Discover Pingyao Ancient City, a well-preserved walled city in Shanxi Province with a history of over 2,800 years. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, it’s the most complete surviving traditional county-level city from the Ming and Qing dynasties in China.

Known as the “Turtle City” for its symmetrical urban pattern, Pingyao features a six-kilometer ancient city wall with solid grey bricks. The towering wall, equipped with six city gates and seventy-two watchtowers, has stood firmly for centuries. Inside the city, four main avenues, eight small streets, and dozens of alleys criss-cross neatly, forming a classic ancient urban grid that has barely changed for over 600 years.

Walk on the bluestone roads and be surrounded by rows of gray-tiled courtyards, ancient shops, and wooden archways, feeling as if travelling back to the prosperous times of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visit the famous Rishengchang Draft Bank, the earliest prototype of modern banking in China, which once drove the booming commercial trade across the country.

Beyond its profound history, Pingyao boasts rich folk customs and authentic local flavours. Traditional handicrafts, ancient folk performances, and classic local delicacies fully display the charm of northern Chinese folk culture. Different from bustling modern cities, Pingyao maintains a slow and peaceful lifestyle. Daytime witnesses leisurely street walks and cultural exploration, while nightfall adorns the ancient city with warm lantern lights, creating a serene and romantic ancient night scene.