HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsAncient City of Pingyao
Shanxi · China
As one of the four best preserved old cities in China, the 2,700-year-old Ancient City of Pingyao is famous for containing the most complete dwellings complex and shops with architectural style of Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 – 1911), which are arranged at both sides of the 400-meter-long Ancient Ming-Qing Street. Situated in the center of the city, Ancient Government Office is built with a symmetrical layout. In Security Guard Company, you will know the history about the security industry through the cases, vehicles and weapons used at that time. From our guide's explanation, you will know the cultural background of Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the first private financial institution in China.
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Ancient City of Pingyao
Welcome to the Ancient City of Pingyao, a remarkable enclave nestled within China's Shansi Province that serves as a living museum of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As we stand here, you are stepping back over two thousand seven…
Listen in the app2The South Gate — The Head of the Turtle
We begin our exploration at the Central South Gate, arguably the most vital entrance to the walled city. In the 'Turtle City' metaphor, this gate represents the head of the turtle, the point from which the city's energy and…
Listen in the app3Ma Family Residence — The Architecture of Status
As we move into the residential quarters, we arrive at the Ma Family Residence, the ancestral home of Ma Jong Shuang, one of Pingyao’s four most successful merchants. This sprawling complex is a masterclass in Qing Dynasty…
Listen in the app4The Culinary Soul — Knife-Cut Noodles and Vinegar
Walking through the narrow alleys, you will inevitably encounter a sensory hallmark of Pingyao: the sharp, fermented aroma of Shansi aged vinegar. This black vinegar is a staple of the regional diet and is famously stored in…
Listen in the app5The Confucian Temple — A Legacy of Learning
Located in the southeast of the city, the Confucian Temple, or Wen Miao, represents the intellectual and spiritual bedrock of old Pingyao. This temple complex is one of the largest of its kind and holds a special place in Chinese…
Listen in the app6The Ancient Government Office — Law and Order
Our journey continues to the Xian Ya, the ancient government office complex that served as the administrative heart of Pingyao for centuries. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this vast compound was where the local magistrate lived…
Listen in the app7Traditional Craftsmanship — The Art of Lacquer
Pingyao is not only a city of finance and governance but also a treasure trove of traditional craftsmanship. As you walk along the side streets, keep an eye out for workshops dedicated to lacquerware, a craft that has flourished…
Listen in the app8Seeing Pingyao — Immersive History
To truly grasp the emotional weight of Pingyao's history, one must experience 'Once Again Seeing Pingyao,' a large-scale immersive drama performed in a specially designed theater just outside the city walls. Unlike a traditional…
Listen in the app9Closing
As our journey through the Ancient City of Pingyao draws to a close, we are left with a profound sense of continuity. In a world characterized by rapid change and the constant drive for novelty, Pingyao stands as a beacon of…
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What is Ancient City of Pingyao?
Ancient City of Pingyao is a place in Shanxi · China with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Shanxi · China |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 37.2012, 112.1801 |
| Last updated |
