Dream in the Yellow Sands: Pingyao: Pingyao

Author: He Ming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: West Wind on the Ancient Road · Small Bridges and Flowing Waters. This book adopts a (essay) writing style, conveying cultural information from Pingyao through a vivid, illustrated format. While emphasizing detailed authenticity and engaging narratives, it also prioritizes concise and fluent prose. It aims to provide readers with more insights into the humanistic aspects of Pingyao, the water town. "Pingyao Ancient City is an outstanding example of Chinese Han ethnic urban planning during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has preserved all its original features 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 evolution of ancient Chinese urban development, changes in human settlements, and their relationship with traditional culture. The large ancient architectural complex within the city, composed of ancient city walls, streets and alleys, old shops, temples, and residential buildings, perfectly embodies the essence of traditional Chinese thought and architectural styles, reflecting the profound historical and cultural heritage of the Han ethnic group.