Pingyao Ancient City Wall
Xida St, Pingyao, China, 031199
This is one well-preserved city wall. Built around 1370 during the Ming Dynasty, it was incredibly important for the defense of Pingyao, which was once the main banking center in China. The wall has six gates, resembling a turtle from above, so Pingyao has been nicknamed the “Tortoise City,” a city of immortality.
The basics
Make sure your cameras are charged before a tour to the ancient city wall. You can walk around it on your own, but if you want to know more about its rich history, take a guided tour. Expect a walk around the walls to take 2–4 hours, and wear proper shoes if you plan on doing this. Stay for sunset to get some beautiful photos over Pingyao city.
Things to know before you go
Tickets to the wall are included in your entry fee to Pingyao Ancient City.
Photographers should aim for sunrise or sunset for dramatic shots.
Make sure to bring sun protection, since there isn’t much shade here.
How to get there
It’s easy to get to Pingyao by either bullet train, bus, or car. From Pingyao Ancient City Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to the wall, which takes 15–20 minutes. If you’re already in the city, then you can’t miss the wall; either walk from your hotel or hail a taxi, to or from the wall.
When to get there
Aim for fall when the weather is cool but not cold, the trees are changing color, and festivals are taking place, like the Pingyao International Photography Festival. Keep in mind that these kinds of events draw lots of people, so if you want to be around fewer tourists, stay away during public holidays like Chinese New Year and the first weeks of May and October, as well as festivals.
Pingyao delicacies
You’ll work up an appetite exploring the streets of Pingyao and walking around the ancient wall, so make sure to try some local cured beef and noodle dishes. The beef is slow-cooked with fennel, ginger, and star anise, for a deep flavor. Noodles are handmade from wheat or buckwheat flour, and often shaved into soups or stir-fries for a satisfying meal.
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