Pingyao county

An aerial view of the Ancient City of Pingyao [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]

Pingyao county which is covered by hills, mountains and plains has an area of 1,260 square meters and a population of 520,000.

Pingyao is a historical site. In 1997, the Ancient City of Pingyao along with the local attractions Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple, were included in Pingyao's listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city walls were the best preserved of their kind in China. There are 143 cultural relic protection sites, including 19 sites which qualify for national-level protection. The Rishengchang Exchange Shop built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was the first draft bank in China, setting the basis for China’s modern banking system.

Pingyao is a tourist hotspot. There are 24 tourist attractions, six streets and blocks with local characteristics, and 400 souvenir shops. There are also three different theatrical shows being staged at local theaters. In 2015, Pingyao was recognized a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Tourism remains a pillar industry for the county.

A theater in Pingyao where Another Glance at Pingyao, a show depicting scenes from the history of Pingyao, is currently being staged [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]