Ancient City Wall of Pingyao
» Pingyao, Shan Xi

平遥古城墙 龟城 华北第一城

From a bird's eye view the rectangular wall resembles a tortoise; hence the Pingyao Ancient City was named "Turtle City." Except the southern wall zigzagging a bit, the other three walls all go straight, making the city area a square one.

Pingyao Ancient City

Pingyao is a tiny ancient town located in central Shanxi Province, 100 kilometers away from Taiyuan-capital of the province. It is one of the four ancient cities well preserved in China Originally built in the West Zhou Dynasty, boasting a long history of over 2,700 years. As its sound preservation of urban landscape in China's Ming and Qing Dynasty, Pingyao was added to the UNESCO's World Heritage List in Dec. 31st 1997.

A look at the ancient wall

Ancient City Wall is one of "Three Treasures" of Pingyao, the other two being Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple. This city wall enjoys the longest history compared with the others across China and remains almost intact. The walls measure about 12 meters high, with a perimeter of 6,000 meters. A 4-meter wide, 4-meter deep moat can be found just outside the walls.

Weathering through storms

According to historical records, in the West Zhou Dynasty, the King of Xuan dispatched his general fighting against invaders of other nationalities. The general stationed his troops and constructed defense wall there.

In early Ming Dynasty, since the year of 1370 A.D., the government had enlarged and reconstructed the city wall to present size for military purpose. In the late 500 years of Ming and Qing Dynasties, the wall had been reconstructed and repaired for 26 times or so, with its basic style and size remained without many changes. However, it has kept the original look of the early Ming dynasty. The whole city takes a quadrate shape with walls of 12 meters high.

From then on, the magnificent wall has been stood there for 600 years through the war flames and natural corrosions. Glints and flash of swords and spears, and flames and explosions of war all have become historical things. Military function of the strong and high city wall has died out. Nowadays the old wall presents to the later generations the changing dynasties and events that occurred in the past thousand years.

How many gates it has

There are six city gates, one each on the north and south walls, and two each on the west and east walls. The south gate is the head of the tortoise, the two wells outside being the two eyes of tortoise. The north gate, the lowest place of the city, likes the tail of tortoise. In Chinese culture the tortoise is considered a symbol of longevity. All six city gates have gate towers and inside gates attached to them.

There are 72 watchtowers on the top of city wall and 3,000 external battlements. It is said that the 72 watchtowers represent 72 people of great wisdom, the 3,000 battlements the 3,000 disciples of Confucius.

Something to suggest

If you want to visit

From Taiyuan City to Pingyao Ancient City, buses run every 20 minutes. You can catch a bus on Jianshe Nan Lu, opposite Taiyuan Railway Station and at the railway station in Pingyao Ancient City to return. Pingyao Ancient City is not very big, so you can take a wonderful rickshaw tour.

If you want to stay

Pingyao Ancient City is a popular destination for travelers, so you can find hotels with good facilities everywhere. Of course, hotels with the characteristics of ancient architecture are recommended, thus you will experience the atmosphere of ancient times. On the Ancient Ming and Qing Streets , you can find hotels that must be booked in advance and some local snacks such as Pingyao Beef that has been well-known from the Ming Dynasty, and Wan Tuo (a kind of delicious food made of flour).

Attractions around » Pingyao, Shan Xi

Historical Site

Historical Site

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. Tips for Pingyao's weather

  Food

  1. What should I need to note when eating in Pingyao?

  Shopping

  1. What are the speciality products of Pingyao?

  • What should we note in terms of Pingyao's weather?

    Pingyao is situated on the Loess Plateau and is windy and dusty. So you had better not dress in light color. Besides, the air is dry and you should take good care of your skin, and drink more water, or else your lips will be chapped.


  • What are the speciality products of Pingyao?

    Pingyao beef, Pingyao lacquerwork, paper cuttings, embroidered satin shoe and so on.


  • What should I need to note when eating in Pingyao?

    The soil of Pingyao is alkaline, so we strongly recommend you to drink a spoon of local mature vinegar before your three meals a day because the local vinegar could reduce the alkalescence and prevent intestinal disease.

    Proper diet is important. Don not eat too much. Eat more vegetables, fruits and drink more water in order to adapt yourself to the plateau-climate. You had better not smoke or drink.


Among the "Three Treasures" of Pingyao Ancient City, the Ancient City Wall is rated highest, the other two being Zhengguo Temple, and Shuanglin Temple. This city wall enjoys the longest history compared with the others across China and remains almost intact.

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