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.

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.

As a living ancient city from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pingyao never fails to surprise you. This time, I avoided the crowds and discovered several wonderful places worth savoring, which I'd like to share with those who want a more in-depth experience. [Recommended Cultural Spots] Tucked away on Shaxiang Street, "Mousheng Coffee and Tavern," is a daily must-visit for me. Order a cup of coffee with the "Pingyao" logo in a covered bowl, play with the shop's adorable black dog's ears, and enjoy folk music performances in the evening. Their homemade fruit wine is also unique, using Fenjiu as its base. I recommend trying the green plum flavor. [Food Spots] For authentic Pingyao flavors, "Baishanxi" on South Street is a must-try. As a branch of a 40-year-old restaurant, their kuoluoluo is soft and flavorful, their yellow rice jelly is refreshing and cool, and their fried meat is tender but not greasy. For just over 50 yuan per person, you can enjoy a satisfying meal. [Cultural Experiences] In addition to the must-see "See Pingyao Again," we also recommend "Seeing Piaohao Again" performed at the original site of the Xietongqing Piaohao. This 60-minute immersive performance takes you back to the heyday of Shanxi merchants, allowing you to experience firsthand the unwavering commitment of the Piaohao (banknote exchange) spirit. Be sure to book in advance. [Photography Paradise] Those who love photography shouldn't miss "Gu Se Travel Photography," which has three locations throughout the ancient city. We recommend shooting in the evening; the ancient city walls and red lanterns against the setting sun are particularly striking. The makeup and styling are professional, transporting you back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. [Special Surprise] At "Yonglonghao" near the City Tower, I discovered exquisite polished lacquerware. A master craftsman demonstrated the production process, revealing the over 30 steps involved in making a single piece. Their 6-meter-long pair of "World's Largest Chopsticks" even holds a Guinness World Record. Touch them and share in the good fortune. If you're visiting in September, be sure to visit the Pingyao Film Palace. The Pingyao International Film Festival and Photography Exhibition are held here every year, so you'll often encounter unexpected exhibitions and events. This year, the band "Torture and Worship" will also be performing! [Practical Tips] - The Ancient City Attraction Pass includes access to 22 attractions and is valid for three days. - We recommend staying outside the Old City for better value and quieter weather. - The cobblestone paths can be challenging to navigate, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Avoid the hustle and bustle of the commercial streets and truly experience the charm of Pingyao in these areas. I hope you'll find your own surprises in the Old City.

I spent three days in Pingyao, and this ancient city truly amazed me! I've compiled a hassle-free guide to explore this place, sharing it with friends who want to visit! Must-Do List Dress up in period costume for a photoshoot I recommend "Gu Se Travel Photography"; they have a wide selection of costumes and meticulous makeup. In the evening, take photos near the city walls or at the entrances of old houses for stunning light and shadow! Choose from three nearby branches; I had a great experience at the Chenghuang Temple Street branch. Enjoy authentic Jin cuisine "Bai Shan Xi" is truly amazing! The tomato and sesame stew is sour and fragrant, the yellow rice jelly cake is chewy, and the Pingyao beef becomes even more fragrant with every chew. It's a well-known, time-honored restaurant even among locals. Drink Gaiwan Coffee & Have a Tipsy Night Chat "Mou Sheng Cafe" is a literary cafe by day (the Gaiwan coffee is perfect for photos), and a tavern at night! Their homemade fruit wine is sweet and sour, and you can pet the dog's ears. Blind box specials are fun! Just give the bartender a keyword and let them create their own unique mixology. Find an intangible cultural heritage lacquerware. The polished lacquerware from "Wing Lung Hao" is breathtakingly beautiful! The jewelry boxes and screens are hand-polished, creating a jade-like texture. It's a bit pricey, but worth it, and you can watch a master craftsman demonstrate the craftsmanship live. See an immersive performance. "Encore Pingyao" is a must-see! The audience follows the actors as they perform, creating a completely immersive experience. Book tickets in advance for a less crowded evening session for an even better experience. Artistic Easter Egg: Film Palace & Photography Exhibition. The Pingyao Film Palace regularly hosts photography exhibitions and art salons, but it's even more lively during the September Film Festival! The red-walled factory and modern exhibitions make for stunning photos. Practical Tips: The Ancient City Pass includes 22 attractions, including the County Government Office, Rishengchang, and Xietongqing. Wear comfortable shoes! Dragging a suitcase along the cobblestone streets would be overwhelming. During the summer, it's recommended to visit scenic spots in the morning and evening, and take a midday break in a cafe. Pingyao's charm lies in its slow pace—explore historical sites and enjoy delicious food during the day, and sip tea and listen to folk music in the evening. Perfect for those who want to escape the city and experience the vibrant life.