XA09: 2-Day Private Pingyao Tour from Xian

The ancient city of Pingyao is the most complete antitype of county constructed a thousand years ago. On the axis of the city, you will see the Ancient Ming-Qing Street, the most bustling business block of the ancient city with a length of over 400 meters (440 yards). The street had occupied half of the country's financial institutions during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), just like a 'Wall Street' in China. The Temple of the City God here is quite different because it was built for people to worship not only the City God but also the Kitchen God and the God of Wealth. As China's first personal bank established in the 1823, Rishengchang Exchange Shop once had its branches reached more than 30 cities of the country and even some European and Southeast Asian cities. Here you can still see some original account books, photos, and documents stored inside. The Tongxinggong Ancient Security Guard Company was one of the most famous agencies at that time and even escorted cargoes for Empress Dowager Cixi.

Located about 30 kilometers northwest from Pingyao, Qiao's Family Compound is the most famous and best preserved Shanxi merchants' compound. The magnificent architectural complex is divided into six courts with 313 rooms are finely laid out and artfully designed.The carved brickwork, wood carvings and colored paintings can be seen everywhere. It is no wonder that this compound is reputed to be one bright pearl of folk residences of Northern China.