I took a walk around the eastern side of the town where no tourists seem to venture and here's some photo's of the buildings. Pingyao looks like it's actually quite a poor town despite the barrage of tourists. This is the "real" side of the town and well worth a visit to get some contrast to that of the main tourist areas. Some of the buildings look very dilapidated and in need of some urgent repair.
Written Sep 5, 2009
To the north of the Temple of the City of God is a wonderful but surprisingly somewhat ignored, 9 Dragon Screen wall. Although this wall is not quite as well maintained or large as those in the Forbidden City and Datong, just the same it is interesting. I sort of came by it by accident as I left the Temple of the City of God by way of the North Entrance.
Updated Dec 28, 2007
Hire a taxi for 300 Yuan and head for the Qiao family courtyard home about an hour from Pingyao which was the site for the film, Raise the Red Lantern.
The house was built by Qiao Guifa, who made his fortune by selling tea and bean curd in Inner Mongolia and ended up owning more than two hundred stores and money shops. It consists of six courtyards divided into 20 smaller courtyards with a total of 313 buildings within a high wall.
Various exhibits depict aspects of traditional Chinese life with English explanations.
The courtyards themselves evoke tremendous appeal with lanterns, ornate windows and doors.
Cost of entry: 40 Yuan
Written Jan 15, 2007
Kuixing Tower is one of the lovelier towers that you find along the City Walls of Pingyao. Compared to the other towers, it is quite elaborately designed. It has an eight sided pavilion the rises above the ramparts. The Kuixing Tower is located on the southeast section of the walls in an area that does not receive the hordes of tourists that fill Pingyao.
Written Dec 19, 2006
Want to do something different for a change?
Why not playing pool with the locals...
And forget about poolrooms - in china it all happens on the street.
An advice - don't go playin' pool for money, even if the locals say they haven't played for some years...
Written Nov 1, 2004
This Catholic Church is located in the south-east of the town near the eastern wall.
Just off Cheng Huang Temple Street.
Written Sep 5, 2009
Written May 28, 2004
Written May 28, 2004
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Reviews and photos of Pingyao attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Pingyao sightseeing.

This Catholic Church is located in the south-east of the town near the eastern wall.Just off Cheng Huang Temple Street.
2 members live in Pingyao

Q: I am planning a trip to China mid Oct. I worry I might have problem to get sleeper train ticket from Pingyao to Xian. I will take...
A: Chinese Train ticket system is a national network, you can buy the ticket Pingyao-->Xian from Beijing/Taiyuan/Datong Station, but you must pay attention to Pre-sale...
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Pingyao is an enchanting ancient town renowned for its city wall and the streets, shops and buildings which are largely preserved untouched from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Originally the city was...
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Spend RMB80 Day Ticket to get access to all scenic spots (including city wall, museums) But if you want to avoid the crowd, you can just wander in the streets and still a lot of old houses to look at...
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Pingyao is probably the best example of what Chinese urban life was like during the Ming Dynasty some 400 years ago. It one of the few remaining walled cities in China. Pingyao has recently been...
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Pingyao, an Ancient Town of 2700 Years of History

Pingyao is a famous historic cultural city of China and a world cultural heritage site. Located in the center of Shanxi Province, it’s 90 kilometers south of Taiyuan on the Fen River. People lived...
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The Best Preserved Walled City

I've got some interesting experiences in Pingyao. I'd love to share with you the 4 tips I've written, the 43 photos uploaded, and 5 travelogues I've created.
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