In the last century, Pingyao was a thriving area for commerce and trade. Many commercial activities took place in the streets and alleyways of Pingyao. You could find anything from stamps, money shops, pawn shops, traditional Chinese medicine stores, silk shops and variety stores, down to fans, lanterns, and theatre costumes. As a result, Pingyao enjoyed the title of “Little Beijing.”

Pingyao 平遥

The ancient town of Pingyao is about 90km southwest of Taiyuan City along the Fen River. Pingyao’s hundreds of streets and alleyways, as well as the thousands of folk houses have become a living memorial of Qing and Ming Dynasty’s history and culture. It is one of the best preserved ancient cities in China today and has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Past the Lucheng River, the arched city walls and the Gate Tower, Pingyao’s ancient buildings and turrets can be seen in all directions.

Outside Pingyao, the surrounding countryside is wide and open. Below the city walls, one can see bricks and white tiles, upturned eaves on the buildings, as well as the various shop signs along the streets.

How to get there:
From Beijing:
Visitors can take train No. 1163 directly from Beijing to Pingyao
From Taiyuan:
Pingyao is not far from Taiyuan, visitors from other parts of China can head to Taiyuan. The trip from the Jiannan Bus Station in Taiyuan to Pingyao take two hours.

Accommodation:
Zhengjia Hotel 郑家客栈
68 Yamen Jie, Pingyao平遥古城内衙门街68号
0354-5684466
This hotel features clean rooms, good service and ancient style decorations.
Reference price: 250RMB/night

Source: ifeng.com

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Related Links

The most completely conserved ancient county—Pingyao -In Pictures
Taiyuan City Guide--Your Guide to Taiyuan Travel & Expat Life
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