Situated in central Shanxi and in the southwest of the Taiyuan Basin, Pingyao is subordinate to the temperate continental monsoon semiarid climate. In spring, the temperature here rises quickly and the temperature difference between day and night is quite large. In summer, it is rainy and scorching. The temperature stays quite high, and most of the rain falls in this season. When autumn comes, temperatures fall gradually and the weather turns cool. In winter Pingyao is rather cold and windy. The annual average temperature is about 10.1C (50.18F) in Pingyao.

Autumn and winter are the best times to visit Pingyao. In autumn, there are not only sunny days with a pleasant temperature but also there is the China Pingyao International Photography Festival during mid September; in winter, although it is quite cold, the snow covered Pingyao Old City has its own charming view. What's more, the Shehuo Festival may give you a brand new impression of Chinese Spring Festival.

Shanxi is the leading coal producer in China for it is rich in coal mines. The air here is sometimes loaded with coal dust and quite dry. And the solar ultraviolet is strong here. The sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella and lip salve are recommended.

China Pingyao International Photography Festival is held annually during mid September. Photographers come from all over China and other countries like US, France, Italy and Korea to display their work here. They also share their experience and knowledge of photography here in forums during the festivals.

Shehuo Festival takes place during every Spring Festival here. 'Shehuo' is a kind of folk art performance in north China, which is hold to celebrate the New Year or as part of other important ceremonies. In Shehuo Festival of Pingyao, the streets and houses are decorated with colorful lights. Various folk performances, such as the dragon dance and lion dance, Jin Opera, and performances with drums and gongs take place in the streets.

Next