Longyuan Inn

Traditional courtyard guesthouse, room is clean, cool and simple. Shower was very nice. The location is great for exploring the best of Pingyao’s ancient streets and tourist spots. The main thing I loved about this hotel was the staff, all very friendly and helpful despite having to get around the language barrier. When I arrived, I was shown a route through the city to follow on a map. I did this the next day and it hit the spot perfectly with the main destinations and some less visited but beautiful places (map free on arrival which was useful. When I decided to leave Pingyao a day earlier than expected (not because of the hotel!!). The main hostess came especially to the hotel, and drove me straight to the train station with water to go at the same rate as a standard taxi fare which I would have had to track down and haggle myself (30rmb). Very nice stay!! Thank you very much NOTE ON VISITING PINGYAO: I overestimated how much I time I would need to see Pingyao. I recommend the following. Arrive midday and walk around the backstreets avoiding the specific tourist sites to get a feel for the place. Recover with a sleep. Following day, do the route recommended by the staff to see the key/best sites (start early to avoid the crowds although it wasn’t bad when I visited). Leave late afternoon. Arrived 1430, leave 1800 next day - easily enough time to enjoy the city without having to rush or string it out. Enjoy!!