Travel
16:09, 18-Oct-2018
In pictures: The ancient walled city of Pingyao City in Shanxi Province
Updated
15:24, 21-Oct-2018
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The ancient walled city of Pingyao was built in the 14th century, and was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, as "an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city."
The city boomed in the 19th century when it became China's financial center, thanks to Shanxi merchants expanding their businesses across the country. Now, the well-preserved compounds of these affluent merchants have combined with emerging modern elements like souvenir shops and bars, as well as photography festivals and theatrical performances to once again bring the ancient city to life and make it a popular tourist attraction.
Tourists visit the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 17, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
Tourists visit the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 17, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
A tourist sits in a coffee house within the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 15, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
A tourist sits in a coffee house within the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 15, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
Tourists take photos on an old street of the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
Tourists take photos on an old street of the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
Tourists walk on an old street of the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
Tourists walk on an old street of the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
A tourist selects lacquerwares at a store within the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
A tourist selects lacquerwares at a store within the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency