Ancient City Wall of Pingyao Introduction and Ways to Tour

A brief history

The ancient city wall of Pingyao is located in the central area of the ancient town. It was originally built during the reign of Emperor Xuanwang of the Western Zhou Dynasty and later expanded in the reign of Emperor Honghu of the Ming Dynasty, it’s the earliest and the largest-scale city wall in Shanxi, and China’s best-preserved town-level city wall. It has been placed on the list of World Cultural Heritage Sites.

Some facts

Extending over 6 kilometers, it’s rectangular in shape with 72 watchtowers and 3,000 crenels is extraordinary. It is 6,157 meters long and 10 meters high. Its inner side is consolidated with earth and its outer side is built with bricks. The road in the wall is built with stones and bricks and it is wide enough to accommodate two wagons at the same time.

As a city wall for protection, the city wall has loopholes, shooting jets and crenels for resisting the enemy. There also a moat around the city wall. During the time when wars followed one another, the moat played an extremely important role in protecting the people in the ancient town.

Today, the Pingyao Ancient City Wall is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to walk on top of the wall and get a bird's eye view of the ancient city. The wall also houses many shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibitions, making it a hub of cultural activity in Pingyao. Visitors can learn about the history and significance of the wall and the ancient city through guided tours and museum exhibits. The Pingyao Ancient City Wall is a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.

Ways to tour the ancient city wall of Pingyao

Walk the wall: The most traditional way to tour the city wall is to walk along it, taking in the views of the city from above.

Bicycle tour: Rent a bicycle and cycle along the wall, taking in the views and getting some exercise at the same time.

Horse carriage tour: Hire a horse-drawn carriage and take a leisurely tour of the wall and surrounding city.

Electric cart tour: Rent an electric cart and tour the wall at a quicker pace, covering more ground in a shorter amount of time.

Guided tour: Join a guided tour of the city wall and learn about its history and significance from a knowledgeable guide.

Travel guide of the ancient city wall of Pingyao

The ancient city wall of Pingyao is a well-preserved city wall located in the ancient city of Pingyao, Shanxi Province, China. Here is a travel guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Opening hours: The ancient city wall is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Entrance fee: There is a fee to enter the ancient city wall, which is typically around CNY 80 per person.

How to get there: The ancient city wall is located in the center of Pingyao ancient city and is easily accessible on foot. Taxis and buses are also available for those who prefer not to walk.

What to see: The ancient city wall is over 6,000 meters long and up to 12 meters high, with 72 watchtowers and 4 gates. Visitors can walk on top of the wall and get a bird's eye view of the ancient city. There are also many shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibitions within the wall, as well as museums that showcase the history and significance of the wall and the ancient city.

Safety: The ancient city wall is well-maintained and safe to walk on, but visitors are advised to exercise caution and take care when climbing the steps to the top of the wall.

Photography: Photography is allowed on the ancient city wall and the surrounding area, but visitors are advised to be respectful of others and not block the walkways.

Food and drink: There are many shops and restaurants within the ancient city wall that sell food and drinks. Visitors can enjoy local snacks and refreshments while taking in the sights.

Guided tours: Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history and significance of the ancient city wall and the surrounding area. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into the cultural and historical significance of the site.

The ancient city wall of Pingyao is a unique and fascinating piece of history that is well worth a visit. Whether you're interested in Chinese history and culture or just enjoy exploring unique places, you'll find plenty to see and do at this ancient city wall.

Attention

In recent years, the city wall partially clasped twice. So, the preservation of the city wall has become a pressing issue.

Kuixing Mansion in the southeastern city wall is octagonal in shape and 24 meters tall. It’s covered with glazed facing tiles, which are exquisite and magnificent.

If you climb the city wall from the western gate, the first thing that comes into your vision is the statue of a warrior with weapons in his hands. Seriously looking into the distance, he is just like the guardian god of the ancient town.