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.

Pingyao Ancient City, a living city from the Ming and Qing dynasties, feels like you can hear the echoes of history as you walk along its bluestone streets. And if you happen to visit in September, the ancient city will be especially lively with a grand event: the Pingyao International Film Festival. Don't Miss: The Pingyao Film Festival Every autumn, Pingyao Ancient City hosts a grand gathering for film lovers. The film festival not only screens films from around the world but also features numerous filmmakers engaging in discussions. You might bump into a familiar director or actor, or catch a touching independent film in a small cinema. The Lively Flavor of the Ancient City: Food and Coffee If you're tired of strolling around, stop by "Baishanxi" on South Street. This restaurant is a branch of the time-honored Pingyao restaurant "Juguangju," a popular spot among locals. Authentic Jinzhong delicacies like potato and eggplant kuoluoluo, yellow rice jelly cake, and fried bowl tofu will give you a taste of the authentic flavors of Shanxi. If you're looking for a place to relax and unwind, Mousheng Coffee and Bistro is a great choice. Tucked away in a courtyard on Shaxiang Street, it offers coffee, music, and a dog named "Ear" to keep you company in the sun. Besides the usual lattes and Americanos, try the "Pingyao" coffee served in a covered bowl or a special seabuckthorn-flavored blend. In the evening, the place lights up with ambient lighting, and the chalkboard paintings and photo booth are perfect for some artistic photos. If you prefer a little tipsiness, try the homemade fruit wine or ask the bartender to create a special "Keyword" blind box drink. Experience the warmth of craftsmanship: Yonglonghao Lacquerware Pingyao boasts more than just ancient architecture; it also boasts the millennia-old art of polished lacquerware. At the Yonglonghao Lacquerware Museum, you can witness the dozens of steps by which artisans polish lacquer into lustrous, smooth objects. From jewelry boxes to folding screens, each piece exudes the warmth of handcraft. Even if you don't buy anything, strolling through this 600-year-old courtyard will allow you to experience the ingenuity behind the lacquerware. Pingyao at Night: Performances and Travel Photography Two performances are worth seeing in the ancient city at night: "Meet Pingyao Again" takes you back to the stories of Shanxi merchants through immersive theater; and "Meet the Piaohao Again" uses live-action performances to recreate a financial legend at the original site of the Xietongqing Piaohao. Don't forget to snap some travel photos in the ancient city! At dusk, the city walls, the old streets, and the red lanterns are all perfect photo spots. Dress up in Hanfu or Shanxi merchant attire and capture your own moments in the ancient city. Pingyao's charm lies not only in its well-preserved architecture, but also in its vibrant atmosphere. Whether it's movies, food, craftsmanship, or stories, it's worth taking the time to savor them.

If you enjoy the lively atmosphere and artistic flair of an old city, Pingyao won't disappoint. This UNESCO World Heritage site retains the architectural style and street life of the Ming and Qing dynasties, making it feel as if time has slowed down. For fun and photo opportunities, don't miss these spots: Baishanxi Restaurant, a long-established branch frequented by locals. Recommended dishes include potato and eggplant kudzu, yellow rice jelly cake, fried bowl trays, and the classic Pingyao beef. The menu is simple yet authentic, and the prices are affordable, perfect for those seeking a taste of Jinzhong cuisine. Mousheng Coffee & Bistro is a relaxing spot that combines coffee, drinks, and music. Besides classic lattes and Americanos, they also offer pistachio dirty drinks, hawthorn sour blends, and "Pingyao Landmark Coffee" served in covered bowls. The coffee is both beautiful and delicious. At night, the restaurant transforms into a bistro, serving homemade fruit wine, cocktails, and hot beer, paired with fried snacks and a relaxed atmosphere. The shop also features a cute little black dog named "Ear." Dog lovers shouldn't miss it. 📸 There's a Pingyao check-in wall and a chalkboard painting with ambient lighting in the corner—perfect for photos! [Yonglonghao Lacquerware Art Expo], housed in a 600-year-old courtyard next to the Ming and Qing Dynasty Market Building, is a great place to learn about Pingyao's polished lacquerware. The lacquerware on display is exquisitely crafted. From jewelry boxes and table screens to large furniture, each piece undergoes dozens of handcrafted steps, resulting in a delicate luster and a strong sense of heritage. Even if you don't buy anything, it's worth a visit. [Pingyao Film Palace Photography Exhibition and Film Festival] For photography enthusiasts, don't miss the Pingyao International Film and Photography Festival. Spread across four areas—the Diesel Engine Factory, the Cotton Mill, Jixiang Temple, and the County Government Office—the exhibition showcases diverse and inspiring photography and art from around the world. The Film Palace itself, converted from an old industrial building, creates a vibrant and artistic space, creating a captivating experience. Autumn's refreshing weather makes it a perfect time to visit exhibitions and explore the ancient city. #PingyaoFood #PingyaoAncientCity

Pingyao's charm goes far beyond its Ming and Qing dynasty city walls and grand mansions. This trip, I stumbled upon a parallel universe where art and history intertwine—the Pingyao International Photography Exhibition. This year's exhibition spans four exhibition areas: the industrial charm of the Diesel Engine Factory, the nostalgic feel of the Cotton Mill, the Zen-inspired atmosphere of Jixiang Temple, and the ancient charm of the County Government Office. Every corner holds a surprising visual narrative. Beyond the exhibition, the slow pace of life in the ancient city is even more captivating. "Baishanxi" on South Street is a long-standing local favorite. The succulent potato and eggplant diced with tangy textures and the refreshing, sweet yellow rice jelly are both authentic Jin flavors. Be sure to try the Pingyao beef dipped in vinegar! It's delicious. If you're looking for a place to rest, "Mousheng Coffee" is worth a stop. This three-year-old shop offers a variety of coffees and homemade fruit wines perfect for a light intoxication. Many photographers flock here during the photography festival, so photography enthusiasts should definitely stop by! The newly added hot brewed Jiuniang beer is perfect for autumn. It can be ordered individually or brewed in a pot around the stove, paired with grilled fruit and snacks for a truly atmospheric experience. If you're looking for a meaningful souvenir, consider visiting Yonglonghao. This lacquerware shop inherits Pingyao's ancient polished lacquerware craftsmanship. Its jewelry boxes and ornaments are exquisite and refined, each a treasure to cherish forever. Travel Tips: The photography exhibition runs until September 23rd, with four distinct exhibition areas. It's recommended to reserve half a day for this opportunity. The ancient city is easily accessible on foot, so comfortable shoes are essential. Evenings are perfect for photography, and the ancient city is at its most captivating when the lanterns are lit. In Pingyao, history is the backdrop, life is the foreground, and art is the eye that discovers the extraordinary.

Who says ancient cities only belong in history textbooks? Pingyao, a living museum of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is captivating countless young people with its unique rhythm. If you enjoy experiencing history while enjoying the present, take note of this easy and stress-free guide to dining and sightseeing. [Three Must-Dos] 1️⃣ Enjoy authentic Jin cuisine Walk through the bustling crowds of South Street and make your way to the long-established branch of "Baishanxi." The diced potatoes and eggplant are sweet and sour, the yellow rice jelly drizzled with osmanthus honey is cool and glutinous, and the deep-fried meat is tender and savory. For just over 50 yuan per person, you can enjoy a satisfying meal. Lines are often expected during mealtimes, so avoid peak hours. Have a cup of coffee with a story to tell "Mousheng Coffee" on Shaxiang Street is my secret spot in Pingyao. During the day, order a cup of coffee in a covered bowl emblazoned with "Pingyao" and try one of the shop's homemade cakes. Starting in the evening, this place transforms into a tipsy tavern. Their newly launched hot brew is perfect for fall and winter, available in takeaway cups for on-the-go drinking. If you have time, you can even order a pot of hot brew with friends, roasting oranges and nuts over a small stove while listening to folk songs – the atmosphere is simply captivating. There's even a cute little black dog, "Ear," that you can pet – a perfect remedy for travel fatigue. Find a craft to inherit from your family The "Yonglonghao" lacquerware shop is more like a miniature museum, where master craftsmen demonstrate the intricate art of polishing lacquer. The jewelry boxes and ornaments are beautiful works of art, and feel as smooth as jade. Don't forget to touch the Guinness World Record-winning six-meter-long lacquer chopsticks for good luck and happiness. [Hidden Easter Egg] If you're a movie buff or a young art lover, the Pingyao Film Palace is worth a dedicated half-day. Not only is it home to a film festival, but it's also recently hosted a film exhibition, injecting an artistic atmosphere into the ancient city. Photo Tips The ancient city wall is breathtakingly beautiful at dusk. The Pingyao-themed wall and warm lanterns at Mousheng Coffee are perfect for photos. The ancient courtyards of Yonglonghao are incredibly atmospheric. Pingyao's charm lies not in rushing to see the sights, but in slowing down and experiencing them. Enjoying a modern cocktail amidst a thousand-year-old street, discovering contemporary art amidst ancient courtyards—this sense of time and space mingling is what makes young people fall in love with this place.