Highlights from chinadaily.com.cn

Pingyao a rich example of antiquity

The ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi province remains an outstanding example of Han cities in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368 to 1911). It developed rapidly and saw a period of great prosperity in the late Qing Dynasty, becoming a financial center at the time with up to 22 exchange shops. Shops and traditional houses in the city are historical witnesses to its economic prosperity during this period.