells a story of the bygone eras. The old town is not just a feast for the eyes; it's a living museum where the past and present coexist harmoniously.

Attraction Info

  • Yuci District,Jinzhong City
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
  • Open from 8:00am-6:00pm

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2

Jinci Museum

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After delving into the antiquity of Yuci, continue your historical journey to the Jinci Museum. Located within the serene Jinci Park of Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, this museum is a treasure trove of monuments and artifacts that narrate the rich tapestry of Shanxi's history. Spend two hours exploring the exhibits that showcase the region's cultural heritage, from ancient bronzes to intricate stone carvings, all set against the backdrop of the tranquil park.

Attraction Info

  • In Jinci Park, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 04/01-10/07,8:30am-6:00pm;Open from 10/08-03/31,9:00am-5:00pm

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3

Wang Family Courtyard

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Conclude your day with a visit to the majestic Wang Family Courtyard in Jingsheng Village, Lingshi County, Jinzhong City. This grand historic building complex is a testament to the architectural prowess and social hierarchy of the Qing Dynasty. With two hours to explore, you'll be captivated by the intricate carvings, sprawling courtyards, and the stories etched into the walls of this impressive family estate. It's the perfect finale to your Jinzhong itinerary, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the region's cultural legacy.

Attraction Info

  • Wang Family Courtyard,Jingsheng Village,Lingshi County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 8:00am-5:30pm

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4.6/5787 Reviews
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|0.34km from city center

Top Things to Do in Jinzhong-2024

TOP 1
Pingyao Ancient City
Pingyao Ancient City
4.5/5 · 12,945 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,371 review
Highlights:

The Pingyao Ancient City is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in China and a world cultural heritage site. It used to be China's financial center in the late Qing Dynasty. Now, the streets, shops, and houses in the ancient city still maintain its traditional layout and style. When you enter this once prosperous ancient city, you will be readily brought back to the period when Shanxi's merchant culture was at its peak. With regards to food, the beef of Pingyao is also well-renowned. Towards the end of the Qing Dynasty when Empress Dowager Cixi passed by the ancient city, she loved eatng Pingyao beef.

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TOP 2
Qiao Family Courtyard
Qiao Family Courtyard
4.5/5 · 6,857 review
Highlights:
Qiao Family Courtyard, also known as “Central Courtyard”, is located in the middle of Qiaojiabao Village, Jixian County. It was the residence of Qiao Zhiyang, a famous commercial and financial capitalist, during the Qing Dynasty. It was also the filming location of more than 30 film and television works, such as “Qiao Family Courtyard” and “Raise The Red Lantern”. If you have seen these movies, then you must be familiar with the scenes here: rows of high-hanging red lanterns, high brick walls, exquisite carvings, beautiful arched cornices and deep lanes, this is the famous Qiao Family Courtyard. In addition, there are three treasures in the Qiao Family Courtyard: the Ten Thousand Balls, the Rhinoceros Moon Mirror and the Kowloon Light, that are also worth a look.
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TOP 3
Wang Family Courtyard
Wang Family Courtyard
4.7/5 · 6,759 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 167 review
Highlights:
The Wang Family Courtyard is 35 kilometers away from the ancient city of Pingyao. Built by the Jingsheng Wang family during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, its construction took over 300 years to complete. Among Shanxi's courtyards, Its scale and grandeur are absolutely second to none. People who have been to the Wang Family Courtyard would exclaim that it is virtually a city! It is precisely because of its majestic grandeur, as well as its architectural and cultural achievements, it has always had the reputation "the Wang family does not return to see courtyards".
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Jinzhong 2 Days Itinerary