Pingyao
 

I want to take the overnight train from Beijing to Pingyao. Anybody done that? If so how do you make reservations?As a matter of fact anybody been to Pingyao? I got the idea from an article in the N.Y. Times and it sounded interesting

Don't put too much stock into anything NY Times-related!!

My parents went there about 3 years ago. Pingyao is one of the best-preserved old cities in all of China, with intact and original city walls. And while it's attracting plenty to local tourists, it's still not as commercialized (or Disneyfied) as places like Lijiang (which was basically all rebuilt after a recent Earthquake anyways).

You'll still see locals living and working inside the old city. You can stay at "guest houses" inside the city that comes straight out of Chinese martial arts movies. You don't have big new highrises inside the city walls.

To get from Beijing, there are three direct trains. But two of them arrive Pingyao around 3am, so you only have one other choice that arrives at 7:30a, taking about 12.5 hours. Or get to Taiyuan first - best way is probably by coach, which takes about 6 hours and extremely frequent. Then transfer to local coach to Pingyao. I don't have details but shouldn't be that difficult.

I was in Pingyao in September 2008 and posted my link of my photo album. Please see below:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...;tid=35166138?

Pingyao was another highlight for me in China. The old town is wondefully preserved with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, almost like a time warp. I really enjoyed Pingyao.

I was on a tour and our tour leader arranged the overnight train from Xi'an to Pingyao. So I did not have experience with getting a train ticket. However, I do recommend getting tickets for the soft sleeper, which is far more comfortable than the hard sleeper.

The departure bus station for Taiyuan is Lize Qiao on the southeast third ring road. Departures are frequent and prices range from ¥139 to ¥170 depending on just how much comfort you want. There's no need to book, but get your hotel reception to call if you want more details: 6340 2408.

The bus arrives at the same Taiyuan bus station that has minibus departures to Pingyao, which also has fully computerised ticketing. Just go into the hall and show the Pingyao characters to someone at the ticket window, and you'll be given seats on the next departure (also frequent).

Much as I prefer trains, this is the way to go for Pingyao from Beijing: much quicker and more convenient.

Peter N-H

Sorry, that should read 'southwest third ring road'.

We were in Pingyao last May. Loved the place. Pictures at:

http://tinyurl.com/clo2k9

Went on train from Beijing West about 1900, arrived 0730ish. Had reserved all of four berth compartment for two of us. Train not one of the most modern but quite adequate for one night. Can't help with cost and booking as that done for us.

Soft sleeper (4 berths in a cabin) from Beijing to Pingyao is about 250RMB each person. Don't know how much they charge if you want the whole cabin.