Pingyao, Historical walled city in Shanxi, China
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location: Pingyao County
Part of: Shanxi, Ancient City of Ping Yao
Website: http://pingyao.gov.cn
GPS coordinates: 37.19889,112.17667
Latest update: November 27, 2025 20:47
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 like the Tianjin Binhai Library and the Beijing National Stadium represent contemporary development. The collection includes examples from different regions across China. In Beijing stand the Phoenix Center, the National Stadium, and the Pangu Plaza. Shanghai houses the Oriental Pearl Tower and Nanjing Road. In Jiangsu Province, the Danyang-Kunshan Bridge extends for 102 miles (164 kilometers). The Canton Tower in Guangzhou reaches a height of 1,970 feet (600 meters). Historic sites complement the modern structures. The Xi'an City Wall in Shaanxi dates from the Ming Dynasty. The Ancient Town of Pingyao in Shanxi preserves traditional architecture from several centuries. The Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan was carved into a cliff face during the 8th century. The Wenchuan Earthquake Museum documents the 2008 natural disaster.
Qiao's Compound
32.2 km
Wang Family Compound
43.5 km
Rishengchang
620 m
Zhenguo Temple
12.8 km
Shuanglin Temple
5.5 km
Former Residence of Kong Xiangxi
41.4 km
Xianshen Lou
28.9 km
Pingyao Shilou
561 m
Qingxu Guan
1.5 km
Anchan Temple
41.3 km
Baiyun Temple (Pingyao)
14.7 km
Zishou Temple
46.1 km
Jiexiu Houtu Temple
30.2 km
City God Temple
637 m
Wubian Temple
41.5 km
Nanshen Temple
1.6 km
Lingshi Houtou Temple
44.1 km
Jinci Temple
44.9 km
Liyinghou Temple
12.7 km
Jiexiu Wuyue Temple
29.8 km
Huiji Bridge (Pingyao)
1.6 km
Taigu Gulou
41.8 km
Taigu Confucian Temple
41.9 km
Jiexiu Confucian Temple
30 km
Taigu Chenghuang Miao
41.8 km
Pingyao Catholic Church
2.2 km
Ancient City of Ping Yao
2 km
Haijinshan Shuiku
55.1 kmReviews
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