Travel Budget for Pingyao Visit Pingyao on a Budget or Travel in Style

Pingyao, Shanxi, China

Pingyao is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Pingyao?

You should plan to spend around $67 (¥490) per day on your vacation in Pingyao. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $33 (¥243) on meals
  • $13 (¥93) on local transportation
  • $45 (¥330) on hotels

A one week trip to Pingyao for two people costs, on average, $936 (¥6,860). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $67
    ¥490
  • One Week Per person
    $468
    ¥3,430
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $936
    ¥6,860
  • One Month Per person
    $2,006
    ¥14,700
  • One Week For a couple
    $936
    ¥6,860
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,872
    ¥13,720
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,012
    ¥29,400
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Pingyao cost?

A one week trip to Pingyao usually costs around $468 (¥3,430) for one person and $936 (¥6,860) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Pingyao on average costs around $936 (¥6,860) for one person and $1,872 (¥13,720) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Pingyao will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Pingyao on average costs around $2,006 (¥14,700) for one person and $4,012 (¥29,400) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Pingyao expensive to visit?

Pingyao is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

While Pingyao can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $28 (¥205) per day, mid-range travelers spend $67 (¥490) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $148 (¥1,087) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Pingyao.

Within Asia, Pingyao is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lahore or Surat Thani.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Pingyao Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Pingyao?

The average Pingyao trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Pingyao travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Pingyao cost?

Pingyao on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$9
(¥69)
$23
(¥165)
$50
(¥365)
Local Transportation 1 $5
(¥38)
$13
(¥93)
$30
(¥219)
Food 2 $14
(¥101)
$33
(¥243)
$73
(¥538)
Entertainment 1 $8
(¥56)
$18
(¥134)
$39
(¥288)
Alcohol 2 $3-8
(¥21-62)
$7-20
(¥48-145)
$14-41
(¥100-300)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Pingyao on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $28 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Pingyao to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $67 per person, per day.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $148 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Mian Mountain Private Day Tour From Pingyao - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Pingyao

The price of hotels in Pingyao can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $0, while peak season averages can reach $0. Prices range from $0 to $0, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Pingyao for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $45 (¥330). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (¥165) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $23
    ¥165
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $45
    ¥330

Hotels in Pingyao

Looking for a hotel in Pingyao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Pingyao

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Pingyao

In Pingyao, the public transit system is not very good.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $13 (¥93) per person, per day, on local transportation in Pingyao. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Pingyao is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $13
    ¥93

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Private Transfer Servcie to Mianshan (Mian Mountain) from Pingyao for $60 details
  • Privater Transfer from Datong to Pingyao with driver for $115 details
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer Service to Wutaishan from Pingyao for $190 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Pingyao
How much does it cost to go to Pingyao? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Pingyao
The price of renting a car in Pingyao will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Pingyao?

Listed below are some transit expenses in Pingyao, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.


  • Taxi to Train Station
    ¥10


Food Budget in Pingyao

Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Pingyao can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Pingyao is $33 (¥243) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $33
    ¥243

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Pingyao is around $33 (¥243) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $73. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Pingyao are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $3 to $10
  • Lunch: $5 to $13
  • Dinner: $10 to $23
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $5

Pingyao is famous for Pingyao Beef, which is served as cold beef that that is sliced much like ham and has an almost corned beef flavor. It is common for tourists to be charged twice the price for Pingyao Beef, so always be sure to ask the price before placing your order. Restaurants inside the Old Town walls tend to be tourist traps, with high prices and low quality food. Outside of the West Gate, you'll find some of the best restaurants, including Petit Resto-also called De Ju Yuan-, which has options for every palate. There are not many bars or nightclubs in the area. You'll find mostly relaxed, pub-like, bars where you can enjoy a beer usually up until midnight.

Food & Dining Tips

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.


What did other people spend on food and dining in Pingyao?

Listed below are typical food prices in Pingyao, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.


  • Casual Lunch (for 2)
    ¥36
  • Mango Juice
    ¥5.00


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Pingyao

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Pingyao typically cost an average of $18 (¥134) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $18
    ¥134

The best sight in Pingyao is actually the city itself! The Old Town, which takes up just one mile, is the ancient walled area of the over 2700-year-old town. The cobbled streets and old buildings are mostly original, dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the 1360's. There are over 30 buildings and other attractions to explore within the walled city, which is why the city offers a tourist pass for a flat fee so you can see it all.

Outside of the Old Town is the Rishengchang Exchange House, built in 1823, it is one of the oldest bank buildings in the country. The bank itself was shut down in the 1930's, but the building itself is still worth exploring.

Next, head to Yamen, the county government compound built in the 1340's. The compound itself boasts over 300 rooms and you'll find everything from a prison, courtrooms, residential areas, a garden, and a ceremonial gate.

Then, there is Ming-Qing Street, so named for the Ming and Qing Dynasties that built many of the buildings you'll see there. Even some of the shops from those eras are still open as well as some courtyard houses which you can explore.



On Ming-Qing Street is the City Tower, the tallest building in the city. Climb up the steps and get gorgeous views of the city, which make the climb well worth it! For more stunning views, take a walk on top of the city walls. The path takes you on a circuit around the city and is included with the Pingyao tourist pass.

Pingyao hosts a beautiful Lantern Festival during the eighth month of the lunar new year, which is usually in September. During the festival, you'll find the city adorned with bright red lanterns and there's a huge parade to celebrate. The Shehuo Festival, or Spring Festival, celebrates the Chinese New Year. The streets come alive with Shehuo performers who perform traditional folk dances and performers who play traditional drums and gongs.

A nice way to explore destinations in Pingyao is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Private 2-Day Pingyao+Wang Family Compound+Shuanglin Temple Tour for $200 details
  • Pingyao Food Walking Tour for $67 details
  • 1-Day Pingyao Ancient Town Sightseeing Walking Tour for $113 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Pingyao?

A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Pingyao are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.


  • All Day Bike Rental (for 2)
    ¥20
  • Temple Entrance Fee (for 2)
    ¥50
  • Bike Parking Fee (for 2)
    ¥4.00


Nightlife Budget in Pingyao

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $13 (¥96) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Pingyao per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $13
    ¥96
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 17, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Pingyao

  • During , the destination can get really crowded, and prices go up significantly. To avoid the crowds and save some money, it's best to visit during the shoulder seasons or low season.
  • Taking your time while traveling can save you some cash, allowing you to soak in the area's beauty at a leisurely pace. If you cram every day full of activities, you'll likely spend a fortune. But by slowing down and savoring your experience, you often find that your expenses decrease.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Pingyao offers limited public transit options. Having a pre-arranged ride, such as a private driver or tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
  • Pingyao isn't particularly known for its hostels, so if you're expecting a budget dorm, you may need to reconsider. Look into affordable hotels or consider renting an apartment instead.
Traveling in Pingyao
Pingyao Pingyao, China

Pingyao is a small city in the Shanxi Province of China, dating back over 2700 years. The city is most famous for their old town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town is one of the best preserved ancient walled cities in the world dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The climate in Pingyao is influenced by monsoons, and therefore gets hot and humid summers and chillier springs. Autumn is a great time to visit as temperatures are fairly mild-in the 50-60's Fahrenheit- and you can avoid the heavy rains of summer. Winter is also a pleasant time to visit, especially since temperatures tend not to dip below 30 and there is not much snow or bad weather.



Neighborhoods & Around

Pingyao is a very small city, divided up mostly between the walled area of Old Town and the area around Old Town. There are a few restaurants and accommodations outside of the gates into the Old Town.

Outside of Pingyao is the capital city of the Shanxi Province, Taiyuan. Taiyuan is a popular option for people doing day trips to Pingyao since there are multiple companies who offer scheduled day trips from Taiyuan to Pingyao.

Another nice place for a day trip from Pingyao is Yuncheng, where you'll find the famous Yongle Palace and Guan Di Temple. The palace is known for their Yuan Dynasty murals which are considered some of the best artistic treasures in China.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.