Pingyao Ancient Town

Located in the central Shanxi province, the olden town of Pingyao boasts a history that goes back more than 2,700 years. It is the best-preserved ancient county-level town dating to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), and presents a panoramic view of the social and cultural development during that period.

What to see here

1.The layout of the city

Covering an area of 2.25 square kilometers and home to a population of 42,000, Pingyao is a prototype of a town during the imperial era of China. It still keeps the traditional layout and style of streets, shops and folk dwellings dating between the late 14th and the early 20th century. The architectural complexes of its six temples, governmental offices, city walls and the tower pavilion are all the original.

2. Painted statues in temples

Dubbed the third oldest wooden structure in China, the Wanfo Hall of the town’s Zhenguo Temple was built in the 10th century and is a treasure trove of traditional painted statues. The Shuanglin Temple, located southwest of the town, was constructed in the year 571 and preserves more than 2,000 painted statues between the 13th and 17th centuries.