Ancient City of Ping Yao

The Ancient City of Ping Yao is a magnificent relic of imperial China, standing as the best-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city. Located in Shanxi Province, it remains a “living city” where the daily lives of 20,000 residents unfold amidst architecture that has remained largely unchanged since the 14th century.

---

Attraction

Ping Yao is a time capsule that lures travelers with its undisturbed Ming and Qing dynasty atmosphere:

• The “Wall Street” of Ancient China: It was the financial capital of the Qing Empire. Visitors can explore the Rishengchang Draft Bank, the first modern bank in China, which once controlled half of the nation’s silver trade.
• Turtle City Layout: Viewed from above, the city walls resemble a turtle (a symbol of longevity). You can walk the 6-kilometer perimeter of the City Wall for a bird’s-eye view of the courtyard houses.
• Authentic Street Life: Unlike “museum towns,” Ping Yao is filled with local life. South Street (Ming-Qing Street) is a vibrant corridor of traditional medicine shops, tea houses, and paper-cutting workshops.

---

Heritage

Inscribed in 1997, the site is recognized under Criteria (ii), (iii), and (iv):

• Criterion (ii) & (iv): It is an exceptional example of Han Chinese urban planning, reflecting the evolution of architectural styles over five centuries.
• Criterion (iii): It stands as a historical witness to the economic prosperity and the birth of the Chinese banking system.
• The Complex: The listing includes the city itself plus the Shuanglin Temple (famous for 2,000 painted sculptures) and Zhenguo Temple (home to one of China’s oldest timber halls).

---

Gateway

• The City: Taiyuan is the provincial capital and the primary gateway.
• Airport: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (TYN) connects to major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.
• Transit: From Taiyuan, a high-speed train reaches Pingyao Gucheng Station in just 30 minutes.
• Lodging: While Taiyuan has international chains like the Pullman Taiyuan, most travelers prefer staying inside Ping Yao in traditional courtyard guesthouses (e.g., Jing’s Residence) to experience the “Kang” (heated brick) beds.

---

When

• September to October: The most comfortable weather. Late September often hosts the International Photography Festival.
• January/February: For the Chinese New Year. The city is decorated with thousands of red lanterns, and traditional “Shehuo” folk performances take over the streets.
• Avoid: The first week of October (Golden Week), as crowds can be overwhelming.

---

Consideration

• The “Through Ticket”: Entry to the city streets is free, but you need a Pingyao Scenic Area Pass (approx. 125 RMB) to enter the 22 specific attractions like the Bank or the County Government Office. The pass is valid for 3 days.
• No Cars Allowed: The ancient city is pedestrian-only. Be prepared to walk several miles or hire an electric cart.
• Cash & Payments: While Alipay and WeChat Pay are dominant, some smaller stalls still prefer cash (CNY). Ensure your mobile payment apps are set up before arrival.
• Stairs: Climbing the City Wall and temple platforms involves steep, uneven stone steps. Wear sturdy walking shoes.

---

Resources

1. UNESCO World Heritage – Ping Yao: The official global dossier and map of the protected zones.
2. Travel China Guide – Pingyao: Excellent for up-to-date bus and high-speed train schedules.
3. The China Guide – Pingyao Ancient City: Detailed descriptions of the “Must-See” museums and banks inside the walls.
4. Visit Our China – Pingyao Guide: Helpful cultural insights into the Jin Merchant history.
5. Trip.com – Pingyao Hotels & Flights: The primary platform for booking traditional courtyard stays and domestic China flights.

---