Discover Pingyao Ancient City: China’s Historical Heritage.
Pingyao Ancient City, located in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, China, is one of the oldest and most famous ancient cities in the country. With a turtle-like shape, the main southern gate of the city is also known as Yingxunmen, meaning the gate welcoming the south wind. Pingyao Ancient City, with its long history, still retains the appearance of a 14th-century structure, making it an attractive destination for tourists who love history and culture.
Pingyao Ancient City has a circumference of more than 6.1 km with 6 city gates, a city wall about 10m high, built with bricks on the outside and earth on the inside. A 4m deep moat surrounds the base of the city, with a city wall 8 to 12m wide, and a city wall 2.5 to 6m wide. On the city wall, there are 72 battlements and 3,000 loopholes, symbolizing the 72 sages and 3,000 disciples of Confucius.
With a total area of 2.25 km², Pingyao Ancient City is a complex of city walls, streets, temples, shops and houses. The streets inside the city are arranged in the shape of a bagua with 4 main streets, 8 small alleys and 72 alleys, creating a unique bagua structure. In particular, the ancient city also preserves nearly 4,000 traditional architectural works, highlighting the cultural and historical values of this area.
Pingyao Ancient City: Prototype of Chinese Ancient City.
Pingyao Ancient City, with a history of more than 2,800 years, is known as a living prototype for the study of Chinese ancient cities thanks to its unique and rich value. The city is not only famous for its ancient architecture, but also a valuable treasure trove of religion, trade, customs, and folk life. With its 14th-century architecture still preserved intact, Pingyao Ancient City offers an insight into Chinese culture and society through the ages. It is an ideal destination for those who want to explore the unique historical and cultural elements of one of China’s oldest cities.
Explore the Citadel and Ancient Architecture of Pingyao Ancient City.
The majestic tower at the south gate of the ancient city of Pingyao, engraved with the plaque “Four provinces connecting”, represents the important role of this area as a transportation hub connecting four provinces. The gray tiled roof typical of Shanxi not only creates an ancient look but also emphasizes the solemnity of the building. The gate to the old town, with its golden glazed tiled roof, leads to a bustling street full of shops, giving the feeling of going back in time. At the end of the road, the “Pingyao City Tower” – an ancient architectural work more than 500 years old is still preserved intact. In addition, the Dai Thanh Palace in the Temple of Literature, with a history of 850 years, is an important highlight, reflecting the majesty and longevity of the culture here.
Ancient Grade 5A Historical Relics of Pingyao Ancient City.
Pingyao Ancient City is not only famous for its unique architecture but also for preserving many valuable historical and cultural relics. Among them, Thanh Hoang Temple, Van Phat Temple and Chan Quoc Pagoda are must-see destinations. Thanh Hoang Temple, recognized as a 5A-level historical and cultural relic, stands out for its ancient architectural design and profound historical value. These structures not only reflect the richness of local culture but also demonstrate the preservation and maintenance of the cultural heritage of Pingyao Ancient City over the centuries.
Shanxi Specialties and Traditional Culture in Pingyao Ancient Town.
When visiting Pingyao Ancient Town, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Shanxi cuisine at street stalls. One of the prominent specialties of the region is Shanxi vinegar, which is known nationwide for its traditional production process and unique flavor. In addition, a visit to Pingyao also allows you to explore local specialties and traditional crafts, and feel the charm of ancient Chinese commercial culture.
