Pingyao Ancient City Wall is regarded as the "Three Treasures" of the Pingyao County together with Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple. And it is one the top attrctions in Pingyao Ancient City. Although there were repeated renovations, the city wall is still in a very good condition.
With a total length of six kilometers, Pingyao City Wall is about 12 meters tall and 3 to 6 meters 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 Pingyao 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.
Pingyao Ancient City is not very big, so you can take a wonderful rickshaw tour. The Ancient City is a popular destination for visitors, so you can find hotels with good facilities everywhere. Of course, hotels with the characteristics of ancient architecture are recommended, thus you will experience the atmosphere of ancient times. On the Ancient Ming-
Qing Street, you can find hotels that must be booked in advance and some local snacks such as Pingyao Beef that has been well-known from the
Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), and Wan Tuo (a kind of delicious food made of flour).
Travel Tips
Add: In Pingyao Ancient City
Entrance Fees: CNY 125 ( This is the ticket fare of Pingyao Ancient City combo ticket, including a visit to almost all scenic sites in the ancient city).
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30
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