SUKHA: Ancient Streets

Pingyao Ancient City （平遥古城）covering a total land of 2.25 sq.km., is presently a home to 42k residents. The town was built in accordance to a traditional planning with buildings laid out to its different functions, in style of Han ethnic group (汉族）. There are 4 main streets and 8 small roads radiated to join with 72 alleys making the town a neat grid. About 400 units of its existing 3797 courtyard houses (Siheyuan 四合院) within the town area, are especially well preserved. The old buildings bring back a scene of the flourishing city of Pingyao during Ming and Qing Dynasty. Pingyao city surrounded by a turtle like ancient wall, is as if a large historical museum.

South Street commonly known as Ming Qing Street (明清街) is located at the central axis of Pingyao Ancient Town. It is one of the most important and bustling street in the area. Though it is quite touristy but its original characteristic is well kept.

Pingyao ancient city though was no longer economically prosperous, it is still an interesting attraction to many travelers. During peak season, visitors per day reach up to 3 times its maximum capacity.

A sea of black roof is an unique scenery from an elevation view.

Most of the original quadrangle residential houses are all of the same, black bricks with grey tiles.

Market Tower was built in 14th century.

To have a panorama view of the ancient city, pay rmb5 and climb up the Market Tower through a narrow stairway is a must.

The scene of the golden wave formed by the reflection of sunlight into the well water could never be witness again as the old golden well at a corner under the Market Tower, had been winded up and covered up by a huge stone.

Plenty of cultural relics along the South Street.

Old buildings in antique architecture style along the Ming-Qing ancient street bring you back to old China at that time.

Pingyao old city played an important role in the economic development of Shanxi Province during the era of Ming and Qing Dynasty.

Tian Yuan Kui Guesthouse is a beautifully renovated courtyard house offering a different experience of staying especially for foreign visitors.

Strolling down the streets to explore rows of residences in its original architectural style and in the meantime experience the former glory of the ancient city.

Pingyao ancient city has become a hot attraction to many foreign travelers especially after it was declared as a world cultural heritage in year 1997

Get a moment of feel to become an emperor of Ming and Qing? Pay and be seated into the emperor's throne, ready for you on the bustling streets.

Each street or each structure here has its own stories to tell about the past 1000 years.

Various lanterns in different shapes and designs hanging in front of almost all shops look impressive especially when they are lighted up at night.

The wooden shops and stores along both sides of the streets, sell food or souvenirs especially those antic items.

Ancient city is lighted up with fabulous lanterns.

The siheyuan converted guesthouse looks exceptional gorgeous at night. The sight creates an optical illusion for most people to believe that they were in Ming and Qing period, especially there was a time keeper in ancient costume walking around the street yelling loud for neighboring shops to be beware of fire.

The attractive lanterns decorated the ancient old city into a lighting world

The gorgeous market tower appears in gold when lighted up at night.

Being one of the Chinese historic and cultural city, the buildings, streets, and storefronts of Pingyao Ancient city still largely retain their historical appearance.

City was dubbed as a living sample of Chinese old city.

Some of the preserved Ming and Qing style residences and shops.

Richly decorated shops scattered all over the town.

A magnificent tower carried a beautiful name of Tingyu-lou （听雨楼） on one end and Guanfeng-lou （观风楼） on the opposite side, which literally means tower for listening to rain and for watching the wind.