Chinatodo
You might be surprised to learn that China has an ancient county town built 2,000 years earlier than the Forbidden City, with a scale comparable to the imperial palace yet still perfectly preserved today.
For over a millennium, 42,000 residents have continued living inside its walls. From above, the dense clusters of traditional courtyard houses create a breathtaking panorama. The 6,163-meter-long city walls (about 12 meters high) stretch unbroken, with South Street forming the central axis, flanked by four main avenues and eight smaller lanes.
The crisscrossing Youyan Alley and other pathways function like veins, connecting every corner of this living museum. Ironically, the city’s survival is due to economic stagnation—local governments lacked funds for demolition and reconstruction, inadvertently preserving this best-intact ancient county town in China. Its turtle-like layout earned it the nickname "Tortoise City".
Travel Essentials
Transport:
• High-speed rail to Pingyao Railway Station (closer to the old town) or Pingyao Ancient City Station
Admission:
• Free to enter the walled city
• 125 RMB combo ticket for 22 historic sites (e.g., Rishengchang Draft Bank, Confucian Temple)
Tips:
• Rent an e-bike (~30 RMB/day) to explore hidden alleys efficiently
• For groups, shared tour carts (100 RMB/vehicle) cover key spots
