How to Travel from Taiyuan to Pingyao | Taiyuan to Pingyao Train

As one of the national transportation hub of Northern China and the capital city and biggest city of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan is located very close to Pingyao with a just 30 minutes’ high speed bullet train journey. Thus, after a short trip in Taiyuan, you can continue to explore Pingyao Ancient City conveniently to witness grand ancient city wall, authentic civilian residences and well-preserved commercial buildings, massive marvelous Buddhist sculptures in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage properties. Since there is airport located in Pingyao, travelling from Taiyuan to Pingyao by train and private driving are the two main transportations. Please check the detailed traffic guide below about travel time, schedules, etc. to better plan your Taiyuan Pingyao tour.

How Far is Pingyao from Taiyuan?

Taiyuan Location: Taiyuan is situated in the middle of Shanxi Province, bordering Xinzhou City (Wutaishan) in the north, Jinzhong City (Pingyao Ancient City, Qiao’s Family Compound) in the south, Yangquan City in the east and Lvliang City in the west. Specifically, Taiyuan lies in the south of Datong with a driving distance of about 280 km, for over 3.5 hours and nearly 200 km (2.5 hours’ ride) to Wutaishan.

Pingyao Location: Pingyao is actually a small historical county in southwest Jinzhong City, central Shanxi Province. It is located about 400 km, 5 hours’ driving to Datong in the north; almost 300 km, 4 hours’ ride to Wutaishan in the northeast.

Taiyuan to Pingyao Distance: Pingyao is in the south of Taiyuan, with a short distance of about 110 km, merely 1.5 hours’ driving.

Taiyuan to Pingyao Transportation Map

Option 1: Travel from Taiyuan to Pingyao by High Speed Train - Most Recommended

● Frequency: about 20 trains per day (G & D trains)

● Train Time: about 30 minutes

● From & To: Taiyuan South Railway Station (太原南站) - Pingyao Ancient Railway Station (平遥古城站)

High speed bullet train travel has become increasingly popular in China in recent years. Bet you will be amazed by the flying speed up to 300 km/h, advanced technologies, clean, comfortable and considerate facilities on board. Just a nap time, you can get to Pingyao from Taiyuan fast and efficiently.

Currently, there are around 20 high speed bullet trains running from Taiyuan to Pingyao every day. The trains are arranged departing between about 7:30 am and 20:30 and arriving on the same day. That means, you have a lot of choices. Based on your need, you can book a Second Class Seat, or a First Class Seat, Business Class Seat to have different train travel experience.

Most Popular Pingyao Tours:

✔2 Days Classic Pingyao Tour / 3 Days Pingyao Discovery Tour

◆ Taiyuan South Railway Station 太原南站

Address: North Beiying Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province 山西省太原市小店区北营北路

Transportation: The station is located about 25 km, 30 minutes’ driving to Jinci Temple, almost 10 km, 20 minutes’ driving to Twin Pagoda Temple and 18 km, 40 minutes’ driving to Shanxi Museum.

◆ Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station 平遥古城站

Address: Wenjing Avenue, Houji Village, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province 山西省晋中市平遥县侯冀村文景大道

Transportation: The Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station (also called Pingyao Gucheng Railway Station) lies farther to Pingyao Ancient City than Pingyao Railway Station. Driving distance to Pingyao Ancient City is about 9 km and just 3 km to Shuanglin Temple, almost 100 km (1.5 hours’ ride) from Taiyuan Wusu Airport (the nearest airport). Pingyao City Bus 108 is the special bus running in loop among two train stations in Pingyao, Pingyao Ancient City and Shuanglin Temple.

Transfer to Major Attractions in Pingyao:

1. To Pingyao Ancient City: The ancient site is located about 9 km northeast of Pingyao Ancient City Station. After arrival, you can take a taxi to your hotel near ancient city, for about 20 minutes driving, or take Pingyao City Bus 108 to the ancient city with duration of nearly 40 minutes. Taxi is more recommended for time-saving and flexible choice of drop-off place.

2. To Shuanglin Temple: Shuanglin Temple is only 3 km close to Pingyao Ancient City Station. It takes less than 10 minutes to get to the temple by taxi, and within 30 minutes by the Pingyao City Bus 108.

Taiyuan South Railway Station

Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station

Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station Location Map (click to enlarge)

Below is the Real-time Taiyuan to Pingyao High Speed Train Timetable:

Option 2: Travel from Taiyuan to Pingyao by Normal Train

● Frequency: over 5 trains per day (K trains)

● Train Time: 1.5 hours ~ 2.5 hours

● From & To: Taiyuan Railway Station (太原站) - Pingyao Railway Station (平遥站)

Taiyuan still has several normal trains to Pingyao daily. Train travel time is a little longer than the high speed train, but the arrival station - Pingyao Railway Station is located very close to Pingyao Ancient City within 15 minutes’ walking distance.

Generally, the normal K trains leaves between about 03:30 and 23:30. Most trains get to Pingyao on the same day while the late two reach Pingyao at midnight, quite inconvenient to transfer to your hotel. If you miss the high speed train, it’s recommended to book a daytime normal train as option choice.

Please note that facilities of K trains are not as advanced and new as that of the high speed train. Besides, Soft Sleeper, Hard Sleeper and Hard Seat are the three available tickets for sale.

◆ Taiyuan Railway Station 太原站

Address: No.2, South Jianshe Road, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province 山西省太原市迎泽区建设南路2号

Transportation: Taiyuan Railway Station is situated about 30 km, 50 minutes’ driving to Jinci Temple, only 4 km, 15 minutes’ driving to Twin Pagoda Temple and 8 km, 20 minutes’ ride to Shanxi Museum.

◆ Pingyao Railway Station 平遥站

Address: No.14, Zhongdu Road, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province 山西省晋中市平遥县中都路14号

Transportation: Pingyao Railway Station is located in the northwest corner of Pingyao Ancient City, within walking distance to the ancient site and just 10 minutes’ driving to Shuanglin Temple.

Transfer to Attractions in Pingyao:

1. To Pingyao Ancient City: Pingyao Ancient City stands very close to Pingyao Ancient City, which can be reached by about 15 minutes’, walking easily.

2. To Shuanglin Temple: Shuanglin Temple lies about 7 km southwest of Pingyao Railway Station. You will spend nearly 0.5 hour by the Pingyao City Bus 108. Getting a taxi costs you less than 15 minutes.

Taiyuan Railway Station

Pingyao Railway Station

Option 3: Travel from Taiyuan to Pingyao by Private Driving

Distance & Driving Time: about 100 km, 1.5 ~ 2 hours

Driving from Taiyuan to Pingyao by a private car is also doable and popular for travelers. Firstly, we can pick you up at your hotel, a tourist attraction and any designed place in Taiyuan, and drop you off in your hotel near Pingyao Ancient City and tourist spot you want to visit upon arrival. No worry about your luggage storage. Secondly, the entire ride takes nearly 2 hours, acceptable because you can directly get to Pingyao Ancient City without additional transfer. Third, Qiao’s Family Compound and Zhenguo Temple (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) are located rightly on the driving route of Taiyun to Pingyao, so you van visit them by geographical order. Also, you have freedom to take a rest and tour other attraction you are interested en route. Travel with China Discovery, you can enjoy convenient high-quality tours services including the direct private transfer from Taiyuan to Pingyao.

✔3 Days Taiyuan Pingyao Brief Tour

How to Plan a Taiyuan Pingyao Tour

A Taiyuan Pingyao tour usually needs 3 days including the departure and arrival days. When in Taiyuan you can use 1 day in Taiyuanto visit Jinci Temple, Coal Museum of China to capture its brilliant history and culture and detailed introduction of the featured industry of Shanxi. Next, you can move to Pingyao by a high speed train or private driving, and spend 1 to 2 days discovering the well-preserved ancient town in China. Better leave 1 full day to discover the ancient urban settlement, architectures, commercial life in Pingyao Ancient City. With thousands of exquisite painted sculptures, Shuanglin Temple nearby is also worthy of your visit. With more time, you can drive 1 hour to visit Wang’s Family Compound to witness the huge building complex of Ming and Qing Dynasty of the famous local wealthy family.

Best Taiyuan Pingyao Short Trip:

✔3 Days Taiyuan Pingyao Brief Tour

Since Shanxi is an extraordinary cultural region in Northern China with numerous cultural legacies, it’s highly advised to spare more time travel Datong, Pingyao with more outstanding places, such as the Wutai Mountain - another World Heritage sites of Shanxi & a sacred Buddhist mountain in China, roaring Hukou Waterfall on Yellow River - world’s largest yellow waterfall, etc.

Shanxi Tours with Pingyao:

✔4 Days In-depth Pingyao & Taiyuan Tour

✔3 Days Yellow River Hukou Waterfall Tour from Pingyao

✔6 Days Datong Pingyao Tour Plus Wutaishan Visit

Close location makes Shanxi usually be toured with neighboring destinations, like Beijing, Xian, Luoyang and Hohhot, even extended to Shanghai, Chengdu and other parts of China. That fantastically offers you great chance to see different landscape and regional highlights in vast China, covering both nature and culture. Don’t miss the Great Wall in Beijing, cute Giant Pandas in Chengdu, splendid mixed culture in metropolis of Shanghai, picturesque prairie in Hohhot…Choose from our most popular China Shanxi tour packages or contact us to customize a memorable travel experience!

Popular China Shanxi Tours including Taiyuan & Pingyao:

✔8 Days Ancient Beijing and Shanxi Culture Tour

✔11 Days Golden Triangle Tour with Shanxi Highlights

✔12 Days Historical China Tour with Train Experience

Ancient Tourist Attractions of Pingyao

Top Attractions in Beijing and Xian

China High Speed Train Travel Tips

Class of Ticket

There are two or three kinds of tickets are provided on high speed train from Taiyuan to Pingyao, First Class Seat,Second Class Seat and Business Class Seat. Second Class Seat is the most budget level you will share a row space with other passengers. And the First Class of Seat is more comfortable and quiet for those who prefer a good rest on the way. Check All Types of Seats on China High Speed Train>

Book, Collect, Alter and Cancel

Foreign tourists can book train ticket online or ask help from ticket agency, or buy the tickets physically at the train station with your valid passport. One thing you should remember is to book the ticket as early as possible, especially in peak tourist seasons. After collecting the tickets, please read carefully about the train number, departure date and station to make sure you won’t miss the train. If you want to cancel, alter your train tickets, you are required to bring your passport to the ticket counter and make the adjustments. Check details about How to Book, Collect, Alter, and Cancel Train Tickets>

Board & Get off

1) Prepare your documents well (valid passport with China Visa); 2) Get to the right train station in advance; 3) Collect train tickets; 4) Read your train ticket; 5) Pass the security control; 6) Pass through Security & Luggage Checks; 7) Find the right waiting room; 8) Cross the ticket checking gate; 9) Get to the right platform; 10) Get on your train. Keep the ticket well, because the ticket will be checked again to leave the station after you get off. Check details about How to Board & Disembark a Train>

Baggage Allowance

China train travel with luggage is much easier than taking flight, for you don’t need to check luggage separately. Each passenger with a train ticket is allowed to carry luggage in certain weight and volume, but without limitation of amount and types. Though there are written regulation and rules about the luggage allowance, in practice, passengers can take as much luggage as you can if only you handled them properly. Check detailed Baggage Allowance & Policy to Take China Train>

Facilities and Service

All high speed trains in China are equipped with advanced facilities and good service to make your journey more convenient and comfortable. There are different places you can put your luggage onboard, racks and specialized luggage storage areas. Besides, the air-conditioner train offers you plug under the seats to charge your phone or laptop, sightseeing window to view the outside scenery as well as western-style toilets. There is also available dining area you can get some supplies. Bilingual signs and the broadcast use both Chinese and English so that you don’t need to worry about the communication. Check All Facilities & Service on China Train>