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China travel and tour destination Pingyao

China Destination Guide - Pingyao 平遥

Pingyao is a Ming Dynasty city with the only complete city wall of that era left in China. Centuries ago it was the centre of Chinese banking and this wealth has left an abundance of Ming architecture from houses to temples giving the most complete example of what a Ming city would have looked like. Pingyao also holds an International Photography Festival every September which draws in entries from all over the world providing a stark contrast with the aura of history Pingyao creates.

➤ TCTC Tip: Pingyao is usually visited by bullet or overnight train from Beijing and before Xian.

What there is to see in Pingyao:

Hike or bike the complete City Wall giving you an ever changing vista over the old city and a glance into the many courtyard homes which are closed off from ground level - a great way to lose the crowds.
Many old courtyard homes are now preserved and can be visited. Many of these homes were fronted by the family business, usually banking, with the living quarters at the rear. A fantastic insight into the way wealthy Ming lived.
Pingyao has it's fair share of temples, some restored but others magically untouched by restoration.
Simply walking the streets, it is very easy to step back in time from the few touristed streets and find the real pingyao.
For those interested in Photography the annual Photo Festival usually held in September is a must. We think it won't be too many more years before this is internationally renowned.

Best time to Visit the Pingyao

The spring and autumn months of April and May as well as September and October respectively are the best, as in much of Northern and Central China, although the city can be visited year round. The week of the Photography festival in September is always busy and should be booked long in advance.

Best reason to visit the Pingyao

There are few largely intact ancient cities left in China and so the completeness of the Ming architecture here is the best reason to visit in our opinion. Despite increasing popularity much of Pingyao feels little changed from Ming times once you are inside its magnificent city walls.

Our last word on the Pingyao

Seeing as it is relatively easy to fit a trip to Pingyao in between Beijing and Xian it is well worth considering it as an option. If you have an interest in photography at all the Photography Festival shouldn't be missed both as an opportunity to see the best of Chinese and foreign exhibitions as well as sheer photogenic value as well!