Pingyao Ancient City is a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty city, renowned for its profound historical heritage and unique architectural style. Strolling along the 6-kilometer-long ancient city wall offers panoramic views of the city and allows one to experience six centuries of historical vicissitudes. Rishengchang Exchange House, China's first exchange house, showcases details of the Shanxi merchants' financial legend, such as its wooden counters, underground vaults, and unique draft coded system. The daily "Ming and Qing Dynasty Court Hearings" performance at the Pingyao County Government Office vividly recreates the daily scenes of an ancient county government.
The streets and alleys within the ancient city are full of life. South Street is home to many century-old shops, such as Guanyun Beef and Jinshenglu Food Shop, offering authentic Pingyao delicacies like beef, bowl-shaped noodles, and oil tea. West Street and Chenghuangmiao Street are more tranquil, perfect for leisurely exploration of the exchange house architecture and intangible cultural heritage handicrafts. At night, Pingyao Ancient City is illuminated by warm yellow lanterns, creating a rich Ming and Qing dynasty atmosphere.