A quintessential Chinese walled city, whose streets are lined with authentic Qing and Ming era architecure.
The ancient city of Pingyao was once one of the most prosperous in China, having been the country's economic heartland - the equivalent to Shanghai today - during the Qing dynasty. Today it remains relevant due to its historical importance, its ancient city walls and for the centuries-old typical Ming and Qing era houses, which line South Street. As well as admiring the wonderfully-preserved traditional architecture, you can browse antique and handicraft shops, visit the grand pavilions of the sacred City God Temple and see China's very first bank. Nearby places of interest include Shuanglin Temple and the Wang Family Compound.
Pingyao can be reached via high speed Bullet Train from Xi'an or Beijing, journey times of around two and a half and four hours respectively. It makes for a highly rewarding two night extension to a trip between these two cities.
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