Tianyuankui Restaurant
天元奎饭店
An old-established Shanxi restaurant on South Street, said to date back to 1791, known for beef copper hotpot and beef kaolaoluo.
Tianyuankui is at 73 South Street in the old town, about 100 meters south of the Bell Tower, making it one of the most convenient Shanxi restaurants to visit while strolling Ming-Qing Street. The restaurant says its history dates to 1791, the 56th year of the Qianlong reign. Signature dishes include beef copper hotpot, beef kaolaoluo, long dragon eggplant, and Pingyao beef. Cold bowl-tuo, vinegar-braised eggs, and Shanxi-style sautéed pork are also popular. Half portions of copper hotpot are available when it is quiet. Dishes are cooked to order, and the restaurant is busy at mealtimes. Reviewers suggest arriving before 11:30, after 14:00, or before 17:00. Reviews put the average spend at CNY 45–100 per person. Ctrip rates it 4.7, and Tripadvisor ranks it No. 1 restaurant in Pingyao.
Opening hours
About 10:00–22:00 (Trip.com; some posts list 23:00)
Nearby sights
- Xietongqing Exchange House
- Baichuantong Exchange House
- North China No.1 Escort Agency Museum
- Rishengchang Exchange House
- Pingyao City God Temple
- Pingyao Ancient City (Nan Dajie & Market Tower)
- Pingyao County Government Office (Yamen)
- Pingyao Confucian Temple