Pingyao, located in central Shanxi Province, is a well-preserved ancient town, whose history can be traced back 2,700 years. It was first built during the reign of King Xuan (827-782 BC) of the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771BC).

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. According to UNESCO, "The Old Town of Pingyao is an outstanding example of the Han cities in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, and it retains the traditional features of these periods. Pingyao presents a picture of unusual cultural, social, economic, and religious development in Chinese history. "

The town is surrounded by a completely intact 6-km (3.73 miles) Ming Dynasty city wall. As the central axis of the town, the South Street now still keeps its traditional layout and the unique features. The street used to be the home to banks, pawnshops, oil shops, grain shops, wood ware shops, hotels, clothing shops and dye workshops. All of this made Pingyao of one China's leading financial centers during the Qing Dynasty.

Admission: 120 yuan (US$18.97)/person