The Ancient City of Pingyao

About

Pingyao, located in Shanxi Province, is one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in China. The city dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty and reached its peak during the Ming and Qing Dynasties when it was a major banking center. Pingyao's old town is surrounded by a 6-kilometer-long city wall, which is remarkably intact. Within the walls, visitors can explore narrow streets lined with traditional courtyard houses, ancient temples, and historic shops. The city is also home to the Rishengchang Exchange House, China's first bank. Pingyao is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a window into China's rich architectural and cultural history.