XA10: 2-Day Private Pingyao Tour from Xi'an

The ancient city of Pingyao was constructed a thousand years ago and is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. 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). During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), half of the city's financial institutions are located on the street, just like Wall Street now. 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. Besides, as China's first personal bank established in 1823, Rishengchang Exchange Shop once expanded its branches to 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. 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 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.