Pingyao
Unesco World Heritage
The Ancient City of Ping Yao is a well-preserved ancient county-level city in China. Located in Ping Yao County, central Shanxi Province, the property includes three parts: the entire area within the walls of Ping Yao, Shuanglin Temple 6 kilometers southwest of the county seat, and Zhenguo Temple 12 kilometers northeast of the county seat. The Ancient City of Ping Yao well retains the historic form of the county-level cities of the Han people in Central China from the 14th to 20th century. Founded in the 14th century and covering an area of 225 hectares, the Ancient City of Ping Yao is a complete building complex including ancient walls, streets and lanes, shops, dwellings and temples. Its layout reflects perfectly the developments in architectural style and urban planning of the Han cities over more than five centuries. Particularly, from the 19th century to the early 20th century, the Ancient City of Ping Yao was a financial center for the whole of China. The nearly 4,000 existing shops and traditional dwellings in the town which are grand in form and exquisite in ornament bear witness to Ping Yao’s economic prosperity over a century. With more than 2,000 existing painted sculptures made in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shuanglin Temple has been reputed as an “oriental art gallery of painted sculptures”. Wanfo Shrine, the main shrine of Zhenguo Temple, dating back to the Five Dynasties, is one of China’s earliest and most precious timber structure buildings in existence. The Ancient City of Ping Yao is an outstanding example of Han cities in the Ming and Qing dynasties (from the 14th to 20th century). It retains all the Han city features, provides a complete picture of the cultural, social, economic and religious development in Chinese history, and it is of great value for studying the social form, economic structure, military defense, religious belief, traditional thinking, traditional ethics and dwelling form. Source: http://whc.unesco.org
City Wall
With a total length of six kilometers (about four miles), the city wall is about 12 meters (about 40 ft) tall and 3 to 6 meters (about 10-20 ft) wide on top. The wall is of compacted earth covered by bricks and stones. From a bird's eye view the rectangular wall resembles a tortoise. 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, is the tail of tortoise. Traditionally the tortoise was considered a symbol of longevity, so through ancient times the hopes were that the Ancient City would be permanently secure. 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. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Unesco World Heritage
The Ancient City of Ping Yao is a well-preserved ancient county-level city in China. Located in Ping Yao County, central Shanxi Province, the property includes three parts: the entire area within the walls of Ping Yao, Shuanglin Temple 6 kilometers southwest of the county seat, and Zhenguo Temple 12 kilometers northeast of the county seat. The Ancient City of Ping Yao well retains the historic form of the county-level cities of the Han people in Central China from the 14th to 20th century. Founded in the 14th century and covering an area of 225 hectares, the Ancient City of Ping Yao is a complete building complex including ancient walls, streets and lanes, shops, dwellings and temples. Its layout reflects perfectly the developments in architectural style and urban planning of the Han cities over more than five centuries. Particularly, from the 19th century to the early 20th century, the Ancient City of Ping Yao was a financial center for the whole of China. The nearly 4,000 existing shops and traditional dwellings in the town which are grand in form and exquisite in ornament bear witness to Ping Yao’s economic prosperity over a century. With more than 2,000 existing painted sculptures made in the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shuanglin Temple has been reputed as an “oriental art gallery of painted sculptures”. Wanfo Shrine, the main shrine of Zhenguo Temple, dating back to the Five Dynasties, is one of China’s earliest and most precious timber structure buildings in existence. The Ancient City of Ping Yao is an outstanding example of Han cities in the Ming and Qing dynasties (from the 14th to 20th century). It retains all the Han city features, provides a complete picture of the cultural, social, economic and religious development in Chinese history, and it is of great value for studying the social form, economic structure, military defense, religious belief, traditional thinking, traditional ethics and dwelling form. Source: http://whc.unesco.org
City Wall
With a total length of six kilometers (about four miles), the city wall is about 12 meters (about 40 ft) tall and 3 to 6 meters (about 10-20 ft) wide on top. The wall is of compacted earth covered by bricks and stones. From a bird's eye view the rectangular wall resembles a tortoise. 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, is the tail of tortoise. Traditionally the tortoise was considered a symbol of longevity, so through ancient times the hopes were that the Ancient City would be permanently secure. 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. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Ancient Ming-Qing Street
was the noisiest centre of business at that time. The street is not very wide, with various kinds of shops orderly arranged along the road. These shops were all built with bricks and stones completely in the style of Ming and Qing architecture, which are all the prototypes of the aged buildings and quite different from the imitation works now. In the granite thresholds of each decent house, two lines of deep traits left by the running-over carriages can still be found, which provides evidence of the former bustle of business and also the pride held for them in the old days. Pingyao Ancient City was established in the centre of Shanxi Province, and is well-known for the Local Resident Houses of the famous Jin (short name of Shanxi) Merchants who indulged in business and then returned many years later when they were quite rich. At this sight, we usually can't help wondering 'How has a prospering business like this existed in Pingyao'. Here, on the Ancient Ming-Qing Street, the called 'Wall Street of China' and where Liang's Compound is located, we'll find an answer. Pingyao had been the focus of trade and lead the national finance for decades since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). On the main streets of South Avenue, West Avenue and East Avenue, various shops, firms and banks are scattered, along with a wide range of businesses, including a teashop, cloth shop, salt shop, silk shop, general merchandise shop, hockshop, exchange shop among others. West Avenue, where the known nowadays as the 'Countryside Grandfather' of sundry Chinese banks, Rishengchang Exchange Shop is located, was called 'the First Financial Street of Great Qing (1644-1911)'. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
was the noisiest centre of business at that time. The street is not very wide, with various kinds of shops orderly arranged along the road. These shops were all built with bricks and stones completely in the style of Ming and Qing architecture, which are all the prototypes of the aged buildings and quite different from the imitation works now. In the granite thresholds of each decent house, two lines of deep traits left by the running-over carriages can still be found, which provides evidence of the former bustle of business and also the pride held for them in the old days. Pingyao Ancient City was established in the centre of Shanxi Province, and is well-known for the Local Resident Houses of the famous Jin (short name of Shanxi) Merchants who indulged in business and then returned many years later when they were quite rich. At this sight, we usually can't help wondering 'How has a prospering business like this existed in Pingyao'. Here, on the Ancient Ming-Qing Street, the called 'Wall Street of China' and where Liang's Compound is located, we'll find an answer. Pingyao had been the focus of trade and lead the national finance for decades since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). On the main streets of South Avenue, West Avenue and East Avenue, various shops, firms and banks are scattered, along with a wide range of businesses, including a teashop, cloth shop, salt shop, silk shop, general merchandise shop, hockshop, exchange shop among others. West Avenue, where the known nowadays as the 'Countryside Grandfather' of sundry Chinese banks, Rishengchang Exchange Shop is located, was called 'the First Financial Street of Great Qing (1644-1911)'. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Rishengchang Exchange Shop
one of the earliest exchange shops in China, is located on West Street. The rectangular compound faces north and is 65 meters (71 yards) long and 20 meters (22 yards) wide. In total it occupies over 1,300 square meters (approximately a third of an acre). It was established in 1823 during the Qing Dynasty (1644--1911). At that time it had over 35 branches in China's major cities. During the Qing Dynasty China's currency was silver coin and there were obvious problems relating to security and convenience if traders had to carry large sums of money in coin form. The exchange shops offered a convenient alternative and thus bills of exchange came into use and an early form of banking created. Cash deposited at one branch could become payable by means of a bill at another as a secure method of transferring funds from one businessman to another regardless of time and distance. The Rishengchang Exchange Shop acquired the reputation of Huitong Tianxia, which means the silver coin and the bills of the exchange could reach every part of the country. Before the establishment of the modern banking system the Rishengchang Exchange Shop had a great influence on the Chinese economy during the 108 years between its opening and ultimate demise in bankruptcy. The shop is within a compound with three courtyards. In the front of the compound, five rooms facing the street served as the gate of the shop. The board with the name of the shop hangs in central position above the five rooms. Passing through these rooms, you will come to the first courtyard in which four cashier's offices are situated on either side of the passage that runs along the axis of the compound. In the second courtyard, the three south facing halls were used for the exchange business. In the second courtyard there are also rooms which housed the staff who worked in the exchange shop, while the second storey served as store rooms. The third courtyard served as accommodation for the senior staff and due to its location away from the noise of the road also provided a resting place for important customers. For security, a net made from metal thread was fixed over the top of the whole compound. Small bells were hung on the net to sound a warning if intruders tried to enter the premises. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
one of the earliest exchange shops in China, is located on West Street. The rectangular compound faces north and is 65 meters (71 yards) long and 20 meters (22 yards) wide. In total it occupies over 1,300 square meters (approximately a third of an acre). It was established in 1823 during the Qing Dynasty (1644--1911). At that time it had over 35 branches in China's major cities. During the Qing Dynasty China's currency was silver coin and there were obvious problems relating to security and convenience if traders had to carry large sums of money in coin form. The exchange shops offered a convenient alternative and thus bills of exchange came into use and an early form of banking created. Cash deposited at one branch could become payable by means of a bill at another as a secure method of transferring funds from one businessman to another regardless of time and distance. The Rishengchang Exchange Shop acquired the reputation of Huitong Tianxia, which means the silver coin and the bills of the exchange could reach every part of the country. Before the establishment of the modern banking system the Rishengchang Exchange Shop had a great influence on the Chinese economy during the 108 years between its opening and ultimate demise in bankruptcy. The shop is within a compound with three courtyards. In the front of the compound, five rooms facing the street served as the gate of the shop. The board with the name of the shop hangs in central position above the five rooms. Passing through these rooms, you will come to the first courtyard in which four cashier's offices are situated on either side of the passage that runs along the axis of the compound. In the second courtyard, the three south facing halls were used for the exchange business. In the second courtyard there are also rooms which housed the staff who worked in the exchange shop, while the second storey served as store rooms. The third courtyard served as accommodation for the senior staff and due to its location away from the noise of the road also provided a resting place for important customers. For security, a net made from metal thread was fixed over the top of the whole compound. Small bells were hung on the net to sound a warning if intruders tried to enter the premises. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Temple of the City God
one of the best preserved temples in China. The whole construction is of a grand scale, and covers an area of 7,302 square meters (approx. 8,733 square yards). The wonderful woodcarvings, stone sculptures, painted sculptures and mural paintings in it reflect excellent craftsmanship. The two murals here are art treasures that are rarely seen in China. The beautiful colored glaze decoration forms a feature of particular interest. The roofs in here are adorned with the colored glaze with the predominant colors of blue and green, all appearing very special and beautiful. The whole temple is composed of Temple of the City God, Caishen (god in charge of fortune in Chinese legends) Temple, and Zaojun (god in charge of food) Temple.
Temple of the City God: It includes many constructions such as Hall of the City God, Theatre Hall, and Sleep Hall. Hall of the City God is the court of law of the city god, thus the atmosphere in the hall is serious and gloomy. The city god is sitting upright in the shrine with the judges and ghosts standing to the side. Sleep Hall is the place where the city god lives with family dependants. The room downstairs is the site where the city god deals with special legal cases and receives guests, while the room upstairs is his bedroom.
Caishen Temple: Three main figures are in the shrine to be worshipped. The sculptures in the shrine are delicately carved and symbolize delight and auspiciousness. The painting on the wall vividly depicts the great occasion of minority's coming a long way to present tribute to emperor. Besides Caishen Temple, there are also Zhenwu Pavilion and the Theatre Hall of Caishen.
Zaojun Temple: Cooking god is one of the most respectable and reliable gods in Chinese people's mind. Legend says that the cooking god is dispatched to supervise people's acts indoors and report the fruit of his work to the highest god every twelfth month of the lunar year. In order to avoid bad deeds being reported, people prepare a kind of delicious dessert for the cooking god named 'Tanggua'. When spring comes, the 100-year-old clove trees bloom and give off perfume, adding vitality to the temple. The temple is deeply rooted in the religious culture and well reflected in the folk customs. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
one of the best preserved temples in China. The whole construction is of a grand scale, and covers an area of 7,302 square meters (approx. 8,733 square yards). The wonderful woodcarvings, stone sculptures, painted sculptures and mural paintings in it reflect excellent craftsmanship. The two murals here are art treasures that are rarely seen in China. The beautiful colored glaze decoration forms a feature of particular interest. The roofs in here are adorned with the colored glaze with the predominant colors of blue and green, all appearing very special and beautiful. The whole temple is composed of Temple of the City God, Caishen (god in charge of fortune in Chinese legends) Temple, and Zaojun (god in charge of food) Temple.
Temple of the City God: It includes many constructions such as Hall of the City God, Theatre Hall, and Sleep Hall. Hall of the City God is the court of law of the city god, thus the atmosphere in the hall is serious and gloomy. The city god is sitting upright in the shrine with the judges and ghosts standing to the side. Sleep Hall is the place where the city god lives with family dependants. The room downstairs is the site where the city god deals with special legal cases and receives guests, while the room upstairs is his bedroom.
Caishen Temple: Three main figures are in the shrine to be worshipped. The sculptures in the shrine are delicately carved and symbolize delight and auspiciousness. The painting on the wall vividly depicts the great occasion of minority's coming a long way to present tribute to emperor. Besides Caishen Temple, there are also Zhenwu Pavilion and the Theatre Hall of Caishen.
Zaojun Temple: Cooking god is one of the most respectable and reliable gods in Chinese people's mind. Legend says that the cooking god is dispatched to supervise people's acts indoors and report the fruit of his work to the highest god every twelfth month of the lunar year. In order to avoid bad deeds being reported, people prepare a kind of delicious dessert for the cooking god named 'Tanggua'. When spring comes, the 100-year-old clove trees bloom and give off perfume, adding vitality to the temple. The temple is deeply rooted in the religious culture and well reflected in the folk customs. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
Confucian Temple
first built in the early years of the Zhenguan era (CE 627-649) of the Tang (CE 618-907) Dynasty, i.e., during the reign of Emperor Taizong, considered as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Chinese emperor. The original, modest temple was not built as a memorial temple, but rather, was the family temple of Confucius himself. The present-day memorial temple complex, which is vast, has been damaged and destroyed over the years but was restored and enlarged roughly to its present format during the middle of the 12th century CE. The memorial temple complex, though dedicated to Confucius from its inception, has not always been called the Confucian Temple. In earlier times it had different titles, among these, that of Dacheng Palace. Under that title, the temple complex was rebuilt in the 3rd Dading Year (CE 1163) of the Jin (CE 1115-1234) Dynasty, i.e., during the reign (CE 1161-1189) of Emperor Shizong. After the complex was renamed the Confucian Temple, its main hall was given the name of Dacheng Palace. Pingyao Confucian Temple is China's oldest preserved Confucian temple. Those parts of the temple complex which stem from the reconstruction in CE 1163 are the only examples of Jin Dynasty Confucian-temple architecture to be found throughout all of China. Moreover, the temple complex boasts 87 sculptures of Confucius and his disciples, the largest grouping of such sculptures in any Confucian temple complex anywhere in the world. Source: www.chinatravel.com
first built in the early years of the Zhenguan era (CE 627-649) of the Tang (CE 618-907) Dynasty, i.e., during the reign of Emperor Taizong, considered as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Chinese emperor. The original, modest temple was not built as a memorial temple, but rather, was the family temple of Confucius himself. The present-day memorial temple complex, which is vast, has been damaged and destroyed over the years but was restored and enlarged roughly to its present format during the middle of the 12th century CE. The memorial temple complex, though dedicated to Confucius from its inception, has not always been called the Confucian Temple. In earlier times it had different titles, among these, that of Dacheng Palace. Under that title, the temple complex was rebuilt in the 3rd Dading Year (CE 1163) of the Jin (CE 1115-1234) Dynasty, i.e., during the reign (CE 1161-1189) of Emperor Shizong. After the complex was renamed the Confucian Temple, its main hall was given the name of Dacheng Palace. Pingyao Confucian Temple is China's oldest preserved Confucian temple. Those parts of the temple complex which stem from the reconstruction in CE 1163 are the only examples of Jin Dynasty Confucian-temple architecture to be found throughout all of China. Moreover, the temple complex boasts 87 sculptures of Confucius and his disciples, the largest grouping of such sculptures in any Confucian temple complex anywhere in the world. Source: www.chinatravel.com
Qiao Family's Compound
displays the special characteristics of North China residences of the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911). It was first built in 1756 in the Qing Dynasty and was renovated several times and enlarged once before the large and magnificent compound finally came into being. First built in the Qing Dynasty by Qiao Zhiyong, who grew up an orphan, made a living as a servant and later become a successful businessman with great wealth. It contains a magnificent complex of buildings, but more importantly because it reflects exquisite workmanship and mastery of architecture. More than 30 films were shot here, among which the most famous one is 'Raise the Red Lanterns'. Viewed from above, the fully-enclosed Qiao Family’s Compound looks very much like the double Chinese character of 'xi' (囍), which means happiness and luck in Chinese culture. It occupies a total area of 10,642 square meters (2.6 acres) with a construction area of 4,175 square meters (1 acre). It comprises 6 major courtyards, 20 smaller courtyards and 313 rooms. With its three sides facing the street, the compound is isolated from the surrounding folk residences, having ten-meter high and 1-meter thick parapet walls (a kind of wall as high as the house, used to keep the yard safe and private). The exquisite design and meticulous craftsmanship make these walls unrivaled. Another important characteristic of the compound is the fact that every house is connected by corridors, which makes it easier for guards to protect the yard. From the main gate which faces east, a long paved path leads to the main hall, at the western end of which is the ancestral hall of the family. This path separates the compound into two parts: the South Yard and the North Yard. Each yard consists of a principle room for the host and side rooms for guests or servants. There are some differences in style between the two kinds of buildings; for example, the principle room has a tiled roof while the side rooms have brick roofs. This keeps the compound from looking monotonous, and also presents the hierarchy within the family. Source: www.chinahighlights.com
displays the special characteristics of North China residences of the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911). It was first built in 1756 in the Qing Dynasty and was renovated several times and enlarged once before the large and magnificent compound finally came into being. First built in the Qing Dynasty by Qiao Zhiyong, who grew up an orphan, made a living as a servant and later become a successful businessman with great wealth. It contains a magnificent complex of buildings, but more importantly because it reflects exquisite workmanship and mastery of architecture. More than 30 films were shot here, among which the most famous one is 'Raise the Red Lanterns'. Viewed from above, the fully-enclosed Qiao Family’s Compound looks very much like the double Chinese character of 'xi' (囍), which means happiness and luck in Chinese culture. It occupies a total area of 10,642 square meters (2.6 acres) with a construction area of 4,175 square meters (1 acre). It comprises 6 major courtyards, 20 smaller courtyards and 313 rooms. With its three sides facing the street, the compound is isolated from the surrounding folk residences, having ten-meter high and 1-meter thick parapet walls (a kind of wall as high as the house, used to keep the yard safe and private). The exquisite design and meticulous craftsmanship make these walls unrivaled. Another important characteristic of the compound is the fact that every house is connected by corridors, which makes it easier for guards to protect the yard. From the main gate which faces east, a long paved path leads to the main hall, at the western end of which is the ancestral hall of the family. This path separates the compound into two parts: the South Yard and the North Yard. Each yard consists of a principle room for the host and side rooms for guests or servants. There are some differences in style between the two kinds of buildings; for example, the principle room has a tiled roof while the side rooms have brick roofs. This keeps the compound from looking monotonous, and also presents the hierarchy within the family. Source: www.chinahighlights.com
Pingyao Historical Buidlings
Pingyao Dining
staple food in is mainly wheaten products like noodles and clay oven rolls. Among these simple food or snacks there are many special ones:
Wantuozi: a kind of traditional snack in Pingyao County made of wheat or buckwheat flour. The flour is mixed with slightly salted water until it becomes a batter; salted water and rape oil is added proportionally to make the batter thin; this thin batter is put in a saucer and steamed for about twelve minutes. Then, the Wantuozi is ready. It can be mixed cold with vinegar, garlic and sesame oil, or it can be stir-fried with yam or potato shreds.
Youmian Kaolao: made of buckwheat. The buckwheat batter should be made with boiling water and kneaded until smooth whilst still hot; this thick batter is cut into small blocks and then rubbed into flat pieces on a smooth stone slab; the flat piece are rolled into a cylinder and placed on end in the steamer. After steaming for about 10 minutes, the delicious 'Xiaomian Kaolao' is ready. It is eaten with some flavoring like tomato or chili sauce. Buckwheat is rich in fat and calories so it is a good dish for people lived in cold area.
Yam: Pingyao has an abundance of Chinese yams which are rich in protein, starch and many trace elements like calcium, magnesium and zinc. Chinese Yam in Honey is a common dish in Pingyao. The steamed Chinese yam block is fried with hot sugar and honey. It tastes sweet, smooth and soft with a light fragrance of honey and the yam itself. Steamed Chinese yams rolled into balls with some lard is also a staple food.
Braised Beef: It is said that has been famous since early in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The beef is divided into sixteen blocks according the structure of the ox; the beef is salted with a kind of local salt for one to three month; the salted beef is stewed with the local salt and alkaline well water for about twelve hours, Pingyao Braised Beef is then ready. With a ruddy appearance, the beef looks tempting. It is fresh and tender in texture and boasts a strong fragrance.
Yellow Wine (also Rice Wine) of Changshengyuan: Changshengyuan is an old shop established over a hundred years and famous for yellow wine in Pingyao. Made from yellow sticky rice and wine yeast, the yellow wine here is lighter, mellow and nutritious. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com
staple food in is mainly wheaten products like noodles and clay oven rolls. Among these simple food or snacks there are many special ones:
Wantuozi: a kind of traditional snack in Pingyao County made of wheat or buckwheat flour. The flour is mixed with slightly salted water until it becomes a batter; salted water and rape oil is added proportionally to make the batter thin; this thin batter is put in a saucer and steamed for about twelve minutes. Then, the Wantuozi is ready. It can be mixed cold with vinegar, garlic and sesame oil, or it can be stir-fried with yam or potato shreds.
Youmian Kaolao: made of buckwheat. The buckwheat batter should be made with boiling water and kneaded until smooth whilst still hot; this thick batter is cut into small blocks and then rubbed into flat pieces on a smooth stone slab; the flat piece are rolled into a cylinder and placed on end in the steamer. After steaming for about 10 minutes, the delicious 'Xiaomian Kaolao' is ready. It is eaten with some flavoring like tomato or chili sauce. Buckwheat is rich in fat and calories so it is a good dish for people lived in cold area.
Yam: Pingyao has an abundance of Chinese yams which are rich in protein, starch and many trace elements like calcium, magnesium and zinc. Chinese Yam in Honey is a common dish in Pingyao. The steamed Chinese yam block is fried with hot sugar and honey. It tastes sweet, smooth and soft with a light fragrance of honey and the yam itself. Steamed Chinese yams rolled into balls with some lard is also a staple food.
Braised Beef: It is said that has been famous since early in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The beef is divided into sixteen blocks according the structure of the ox; the beef is salted with a kind of local salt for one to three month; the salted beef is stewed with the local salt and alkaline well water for about twelve hours, Pingyao Braised Beef is then ready. With a ruddy appearance, the beef looks tempting. It is fresh and tender in texture and boasts a strong fragrance.
Yellow Wine (also Rice Wine) of Changshengyuan: Changshengyuan is an old shop established over a hundred years and famous for yellow wine in Pingyao. Made from yellow sticky rice and wine yeast, the yellow wine here is lighter, mellow and nutritious. Source: www.travelchinaguide.com