Heritages offer a glimpse of ancient Pingyao

The ancient city of Pingyao was designated a Chinese Historical and Cultural City by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China in 1986.

In 1990, Pingyao county was divided into two parts, ancient city and new city, with each focusing on heritage protection and modern development, respectively.

In 1993, the renowned relics of Pingyao, including the city wall, 72 watchtowers, Kuixing Pavilion and three barbicans, were restored to their ancient forms.

In the following years, modern institutions, organs, schools and enterprises were moved out of the ancient city. Continuous efforts were made in renovation of ancient buildings including the Pingyao County Administrative Building, Pingyao Confucian Temple, Temple of the City God and the Ancient Ming-Qing Street.

The ancient city of Pingyao was named a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO on December 31, 1997, driving the protection and development of the ancient city.

The ancient city completely renovated itself to feature its antique style from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties by the end of 2000. Its historical and cultural charm has won it great popularity, fascinating tourists at home and abroad.

The new city of Pingyao boasts modern hotels, restaurants and traffic facilities. The folk inns and traditional foods are also fascinating for tourists.

Pingyao is rated as a major Chinese tourism city.

Heritage resource

There are three major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level in Pingyao: the city walls of Pingyao, Shuanglin Temple and Zhenguo Temple.

Dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century–771 BC), the city walls of Pingyao were enlarged in the third year of the reign of the Hongwu Emperor in the Ming Dynasty. The 3,000 magnificent battlements on the top of the city wall represent the 3,000 disciples of Confucius. The 72 watchtowers are considered symbols of 72 people of great wisdom. The city wall remained exceptionally intact, marking the city among the top four ancient cities in China. It is also recognized on the Shanxi Top 10 Tourist Spots list.

 Shuangling Temple, founded in the 6th century, is renowned for its collection of over 2,000 clay sculptures reflecting the exquisite skills of the Ming Dynasty. The sculptures of various sizes are vivid and graceful. They were highly valued by experts from the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements.

 Zhenguo Temple, originally named Jingcheng Temple, was first built in the Northern Han Dynasty, which exited during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (AD 907-960). It is renowned for its architecture. The Ten-Thousand Buddha Hall is most representative of China’s classic timberwork. The antique painted statues in the hall feature late Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) style. They serve as fundamental reference points for the study of Chinese sculpture history as well as the sculpture styles in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Pingyao has six major historical and cultural sites protected at the provincial level.

The Main Hall of Confucian Temples in Pingyao features exceptional Jin Dynasty-style.

Cixiang Temple located in Jiguo village was reconstructed in the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). The lofty Lutai Tower stands within it.

Qing Xu Taoist Temple was founded in the 7th century and restored in the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Its Dragon Hall is noteworthy for its unique architecture.

The City Tower stands in the center of Pingyao. It was reconstructed in the Qing Dynasty.

Built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Jinzhuang Confucian Temple has a collection of painted sculptures of Confucius and his disciples.

Rishengchang Draft Bank, China’s first bank-like organization, is located in Pingyao. It is now a museum where people can learn about China’s banking history.