Located in Shanxi, this UNESCO heritage site is one of the best walled cities in the world. Pingyao is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city, founded in the 14th century, with many of its buildings and architecture still preserved to the days in the past. Walking into the Pingyao old heritage city is like walking into history itself.
The stone washed bricks, intricately carved Chinese style doors and unique architecture, bring the travelers to the city like it was in the past. It was so much so that director, Zhang Yi Mou, chose this location to film the widely acclaimed movie: “Raise the Red Lantern.” There is no lack of accommodation in Pingyao. In fact, most of its boutique hotels and home rentals are the main draws for travelers as they get to experience a stay in the beautifully furnished Chinese-style rooms with courtyards and also the “Kang” bed which is actually the stove bed to keep the residents warm during the winter.
1. Thematic boutique hotel stay in Pingyao (from 47 USD)
This thematic boutique hotel has both the Kang bedrooms and standard western style bedrooms for travelers to check in. With the Chinese furnishings and designs, staying here gives residents a flash back to the past China in the Qing dynasty. These rooms come with modern facilities like flat screen TV and WIFI. Clean and good sanitary facilities and also they offer a free shuttle to the train station.
Pingyao boutique hotel stay
Price: from 47 USD
Number of Guests: 2
2. Long Yuan Inn (from 25 USD)
The Inn is located inside the Pingyao old city itself near to the main center. Bicycle rentals are provided for in-house guests and WiFi is available at the Inn. More of a family run establishment with a range of rooms from couples to families.
Rooms furnished with modern beds in Chinese furnishings. The Kang stove bedrooms are also available. Clean toilet and sanitary facilities for each room. Courtyards with bonsai plants are a good place for guests to relax after a day visiting the attractions.
Long Yuan Inn
Price: from 25 USD
Number of Guests: 2
3. Couple's choice in the Heritage Center (from 20 USD)
This centrally located room is a cozy option for the couples, only a room with bathroom within a courtyard. Host allows pets in the vicinity, you get to enjoy privacy and full tranquillity from the usual hotel crowd. A good choice for those who want to get away from the touristy crowd and also some quiet moments together.
Romantic couple's room by Host Dong Dong
Price: from 20 USD
Number of Guests: 2
4. Family courtyard stay (from 100 USD)
Beautiful building with two private bedrooms, this courtyard stay can accommodate up to 5 guests. It is good for families and big groups with ample space and facilities to ensure you have a good stay. This place is designed with beautiful Chinese furnishings and antiques, modern facilities and also a shuttle to the airport. This is a good choice for those looking for a taste of the past and having fun with the whole family together under one roof.
Home accommodation for families by Host De Xin Lou
Price: from 100 USD
Number of Guests: 5
5. h Street Hotel Express (from 20 USD)
This is a comfortable express hotel stay near the old city. With so many courtyard style accommodations, the 19th Street Hotel Express provides a no frills clean stay for tourists who just need the basics. The rooms are decorated with Chinese Shan Shui painting, each with their own private bathroom. This express hotel comes with its own dining option which serves local Shanxi delicacies and traditional food. It is also equipped with WiFi and a shuttle bus service to the town.
19th Street Hotel Express
Price: from 20 USD
Number of Guests: 2
6. Pingyao Yide Hotel (from 73 USD)
Another quaint boutique hotel well liked by travelers, The Pingyao Yide is furnished brightly with traditional Chinese motifs. The hotel offers a 24-hour service concierge and clean furnished rooms with full toiletries and hot water provided throughout the day. The hotel is also a classic art piece of architecture and serves meals for breakfast to dinner.
Pingyao Yide Hotel
Address: No. 16 Shaxiang Jie, Pingyao, Shanxi, China, 031100 Pingyao, China (see map)
Price: from 73 USD
7. Pingyao Langji Hostel (from 5 USD (Single bed in dormitory) to 22 USD (Standard Bedroom))
Centrally located in the UNESCO site of Ancient Pingyao city, this hostel and is another good budget choice for travelers who are looking for a comfy yet not so heavy on the pocket place to stay. Also offering the Kang Stove bedrooms, the Pingyao Langji has standard rooms and also beds in a dormitory for guests to choose from with soft lighting and wooden flooring with clean modern finishing. The commonly shared lounge is also a good place for guests to hang out and relax for the day.
Pingyao Langji Hostel
Address: No.9, Dong Sha Yuan Alley, Pingyao, 030110 Pingyao, China (see map)
Price: from 5 USD (Single bed in dormitory) to 22 USD (Standard Bedroom)
8. Jing's Residence Pingyao (from 210 USD)
If you have a little more to spend on, this residence is highly recommended for its class and style. Centrally located from all the important sights, the ancient wall is only 10 minutes walk away. Its 19 thoughtfully designed rooms come with different concepts but all have decorative Chinese calligraphy works and modern Chinese-style furnishings. The bathrooms are also furnished with a full set of toiletries and slippers. Every room has a tea table and chairs set out in their individual outdoor pavilion.
Jing's Residence Pingyao
Address: 16 East Avenue, Ping Yao, 031100 Pingyao, China (see map)
Price: from 210 USD
9. Journey Hotel, Pingyao (from 44 USD)
Within the old city of Pingyao itself, this establishment has its own restaurant serving authentic Shanxi cuisine. Besides its convenient location, each of the rooms is air conditioned with a flat-screen cable TV. Every room has a private bathroom with fitted shower.
This hotel has WiFi all throughout for guests to use. One of the interesting features of the hotel is its very traditional Chinese decorations and interior with a large courtyard right in the centre. With the old and the new infused into one, it is no wonder that this hotel is one of the favourites for travelers in the region. This is our guests’ favorite part of Pingyao, according to independent reviews.
Journey Hotel, Pingyao
Address: No.11, Xinan Mentou Street, 076540 Pingyao, China (see map)
Price: from 44 USD
10. A Piece of Red Cloth International Youth Hostel (from 11 USD (Dormitory bed) to 28 USD (Kang Stove Bed Room))
The hostel name might sound strange but it is a hot favorite among budget travelers. From dormitory rooms to the Kang stove bedrooms, this hostel is not just all about the budget but provides comfort to all its residents. The rooms are clean and stylishly furnished with reasonable prices.
The hostel has a restaurant and small pub within a good place for guests and public to unwind after a day of sightseeing. It is also very conveniently located to all the sightseeing attractions within reach. The hostel does provide bicycle rentals for travelers who want to explore the city on wheels.
A Piece of Red Cloth International Youth Hostel
Address: No.1, Juren Street, Pingyao Ancient Town, 031100 Pingyao, China (see map)
Price: from 11 USD (Dormitory bed) to 28 USD (Kang Stove Bed Room)
Chinese style traditional accommodation
Most of the accommodation stay choices offered in Pingyao are focused on their traditional Kang Stove Bed, which is a must try! These choices range from budget hostels to posh boutique hotels all within close proximity to the sights.
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