Pingyao Ancient City Wall — Attraction in Jinzhong

The Ancient City of Ping Yao is a well-preserved ancient county-level city in China. Located in Ping Yao County, central Shanxi Province, the property includes three parts: the entire area within the walls of Ping Yao, Shuanglin Temple 6 kilometers southwest of the county seat, and Zhenguo Temple 12 kilometers northeast of the county seat. The Ancient City of Ping Yao well retains the historic form of the county-level cities of the Han people in Central China from the 14th to 20th century.

Founded in the 14th century and covering an area of 225 hectares, the Ancient City of Ping Yao is a complete building complex including ancient walls, streets and lanes, shops, dwellings and temples. Its layout reflects perfectly the developments in architectural style and urban planning of the Han cities over more than five centuries. Particularly, from the 19th century to the early 20th century, the Ancient City of Ping Yao was a financial center for the whole of China. The nearly 4,000 existing shops and traditional dwellings in the town which are grand in form and exquisite in ornament bear witness to Ping Yao’s economic prosperity over a century. With more than 2,000 existing painted sculptures made in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shuanglin Temple has been reputed as an “oriental art gallery of painted sculptures”. Wanfo Shrine, the main shrine of Zhenguo Temple, dating back to the Five Dynasties, is one of China’s earliest and most precious timber structure buildings in existence.

The Ancient City of Ping Yao is an outstanding example of Han cities in the Ming and Qing dynasties (from the 14th to 20th century). It retains all the Han city features, provides a complete picture of the cultural, social, economic and religious development in Chinese history, and it is of great value for studying the social form, economic structure, military defense, religious belief, traditional thinking, traditional ethics and...

Pingyao Ancient City is an absolute gem and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in China, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich past. Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, traditional courtyards, and ancient city walls.

One of the highlights is the City Wall, which offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city. The sunset views from the wall, calling it a magical experience.

There’s a lot to see so I highly recommend hiring a guide as this place is massive and full of history.

Pingyao Ancient City is somewhat a commercialized tourist spot, but Pingyao retains its charm and cultural integrity. The local shops, street food, and traditional performances make the experience even more immersive.

There’s many historical places which they have rebuilt, maintained and a lot of authentic Chinese food with a dedicated street full of food vendors around the back.

Definitely try to go early as there’s a lot to explore.

In summary, Pingyao Ancient City is a perfect blend of history, culture, and charm. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Pingyao will not disappoint. It’s a 5-star destination that leaves a lasting impression on...

I didn’t regret making a day trip to this ancient city, even though it started really early and felt a bit rushed and tiring. The exhaustion was made worse by the sudden shift in weather, it turned unexpectedly sunny and hot. Honestly, it’s worth staying at least one night here. The city wall gave off a stronger sense of antiquity than Xi’an’s, though both have their own unique charm. One curious note is that every area I visited had a distinct, indescribable smell. It wasn’t like the musty scent of old UK castles or mansions I’ve been to before. I jokingly told my friend, maybe it’s the smell of death, centuries of it lingering in the air. It is a must...