平遥
The fortified city of Pingyao
Although the People´s Republic of China is a quickly changing country. Building its new infrastructure and modern day industry at an amazing pace. There are still some places, that preserve its ancient appearance. And one of them is the fortified city of Pingyao.
Initially founded during the reign of emperor Xuan Wang of the western zhou dynasty (827BC-782BC), Pingyao still preserves its imperial layout from the Ming dynasty.
Partly due to a flood in 1977 which had
been diverted by the Ming walls, thus saving the inner city from
the worst damage, the imperial city and its walls survived a proposed
modernization in 1981. This modernization involved the removal of
walls and the construction of wide streets.
In 1997 Pingyao was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and since than all construction projects that would affect its historical appearance are forbidden.
Today we can admire its overall tortoise shape which is outlined by a 6km long and 11m high brick wall. There are two wengcheng gates with gate towers at the east, two at the west and one gate on each remaining side. Additional simple gates were created later to make access to the old city easier.
To strengthen its defense 72 horse-face towers were incorporated into the walls. There are also additional observation towers and more elaborated corner towers. To further improve its defense a deep moat was dug out around the walls. All together these fortifications represent a unique example of a well preserved Ming walled city.
In 1997 Pingyao was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and since than all construction projects that would affect its historical appearance are forbidden.
Today we can admire its overall tortoise shape which is outlined by a 6km long and 11m high brick wall. There are two wengcheng gates with gate towers at the east, two at the west and one gate on each remaining side. Additional simple gates were created later to make access to the old city easier.
To strengthen its defense 72 horse-face towers were incorporated into the walls. There are also additional observation towers and more elaborated corner towers. To further improve its defense a deep moat was dug out around the walls. All together these fortifications represent a unique example of a well preserved Ming walled city.
The old city itself still retains its
imperial layout from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Although some
buildings were newly rebuilt or even replaced with more modern
structures, the majority still consists of old Ming and Qing-style
residences. Depending on the wealth of its former owner, these
residences differentiate in size and decoration. Except defense and
residential structures Pingyao offers also beautiful examples of
temple or administrative architecture.
But what makes this place really unique is its non-sterile atmosphere. The old city is still inhabited by some 50,000 residents. And thus you can see common people selling fruits, vegetables and many other types of goods. Small children playing in the streets and people performing their day-to-day activities like washing laundry or lunching. In combination with the old architecture this place will leave a lasting impression on you.
But what makes this place really unique is its non-sterile atmosphere. The old city is still inhabited by some 50,000 residents. And thus you can see common people selling fruits, vegetables and many other types of goods. Small children playing in the streets and people performing their day-to-day activities like washing laundry or lunching. In combination with the old architecture this place will leave a lasting impression on you.
Getting there:
Pingyao is situated in the Shanxi province, some 80km from the provincial capital, Taiyuan.
Pingyao is situated in the Shanxi province, some 80km from the provincial capital, Taiyuan.
Beijing-Pingyao:
In Beijing go to the West Railway Station and buy a ticket from Beijing to Taiyuan and from Taiyuan to Pingyao. The train connection is excellent. The journey from Beijing to Taiyuan takes only 3 hours with a high-speed train and there are at least 12 daily connections. From Taiyuan to Pingyao it takes one and a half hour and the train connection is even more frequented. The old city is within 5 minutes walk from the train station.
If you would have to buy train tickets outside of Beijing and other major cities, be prepared for long queues and the absence of English speaking personnel or even basic signs in English.
But all you have to do is to write everything on a paper and show it to the personnel. If possible try to find Chinese characters for requested destination.
Remember to keep your ticket the whole ride, coz train tickets are always checked when you exit a train station.
The Ming Walls of Pingyao:
The Old City of Pingyao:
Beijing-Pingyao:
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