Overview:

Ping Yao is an ancient city located in central Shanxi, in the Yangtze River Basin. It is one of the four well-preserved ancient cities in China and has been designated an UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a unique urban planning design and architecture, many commercial complexes, and numerous cultural sites and attractions. Its ancient city walls, historical buildings, and mysterious Chinese temples give a glimpse into the past and are a great example of traditional Chinese architecture. Tourists come from all over the world to take in the culture and beauty of Ping Yao. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. Situated on the boundaries of the Loess Plateau and the Shanxi Plateau, Ping Yao is one of the oldest cities in China, with a history going back more than two thousand years. 2. The Ancient City of Ping Yao, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is China’s only surviving ancient walled city. Its well-preserved city walls, together with a vibrant and bustling banking sector which is over three hundred years old, make it a fascinating glimpse into the past. 3. The walls of Ping Yao date back to the Ming Dynasty and are constructed of clay and brick. They stretch over 1900 meters and are 8 meters high, making them one of the most imposing ancient sights in the region. 4. Within the walls are several old merchant's houses which are up to 200 years old, along with over 150 temples and monasteries that were built in and around Ping Yao. 5. The city is also famous as the birthplace of the Rishengchang Bank, the oldest financial institution in China, and merchants from all over came to the city to conduct business. 6. Numerous historic monuments, shrines, and temples of all kinds have been preserved in the city, reflecting both its cultural heritage and its religious significance. 7. Being situated in an area of mineral wealth, the city is surrounded by coal mines and several steelmaking plants, making Ping Yao one of the main producers of steel in China. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Ancient City of Ping Yao in Shanxi Province, China dates back over 2,700 years ago. Evidence of its long history can be found in the many historical buildings and artifacts. Known as “Little Kyoto” by locals and travelers alike, Ping Yao is one of China’s most well-preserved ancient cities. In the beginning, Ping Yao was inhabited and ruled by an ancestor-ancestorized tribe over two thousand years ago. It rose to prominence over the later centuries as a trading hub due to its location along the Fen River. Its prosperity came largely from the trade of silk and paper money. The city began to flourish more so during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). During this period, it was named as the political, economic, and cultural center of the region. During its peak in power, Ping Yao boasted a population of over 200,000 people. It is also known for its many Ming-style architecture, including the City Wall, Zhenguo Temple, Shanhua Temple, and the City God Temple. In 1997, Ping Yao was declared an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its immense significance as one of the best-preserved walled cities of its kind in the world. To this day, the city still bears much of its original character due to the extensive preservation efforts led by the city’s local government after its declaration as a World Heritage Site. Today, Ping Yao continues to attract to tourists from around the world. It’s home to numerous museums, cultural attractions, and festivals. Whether it’s to experience its majestic history or to indulge in its modern attractions, it’s easy to see why it continues to be such a popular destination in Shanxi Province, China. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Pingyao is one of the oldest and best preserved walled cities in China. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. 2. The walled city is surrounded by a six kilometer long wall which was built in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty. 3. Within the walled city, there are two main streets which is 8.5m wide and consists of stores, banks, residential and religious buildings. 4. More than 3000 buildings from Ming and Qing dynasties can be found in the old city. 5. The Rishengchang financial company of Pingyao is the earliest modern bank in the world. 6. Pingyao has many tourist attractions such as Shuanglin Temple, Pai Lou (towers), Zhangbi Valley and the Wang Family courtyard. 7. Pingyao is also famous for its festivals hosted annually in the city, such as the Ping Yao International Financial Culture Festival and Ping Yao Ancient Culture Festival. 8. Pingyao is also popular for its delicious local food such as Pingyao beef and Pingyao fried noodles. 9. The city also offer many outdoor activities such as mountain biking, walking trails and rock climbing. 10. Pingyao is considered a living museum and an important cultural site in China. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era