Pingyao

Pingyao County is 58.4 miles (94 km) southwest of Taiyuan. It comprises five towns and nine villages, with an area of ​​486.5 square miles (1,260 km2) in its jurisdiction. This small county is known for some magnificent residences in traditional old styles rather than any attraction in natural beauty.
It is no longer prosperous, but the great ancient city of Pingyao, which was built a thousand years ago, stands the test of time. It is China's best-preserved ancient city and is a perfect reflection of the cultural, socio-economic and religious development of the Middle Kingdom. This city is shaped like a turtle, which symbolizes eternity.
Pingyao was listed as World Cultural Heritage in 1997, next to Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple also nearby. Walking through the ancient Ming and Qing street in the middle of rows of residences inside the city, you can still feel its former grandeur.