Chinese Name: 晋中市 (jìn zhōng shì)

Population: 3,060,000  

Area: 16,400 square kilometers (6,332 square miles) 

Nationalities: Han   

Administrative Division: 1district (Yuci); 9 counties (Yushe, Zuoquan, Heshun, Xiyang, Shouyang, Taigu, Qixian, Pingyao, Lingshi); 1 county-level city (Jiexiu) 

Seat of the City Government: 114, Yanghao Jie, Yuci District, Jinzhong City   

Useful Telephone Numbers: Tourist Complaints: 0354-2025111-6533
                                         Weather Forecast: 121
                                         Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Jinzhong Branch: 109, Shuncheng Dong Jie, Yuci District, Jincheng City
China Post Jinzhong Branch: 229, Yingbin Lu, Yuci District, Jinzhong City

Location: Jincheng City is situated in east-central Shanxi Province, neighboring Taihang Mountains in the east and Hebei Province in the north. It is separated from the capital city Taiyuan  by the Fenhe River in the west.      

History: The history of Jinzhong can be traced back to thirty thousand years ago. In the late years of the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC), cities and towns had taken shape in this area. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), county level administrative units started to be established in Jinzhong. Since the Eastern Han Dynasty (25AD-220AD), shires and prefectures have appeared. Historically, this region was usually subordinate to Taiyuan, Fenzhou or other prefectures.
 
Physical Features: Jingzhong lies in the middle section of the Taihang Mountains, eastern Taiyuan (Jinzhong) Basin. The Taihang Mountains, Qinlu Plateau, Taiyue Mountains and Taiyuan Basin stand east-west constituting the basic setup of Jinzhong's terrain. Mountainous terrain occupies over eighty percent of the city's territory.                         

Climae: Enjoying a temperate continental monsoon climate, Jinzhong has dry and chilly winters, torrid and wet summers. Its annual average temperature falls to around 9 degrees centigrade (48.2 degree Fahrenheit). On the whole, its rainfall is mainly concentrated in summer. As to the spatial distribution, the rainfall in southeast Jinzhong is more than that in the northwest.      

When to Go: Autumn is the most ideal period to visit Jinzhong.  

Special Local Products: walnut of Zuoquan County, Huping Jujube, dried beef of Pingyao County, oil cake  

 Attractions:
Ancient City of Pingyao is one of the most intact ancient cities in China with a history of more than 1,500 years. It is also known as the 'Turtle City' suggesting longevity and never declining. The 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long brick City Wall has wall towers and turrets positioned along its length which would be effective in wartime and have a decorative function on the framework of the wall. The ancient city is made up of four major streets, eight lesser streets and seventy-two lanes. The South Street, also called the Ancient Ming and Qing Street, is the busiest commercial center of Pingyao. Along the street stand stores of Ming and Qing architectural styles.  

Qiao's Compound: Located in Qiaojiabao Village 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) northeast of Qixian County, the compound of the Qiao Family was first built during the regime of the Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Going through over 250 years of growth and decline, the Qiao's Compound, together with many other compounds of the big families in Shanxi, tells us vivid stories about Shanxi businessmen. 

Other Scenic Spots: Mianshan Mountain, Qu's Compound, Shuangling Monastery

Travel Tips:
It is convenient to visit Jinzhong. Downtown Jinzhong is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Taiyuan and only about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Taiyuan Wusu Airport. Visitors can find long distance bus station in Yutai Lu of Yuci District.

For more attractions in Pingyao, please click Pingyao Attractions. 

For more about tours to Pingyao, please click Pingyao Tours.