Founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty more than 2,700 years ago, Pingyao Ancient City in Shanxi stands as a remarkably preserved example of a typical city from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Regarded as one of China's "four best-preserved ancient cities," it retains intact city walls, streets, shops, residences and temples laid out in accordance with traditional Chinese urban planning. Today, its historic lanes and timeless architecture continue to attract visitors from around the world.