Tianyuankui Restaurant is one of Pingyao's top-rated restaurants, set in a deep courtyard at 73 South Street (Nan Dajie) inside Pingyao Ancient City, about 100 metres south of the Ming-Qing Market Building in Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi province, China. Pingyao is a UNESCO-listed walled city of Ming and Qing architecture, and the restaurant's courtyard location is typical of the old town's merchant houses. With a rating of 4.8 from diners it is among the best-regarded places to eat in the ancient city, and prices stay in the budget bracket.
The menu is centred on Pingyao's famed beef, a product of local curing and slow-cooking traditions. Pingyao beef braised with aged vinegar, priced at about ¥88 (about $13 USD), is the lead dish and shows the region's love of vinegar flavours. Beef copper hotpot, cooked over charcoal in a traditional copper pot, is another signature, and beef kaolaolao, rolls made from oat flour, is a classic Shanxi oat-flour dish. Long dragon eggplant and millet cold cake add vegetable and grain-based options.
The courtyard setting gives the restaurant an atmospheric, old-town character, with tables set under roofs and around an open yard. The room is lively at dinner, with tourists and local diners, and noise is moderate. There is no dress code, and beverages are the usual tea, beer and soft drinks.
The restaurant is open from 10:00 to 23:00, a long window that suits late dinners after sightseeing. It is very busy at dinner, and walk-ins are generally accepted, though groups may want to phone ahead on +86 354 568 0069 to confirm a table. Because it lies close to the City Tower on South Street, it is simple to reach on foot from most guesthouses inside the walls.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00-23:00 |
| Reservations | Walk-in; very busy at dinner. Phone +86 354 568 0069 |
| Address | 73 South Street (Nan Dajie), Pingyao Ancient City, about 100 m south of the Ming-Qing Market Building, Pingyao County, Jinzhong |
Signature dishes
- Pingyao beef braised with aged vinegar (about ¥88 / $13 USD)
- Beef copper hotpot
- Beef kaolaolao (oat-flour rolls)
- Long dragon eggplant
- Millet cold cake
Good to know
- Known for
- One of Pingyao's top-rated restaurants, in a deep courtyard on South Street near the City Tower
Location
73 South Street (Nan Dajie), Pingyao Ancient City, about 100 m south of the Ming-Qing Market Building, Pingyao County, Jinzhong
37.2031, 112.1794 View on map
Highlights
- Pingyao beef braised with aged vinegar
- Beef copper hotpot
- Beef kaolaolao oat-flour rolls
- Courtyard dining on South Street
- Open 10:00-23:00 near the City Tower
Tips for visiting
- Dinner is very busy; arrive early or phone +86 354 568 0069.
- The restaurant is open all afternoon from 10:00 to 23:00, so mid-afternoon is quiet.
- Order the braised beef for sharing at about ¥88.
- Look for number 73 South Street, 100 m south of the Ming-Qing Market Building.
- Cold dishes such as millet cold cake balance the heavier beef.
When to visit
Mid-afternoon or an early dinner avoids the evening rush.
Accessibility
The restaurant is in a traditional courtyard inside a historic walled city, with stone paving and possible thresholds, so step-free access is not guaranteed.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is it necessary to reserve?
Walk-ins are accepted, but dinner is very busy. Phone +86 354 568 0069 for groups.
What is the signature dish?
Pingyao beef braised with aged vinegar, along with beef copper hotpot and beef kaolaolao.
Where is it?
At 73 South Street in Pingyao Ancient City, about 100 m south of the Ming-Qing Market Building.
What are the opening hours?
10:00-23:00 daily.