Pingyao, a well know ancient city in Shanxi Province, has relocated more than 20,000 residents out of the city in the period 2002 to 2006 to better protect this World Cultural Heritage site. This city was built 2,000 years ago. It has well-preserved the ancient city walls, residences, government offices, and stores of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. Therefore, UNESCO inscribed the city on the World Cultural Heritage list in 1997. Encompassing 2.25 square kilometers, the city has a population of 45,000. To restore the original outlook of the downtown area. At the same time, the city government has made great efforts to improve the local environment. Thirty polluting enterprises around the city have been closed, with 30 chimneys and more than 400 coke furnaces being demolished at the same time.
Pingyao is a popular winter destinations for its unique culture. People in the ancient city hold many traditional events, celebrations, performances during spring festival. It is the best time to have a bite of Chinese culture.
3 days is enough for exploring Pingyao Ancient City, but most tourists prefer to start their Pingyao trip via Datong, Wutain Mountain, Yingxian County and Taiyuan. This is an authentic cultural trip, which takes about 7-9 days.
Qiao Family's Compound
Cao Family's Compound
Qu Family's Compound
Chang Family's Compound
Wang Family's Compound
Shuanglin Temple
Zhenguo Temple
City Wall of Pingyao
Ming-Qing Street
Temple of the City God
Former Residence of Lei Lutai
Pingyao's Confucius Temple.
The old County Government Office (Yamen)