谋生咖啡馆

A cafe on Shaxiang Street in Pingyao Ancient City. When I passed by the scenic area tour bus, I saw the name of "Making a Living Cafe" and was deeply impressed. I turned back and walked along the street, found the shop and went in to check it out. The cafe is indeed decorated with a literary and artistic atmosphere, with simple decoration and rich colors. Most of the customers are young tourists, some chatting and some dozing off. There are also local teenagers who gather together to drink and do homework. I ordered a cup of Dirty to get rid of the summer heat, and then asked for a special osmanthus latte. The rim of the cup was covered with a circle of nut crumbs, which had a unique flavor. The sun slowly set in the west, sipping coffee, browsing the circle of friends, and the leisurely afternoon time was very beautiful.

As a beautifully preserved ancient city from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pingyao constantly offers a time-traveling experience. With cobblestone streets, gray brick walls, and red lanterns, every step is a breathtaking sight. This easy-to-understand itinerary will help you experience the ancient city at its most beautiful. [Must-See Attractions] Climb the ancient city wall in the evening for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city under the setting sun. Rishengchang Bank, the forefather of Chinese banking, is a place where you can almost hear the clacking of abacus beads. The county government's court performances (three daily) are lively and engaging, and the back garden is a great photo spot. If you have more time, the underground vault of the Xietongqing Bank and the live performance "Seeing the Bank Again" will immerse you in the legend of Shanxi merchants. [Food & Coffee] For authentic Pingyao cuisine, try Baishanxi on South Street. This long-established branch is popular for its Pingyao beef, kuoluoluo, and fragrant vinegar eggs. If you're tired of walking, stop by the Mousheng Café on Shaxiang Street. Order a cup of "Pingyao"-emblazoned gaiwan coffee and pet the shop's adorable black dog, "Ears." In the evening, folk music performances often take place in the courtyard, creating a vibrant atmosphere. [Artistic Spots] The Pingyao Film Palace regularly hosts film festivals and photography exhibitions, so art lovers shouldn't miss it. For those looking to capture a memorable photoshoot in the ancient city, the various shops scattered throughout the ancient city offer a great option, offering comprehensive costume and makeup services. The evening light is at its peak. [Specialty Souvenirs] The Yonglonghao Lacquerware Art Expo on South Street showcases exquisite lacquerware, including jewelry boxes and folding screens, which are both elegant and symbolic. You can also witness the craftsmen at work. [Helpful Tips] The Ancient City Attractions Pass includes 22 attractions, making it a better value than purchasing them individually. Walking is the main activity within the city, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The performance "Meet Pingyao Again" is highly praised, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. The best way to stroll through Pingyao is to slow down. Have a cup of coffee, try some snacks, snap some photos, and let the charm of this ancient city slowly permeate your body and mind.

Visit Pingyao in September and experience not only the charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a World Cultural Heritage site, but also a feast of culture and music! Save this easy guide to sightseeing and dining! [Three Must-Dos] Take a series of stunning photos of Shanxi merchants. Every step in the ancient city offers a new scene, perfect for capturing ancient charm! We recommend "Gu Se Travel Photography." They have several branches throughout the ancient city and offer professional costume and makeup services. In the evening, take photos from the city walls or the market tower for stunning light and shadow. Enjoy an authentic Shanxi meal. "Bai Shan Xi Restaurant" is a long-standing local favorite. Recommend the kaoluoluo, Pingyao beef, and yellow rice jelly cakes, all priced at over 50 yuan per person. It's located on South Street, so be sure to arrive early for lunch. Find an intangible cultural heritage souvenir. "Yonglonghao"'s polished lacquerware is truly stunning! The jewelry boxes and screens are hand-polished, giving them a jade-like finish. You can even watch the master craftsmen make them in person, making a small jewelry box a truly special souvenir. [Hidden Easter Egg] Mousheng Coffee and Tavern (Shaxiang Street): Come and relax after a stroll! The cup of coffee, emblazoned with "Pingyao," is perfect for photos. At night, it transforms into a bistro, offering homemade fruit wine, folk music performances, and even petting the dog's ears. Movie Palace: September coincides with the Pingyao International Film Festival, so your chances of seeing celebrities and attending screenings are incredibly high! There's also a photography exhibition worth checking out. Best of all, the band "Tong Yang" will be performing on September 4th! Fans, be sure to come! After the show, head to Murder Palace for a drink and a wonderful evening! "See You Again Pingyao": An immersive theater experience, journeying back to the late Qing Dynasty with actors (no performances on Mondays, be sure to book tickets in advance) [Practical Tips] A three-day pass to 22 attractions in the ancient city, including the County Government Office, Rishengchang, and the city walls. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the cobblestone streets, and electric carts are available for entering the city. September brings a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, so remember to bring a jacket. Avoid the crowds and experience the tranquility of the ancient city in the early morning and the vibrant lights of the evening—this is the true way to experience Pingyao!

A World Cultural Heritage Site, Pingyao Ancient City boasts the most perfectly preserved county town layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Strolling along the bluestone streets feels like stepping back in time to the heyday of the Shanxi merchants. This relaxing and enjoyable guide to sightseeing and dining will allow you to experience the uniquely slow pace of life in this ancient city. [Must-See Attractions] The ancient city wall, the county government office, the Rishengchang Bank, and the Confucian Temple are all included in the combined ticket, making it a great value. Evenings are the perfect time to climb the city wall and watch the sunset bathe the ancient city in a golden hue. [Specialty Food Recommendations] For authentic Pingyao cuisine, head to Baishanxi Restaurant on South Street. This branch of the 40-year-old Juguangju restaurant is a popular spot among locals. Don't miss the sweet and soft yellow rice jelly cake, the appetizing sour and fragrant kuoluoluo with diced potatoes and eggplant, and the tender and flavorful deep-fried pork—all must-try specialties. [Artistic Retreat] After a stroll, stop by Mousheng Coffee and Bistro on Shaxiang Street. This three-year-old shop exudes an artistic atmosphere. Enjoy coffee during the day and transform into a bistro at night. We recommend the "Pingyao" coffee, served in a covered bowl, or the homemade fruit wine made with Fenjiu liquor. The shop also features a cute little black dog named "Ear." [Immersive Cultural Experience] In addition to the classic "See Pingyao Again" performance, the "See Piaohao Again" production at the former Xietongqing Piaohao site is also worth a visit. Through lively performances, this immersive financial drama offers a firsthand glimpse into the Shanxi merchants' business philosophy of "putting profit before righteousness." [Takeaway a Souvenir of Intangible Cultural Heritage] If you're looking for a meaningful souvenir, visit Yonglonghao Lacquerware Shop. Their polished lacquerware is exquisitely crafted, creating beautiful and practical jewelry boxes and screens. You can also observe the artisans making them live. [Photo Spotting Tips] The ancient city is filled with breathtaking scenery. The mottled city walls, quaint courtyards, and streets lined with red lanterns all provide the perfect backdrop for photos. For professional photography, I chose GuSe Travel Photography, which has three branches within the ancient city. Pingyao's beauty requires a slow pace to savor. Here, every brick and wooden door tells a story of the past. Choose a weekend to visit this living ancient city and experience the romance of time travel.

Traveling with parents requires special planning and consideration, so this time I took them on a trip to Pingyao Ancient City! This guide will provide you with a Pingyao itinerary suitable for older adults, ensuring the whole family enjoys this ancient city experience. Pre-trip preparations: Pingyao Ancient City is paved with cobblestones, so it's recommended that your parents bring comfortable sneakers. September and October are the most comfortable months in Pingyao, but the temperature can fluctuate significantly between morning and evening, so remember to bring jackets for your parents. If your parents have mobility issues, you can reserve an electric cart in advance to easily explore the attractions within the city. Itinerary: On the first morning, spend a leisurely stroll through several key attractions, such as the Pingyao County Government Office, Rishengchang, and the Ma Family Courtyard. At noon, return to the hotel for a two-hour break to ensure your parents have adequate rest. In the afternoon, visit the Rishengchang Bank to learn about Shanxi merchant culture, followed by a leisurely stroll along South Street. On the second morning, visit the Temple of Confucius and the City God Temple, both of which are moderately sized and rich in cultural heritage. In the afternoon, you can plan to see the immersive performance "See Pingyao Again," a favorite among the elderly. Or, take your mother to Guse Travel to capture a special family photoshoot featuring Shanxi merchants. You can also take photos with your father, immersing yourself in the fusion of modernity and the Ming and Qing dynasties! In the evening, enjoy an authentic Pingyao dinner in the ancient city before returning to the hotel. Dining Recommendations: The ambiance and menu at Baishanxi Restaurant are both family-friendly. We recommend ordering tender and easy-to-digest dishes like fragrant vinegar eggs, Pingyao beef, and yellow rice jelly. If your parents enjoy noodles, their kuoluoluo and knife-cut noodles are also worth trying. Special Experiences: Take your parents to Yonglonghao Lacquerware Shop to admire traditional craftsmanship. The lacquerware here is exquisite and rich in cultural heritage, and they're sure to love it. You can also pick up a lacquer jewelry box for your mother as a souvenir. In the afternoon, take your parents to Mousheng Cafe to cook, enjoy a snack, and observe the slow pace of life in the alleys! The decor at Mousheng Cafe is beautiful, and you can take photos with your parents to create special memories of your trip to Pingyao. Health Tips: During your visit, ensure your parents get plenty of rest. Find a place to sit for a while after visiting each attraction. Provide a thermos for your parents so they always have access to hot water. Pingyao has a dry climate, so remind them to stay hydrated. The most important things when traveling with your parents are patience and consideration. Plan your itinerary to suit their pace and be mindful of their well-being. This trip to Pingyao will surely become a cherished family memory.