Pingyao ancient city [Jinzhong]

The ancient city of Pingyaoi is an outstanding example of a Han Chinese City in Ming and Qing Dynasty. Despite so many events or incidents, this ancient Chinese city with a history of over 2,700 years survived practically as it was in the 600 years or more and ranks as the only intact ancient city of Ming and Qing Dynasties well preserved in China. Of special interest are the imposing buildings associated with banking, for which Ping Yao was the major centre for the whole of China in the 19th and early 20th centuries.