Pingyao

Author: Diao Zhaoyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: This book primarily introduces Pingyao. "Pingyao Ancient City is an outstanding example of Chinese Han ethnic urban planning during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Pingyao Ancient City has preserved all its characteristics and, throughout the development of Chinese history, has presented a complete and extraordinary picture of cultural, social, economic, and religious progress." This is the evaluation given by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to Pingyao Ancient City, a well-deserved assessment. Since the establishment of the prefecture-county system, Pingyao has existed as a "county seat" to this day. The ancient city is not only historically significant but also the most well-preserved prototype of Ming and Qing dynasty county towns in China, serving as a living specimen for studying the changes in ancient Chinese urban development, human settlement patterns, and their relationship with traditional culture. The large ancient architectural complex within the city, composed of ancient city walls, streets and alleys, ancient shops, temples, and residential houses, perfectly embodies the essence of traditional Chinese thought and architectural styles, reflecting the profound historical and cultural heritage of the Han ethnic group.