Pingyao
A truly ancient city that dates back almost 2,700 years, Pingyao is arguably one of the best-preserved places in the world - for which it won a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the Qing Dynasty, Pingyao served as the finance capital of China, home to a series of banking conglomerates who controlled the silver trade, on which the national currency was based.
While such banks eventually declined when faced with stiff competition from foreign corporations, Pingyao managed to preserve its heritage; among the top highlights include The City Walls, whose gates date from almost seven hundred years ago, and the Rishengchang Exchange House, once China's largest, most powerful bank.
Experiences
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City Walls
Built between 827-782 BC, the ancient City Walls of Pingyao are over 2,700 years old. Shaped like a tortoise, the Chinese symbol of longevity, the wall comprises 72 watchtowers, a moat, and 3,000 firing-holes. The wall measures 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), and makes for a pleasant stroll.
Rishengchang Exchange House
The Rishengchang Exchange House is an excellent destination where one can learn about the fascinating banking history of Pingyao. Pingyao was the financial center of all of Mainland China during the latter part of the Qing Dynasty and featured the first bank in the entire nation – Rishenchang – which controlled half of the silver trade in the nation. At its height, the bank had over 400 branches, and it only went out of business in 1914.
Temple of the City God
The Temple of the City God, or Chenghuang Miao, contains several courtyards and halls and a beautiful wooden archway. It was originally built in 960 A.D. and has been renovated on two occasions – in 1544 and 1859.
Zhengou and Shuanglin Temple
The Zhengou Temple and Shuanglin Temple are located on the outlying parts of the city. Both are Buddhist temples, and Zhengou is noted for its flying eaves and early 10th century sculptures, while Shuanglin houses more than 2,000 decorated clay statues that date from the 12th to the 19th centuries.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Shanxi Journey: History and Temples in the Sky
- Author
- Travelogues
An expedition on China’s roads from the Hanging Temple of Datong to the ancient walled city of Pingyao, tracing China’s history all the way.
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