Pingyao, Historical walled city in Shanxi, China
Description
The city walls stretch for 6,163 meters at 12 meters high, incorporating around 3,000 battlements and several watchtowers that once defended the settlement from external threats.
History
Construction of defensive fortifications in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty transformed Pingyao into a major commercial and financial hub of imperial China, preserving its architecture through subsequent centuries.
Culture
The settlement preserves over 4,000 traditional residences and 300 historic buildings with inhabited neighborhoods that continue to support daily life for more than 20,000 residents today.
Practical
The Datong-Puzhou railway and Datong-Xi'an high-speed rail lines connect Pingyao to major cities, while National Highway 108 provides road access. Visitors can walk along the city walls and explore various museums.
Did you know?
Rishengchang Draft Bank, established in 1823 within the walls, developed into the first nationwide banking chain system across China with branches in over 30 cities, revolutionizing money transfer through paper drafts instead of transporting silver.
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Chinese architecture spans modern skyscrapers, historic fortifications, and technical structures. From the glass bridge in Longtan Valley to the Canton Tower, these buildings combine tradition and modern technology. Temples, fortresses, and museums tell the country's history, while newer structures...
Rishengchang
620 m
Zhenguo Temple
12.8 km
Shuanglin Temple
5.5 km
Pingyao Shilou
561 m
Qingxu Guan
1.5 km
Baiyun Temple
14.7 km
City God Temple
637 mFormer Residence of Lei Lütai
96 mCixiang Temple
10.5 km
Nanshen Temple
1.6 km
Liyinghou Temple
12.7 kmLongfu Temple (Pingyao)
4.3 km
Huiji Bridge (Pingyao)
1.6 km太和岩牌楼
17.6 km金庄文庙
4.7 km
Pingyao Catholic Church
2.2 km
Ancient City of Ping Yao
2 kmYingXunMen
361 mZhenwu Temple North Gate
1.2 kmLower West Gate
880 mLower East Gate
1.1 kmUpper West Gate
661 mTaiHeMen
879 mEr Lang Temple
934 mNine Dragons Wall
669 m张壁
32.5 kmShi Lou City Tower
581 m马家大院
1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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