Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pingyao Don't Miss List
YANG MAOLIN, PINGYAO LOCAL
1 CITY WALL
I simply love the city wall (
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) around Pingyao. The fine Ming-dyn-
asty ramparts are all around you as soon as you enter town. From the earli-
est days, residents have clambered onto the fortification, especially at the
time of the spring festival when locals dress up in their very finest. It is al-
ways very satisfying to look out over town and compare the grey bricks and
tiles of Pingyao with the great view beyond.
2 SHUANGLIN TEMPLE
Local people really revere Shuanglin Temple (
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). On the eighth day
of the fourth month (on the lunar calendar), worshippers flock down to the
temple to light incense and worship Buddha. Some pray to Guanyin for
peace for their family; others pray to the Money God for lucrative business;
others still entreat Niangniang for a son or daughter.
3 NAN DAJIE
Pingyao's best-known street - the 440m-long Nan Dajie (
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) -
forms the commercial heart of town and has come to symbolise Pingyao.
Most of the buildings down here date to the Ming and Qing dynasties,
presenting a genteel and well-preserved portrait of old Pingyao.
4 CITY TOWER
You've got to climb the 300-year-old City Tower (
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) on Nan Dajie
for a fine perspective of the town. With its Qing-dynasty tablets and iron bell
and original Qing-dynasty murals adorning the eastern and western walls
the views over the old town are excellent.
5 PINGYAO BEEF
When you've finished sightseeing, try some of Pingyao's exquisite and
tender beef (
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), which enjoys a nationwide reputation. When the
