Xiangchangtai is a century-old West Street name in Pingyao Ancient City for spicy knife-cut beef noodles. The restaurant is attached to the Xiangchangtai Hotel at 112 West Street (Xi Dajie) in Pingyao County, Jinzhong, Shanxi province in China. Pingyao is a walled Ming and Qing dynasty town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and West Street is one of the old town's historic merchant streets, which lends the venue a traditional setting suited to a casual meal between sights.
The cooking concentrates on Pingyao's most famous product, its beef. Pingyao beef is traditionally salted, slow-simmered and sliced, and it appears here in knife-cut beef brisket noodles, a bowl of hand-shaved wheat noodles in a savoury, spicy broth topped with sliced beef. The noodles are the main attraction and are normally eaten as a stand-alone meal, with Pingyao beef available as a side or as a sliced plate for sharing. The dish reflects the wheat-based diet of Shanxi province, where noodles are served in dozens of forms.
The dining room is simple and unpretentious, with the atmosphere of a long-established noodle house in a historic building rather than a destination restaurant. Noise is moderate and tables turn over quickly at midday. There is no dress code, and drinks are tea and soft drinks, with beer available.
Prices are in the budget bracket. The venue is a walk-in restaurant and reservations are not normally needed, though it is advisable to avoid peak mealtimes when tour groups arrive. The West Street location, within walking distance of the City Tower and the main sights inside the walls, makes it a convenient choice for lunch during a day of exploring Pingyao.
| Price | $ |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Walk-in; avoid peak mealtimes |
| Address | Xiangchangtai Hotel, 112 West Street (Xi Dajie), Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao County, Jinzhong |
Signature dishes
- Knife-cut beef brisket noodles
- Pingyao beef
Good to know
- Known for
- Century-old West Street name for spicy knife-cut beef noodles
Location
Xiangchangtai Hotel, 112 West Street (Xi Dajie), Pingyao Ancient City, Pingyao County, Jinzhong
37.2063, 112.1768 View on map
Highlights
- Knife-cut beef brisket noodles in spicy broth
- Pingyao beef, the town's cured and braised speciality
- Century-old name on West Street
- Located at the Xiangchangtai Hotel
- Budget prices in the old town
Tips for visiting
- Walk in and avoid peak mealtimes when tour groups arrive.
- Order a plate of Pingyao beef to share alongside the noodles.
- The restaurant is at 112 West Street, inside the Xiangchangtai Hotel.
- Ask about the spice level when ordering if sensitive to chilli.
- Combine with a walk along West Street to the City Tower.
When to visit
Late morning or mid-afternoon avoids the tour-group lunch rush.
Accessibility
The restaurant is in a historic building within the walled town, with stone paving and possible thresholds; step-free access is not confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the specialty?
Spicy knife-cut beef brisket noodles, a century-old West Street speciality.
Do I need a reservation?
No. It is walk-in, but peak mealtimes are best avoided.
Where is it?
At the Xiangchangtai Hotel, 112 West Street, Pingyao Ancient City.
Is it expensive?
No. It is in the budget price bracket.