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Collaboration of the Week
Pingyao (平遥) is an ancient city in Shanxi province. The city was first built during the Zhou Dynasty (11th century - 256 B.C.), and was expanded during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Pingyao boasts as the only city in China without modern buildings, and is completely reserved as it was hundreds of years ago. There are only traditional Chinese structures, and narrow stone-plate streets with many colorful shops on both sides.
Known as one of the four "most well-preserved ancient cities" in China, Pingyao is surrounded by its turtle-like ancient city walls. The wall was first constructed in the early Ming Dynasty to protect the city from the aggressions from the north. Pingyao's city wall measures a perimeter of 6,163 meters and a height of 12 meters. The wall encircles an area of about 2.25 square kilometers, and separates the city into two worlds with different styles of structures.
In 1986, Pingyao was designated as one of the historic and cultural cities in China. In 1997, the old city, along with he outlying Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple, was declared a World Cultural Heritage site.
You can visit Pingyao year around. But fall is the best season because of its cool and pleasant weather. The time around the Spring Festival is also a good time to visit because of all the rich traditional holiday activities. ( more Pingyao ...)
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