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Why
Pingyao Ancient City
is special
Pingyao has one of the best preserved old towns in
China. Exploring its buildings, streets and city
wall takes you back in time.
Top three
highlights of Pingyao
 City
wall - The old city is enclosed by an ancient defensive wall 12 meters (40
feet) high and over 6 kilometers (miles) long. It dates back to the 14th
century. Considering its age, the wall is in good
condition (though a small section collapsed as
recently as October 2004).
Streets
- Within the walls are narrow cobblestone streets,
lanes and alleys. South Street is the main thoroughfare
and is now lined on both sides with quaint shops,
museums and hotels.
Old
mansions - The preserved mansions, both residential and
commercial, have courtyards and are hidden from
public view behind street doors. However, some are
now open to the public. The most fascinating is
the 19th century Ri Sheng Chang mansion. It is now
a museum, but was once the headquarters of one
of China's most powerful banks.
Top side trip
If you have time, visit the Qiao
compound situated 20 kilometers (12 miles) south
of Pingyao. It is a well preserved stylish 18th
century residence of a very wealthy family.
Pingyao tidbits
Historians
can trace Pingyao back 2700 years. However, its
glory days occurred during the Ming (1369-1644)
and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. In the 19th
century, it reached its peak as one of China's
chief financial centers.
The
internationally acclaimed 1992 movie,
"Raise the Red Lantern", was shot in
Pingyao and environs.
Nearest major city
Pingyao is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of
Taiyuan, the capital city of Shanxi province.
Pronunciation guide
Pingyao: pin'g-yow'oh
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