Pingyao: An Ancient Chinese Town

Pingyao: Picture of traditional shop.

One of the more traditional shops in town.

If you want to see what life was like in China hundreds of years ago, one of your best options is Pingyao (平遥), in Shanxi province. The village is surrounded by an ancient wall, now located in the center of the modern city of Pingyao. Cars are not allowed in large portions of the ancient village, so you can roam freely, without worrying about getting run over. And while the main street is quite touristy, you only have to walk a few blocks to see life as it was before modern times.

Pingyao is an especially great place to visit if you need to relax for a day or two, as part of a larger journey around China. The village is conveniently located near the high-speed rail line that connects Beijing with Xi'An. What do you think of Pingyao? Would you recommend a visit to any other ancient towns in China? Let me know in the comment section below.

Here are some of my photos from this lovely ancient village:

Pingyao: Picture of wall.

The old city wall is still intact.

Pingyao: Picture of dirt wall.

Much of the wall is comprised of dirt.

Pingyao: Picture of old street.

Some of the streets are not touristy at all.

Pingyao: Picture of scooter.

Electric scooters are super popular nowadays in China.

Pingyao: Picture of coal truck.

Every morning, the coal truck delivers to the local people.

Pingyao: Picture of coal.

They still use coal for heating and cooking.

Pingyao: Picture of tower.

Here's one of the wall's towers.

Pingyao: Picture of main street.

The main street has a lot of Chinese character.

Pingyao: Picture of steet.

More of the main street.

Pingyao: Picture of decorations.

Many walls have fancy decorations.

Pingyao: Picture of church.

There is one old church in Pingyao. It was closed.

Pingyao: Picture of home.

Here is one of the ancient courtyard houses.

Pingyao: Picture of man.

Whatcha lookin' at, sonny?

Pingyao: Picture of people.

The main street of Pingyao can get quite crowded. Luckily, cars aren't allowed.

Pingyao: Picture of gate.

Here's the main gate in town.

Pingyao: Picture of shop.

One of many traditional clothing shops in town.

Pingyao: Picture of street at night.

A rainy night in Pingyao.

Pingyao: Picture of people with umbrellas.

A few people still made it out in the cold rain.

Pingyao: Picture of eggs.

Thousand-year egg is a specialty in China.

Click for more photos from Pingyao

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