Explore China’s oldest city
Pingyao Ancient City, one of China’s four great ancient cities, boasts a history of more than 2,800 years and still retains its appearance since the 14th century. Located in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, the city This well-preserved ancient site is a famous cultural and historical destination in China.
Built around 827 BC, Binh Dao is an ancient fortress that still retains the original structure of a 14th-century city. The city walls stretch over 6.1 km with six gates, about 6.1 km high. 10 meters. The outer walls are made of bricks, while the inner part is filled with earth. Surrounding the base of the wall is a moat about 4 meters deep, the base of the wall is from 8 to 12 meters wide, and the upper surface is from 2.5 to 6 meters wide. The wall has 72 watchtowers and 3,000 battlements, symbolizing the 72 sages and 3,000 disciples of Confucius who traveled throughout feudal countries to spread their teachings.
Covering a total area of 2.25 square kilometers, Binh Dao Ancient City is a complex including city walls, streets, temples, shops and houses. The streets are arranged according to Bagua, including 4 main roads, 8 small lanes and 72 alleys forming a bagua shape. The city still preserves nearly 4,000 traditional ancient buildings.
Pingyao Ancient City is considered a living prototype for the study of China’s ancient cities, offering unique and rich values in architecture, religion, commerce, customs and folk culture. time. The majestic gate tower at the south gate carries a plaque reading “Tongjie of the Four Provinces”, denoting its importance as a transportation hub connecting the four provinces.
Binh Dao Ancient City is a special ancient site with many notable attractions.
Kieu family area
The Qiao Family Residence, which appeared in the famous Chinese film “Raise the Red Lantern” directed by Zhang Yimou, is an impressive architectural masterpiece in Pingyao Ancient City. Covering an area of 9,000 square meters, it includes 313 rooms and six main courtyards, along with 19 smaller courtyards. The Qiao estate was once the residence of the richest family in ancient China.
The complex has a unique design that combines residential and garden styles according to Chinese feng shui principles. From above, the garden forms the shape of the word “Double Happiness”, emphasizing the homeowner’s wish for marital and family happiness.
Zhenguo Temple
Zhenguo Temple, located in the northeast of Pingyao Ancient City, was built during the Northern Han and Southern Han periods of the Five Dynasties. The pagoda was built entirely of precious wood and has a history of more than 1,000 years. The statues in the temple date back to the 10th century and are among the earliest painted in China.
When visiting Zhenguo Temple, you will find two main halls. The front hall, called the Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall, has 14 statues of various colors and forms. Visitors can admire these ancient religious masterpieces, including statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and other deities.
Shilou Tower
Another must-see site in Pingyao Ancient City is Shilou Tower. Standing tall in the city center, the tower covers an area of 133.4 square meters and reaches a height of 18.5 meters. The roof is covered with beautiful green and yellow glazed tiles. Each side of the tower is surrounded by corridors, each corner has three columns. The tower has three floors, each becoming smaller as it goes up, creating the illusion of great height. Towards the southeast is a well whose water is said to be yellow, leading to the tower’s other name, “Golden Well Tower”.
Explore Pingyao Ancient City, a timeless treasure of Chinese history, culture and architecture, and experience the captivating journey through time it offers.
