Pingyao

Pingyao
The past prosperity of Shanxi lies in Pingyao while the soul of Pingyao lies in its Old City. There is no charming landscape. No green mountain or clear waters. What's unique here is this well-preserved ancient city with its grand, solemn city wall, its residences and shops, and even the government office all in the style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911). In 1997, when it was declared a World Cultural Heritage site for its Old City, Pingyao gradually opened up to the outside world and more and more people have come to have a look at this old city representing the prosperous past of Shanxi during the Ming and Qing eras.
Surrounded by the turtle-like ancient City Wall of Pingyao, Pingyao Old City is like a huge historical museum. Every street or building here has numerous stories to tell about the past one-thousand years. In the center of the Old City, the nearly 200 years old Rishengchang Exchange Shop is the first 'bank' in Chinese history and is known as the 'Father of the Bank in China'. It tells of the prosperity of the Jin Businessmen in Chinese history. The well-preserved County Government Office on Zhengfu Street (also Yamen Street) shows a complete picture of the solemn law court and prison of the Qing Dynasty while in Chenghuangmiao Street, the Temple of the City God and the Confucius Temple reveal a glimpse of local folk life. Along Ancient Ming-Qing Street, the old buildings in antique architecture styles may bring you back to the old China of that time.
Outside the Old City, there are two temples worth visiting. One is Shuanglin Monastery which is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) southwest of Pingyao Old City. It is famous for the over 2000 vivid painted sculptures created during the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming, and Qing dynasties. The other is Zhenguo Temple. It is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Pingyao Old City. With a history of over one thousand years, this temple is famous for its wood-structured main hall. It is one of the three oldest wood buildings in China.
What's more, most of the famous residences in Shanxi are clustered around Pingyao. About 40 kilometers (24.9 miles) to the north of Pingyao lies the famous Qiao's Compound which boasts a unique layout and various delicate carvings. Another one is the Wang's Compound which is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) to the southeast of Pingyao. It is regarded as a Chinese architectural museum for its abundant artistic architectural elements such as the various elaborate sculptures. Other compounds in Pingyao are the Cao's Compound proved every popular with tourist due to its unique appearance and charming styles, the Chang's Compound , the largest one in scale and the Qu's Compound having a history dating back over 300 years.
Pingyao travel attractions:
City Wall of PingyaoQiao's CompoundRishengchang Exchange ShopWang's CompoundAncient Ming-Qing StreetCao's Compound?Chang's CompoundQu's CompoundShuanglin TempleTemple of the City GodZhenguo Temple

Pingyao Map

Pingyao Hotel