Pingyao Ancient City

Background

Pingyao dates back to the Western Zhou; its present walls were built in 1370, the third year of the Ming Hongwu reign, about 6.2 km around, preserving intact the 'turtle city' layout of a Ming–Qing county town. It became a World Heritage Site in 1997. In 1823, the third year of the Qing Daoguang reign, Lei Lütai turned the Rishengchang dye shop into a bank devoted to remittances — China's first draft bank — and the legend of the Shanxi merchants who 'sent money across the realm' began. Former banks, escort agencies, the county yamen and pawnshops are scattered across the town, a living fossil for studying Ming–Qing society and economy.

Local customs

• Many Pingyao people still live in courtyard houses, and the old town is full of everyday life, so tread softly and don't walk into homes
• on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month there is a traditional fair around the City God Temple
• Jinzhong hosts 'serve tea to the guest first', and a pot of yellow wine with wantuo in a teahouse is old-fashioned courtesy.

Religion & beliefs

• The town has a City God Temple, the Qingxu Taoist Temple and a Confucian Temple — Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist remains side by side, all secular places to visit
• the ceremony honouring Confucius at the Confucian Temple is held on his birthday, so be respectful when visiting.

Rules that apply here

Travel tips

• The old town is mostly pedestrian, so wear comfortable shoes
• the combined ticket covers more than twenty sights and is valid for two days
• combine with the Qiao and Wang family compounds
• the old town has a special charm at night when the lanterns are lit. Check tickets and opening hours on the official website.