The Old Town of Pingyao lies in Pingyao County in central Shanxi Province. It was constructed during the reign of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty (C.827-782B.C.) and has been a county seat ever since the establishment of the prefecture-and-county system in ancient China. Today, Pingyao looks much the same as it did during the Ming  and Qing dynasties.

Pingyao Old City is like a huge historical museum. Pingyao is known mainly for three historical treasures: the ancient brick city wall, the Zhenguo Temple, and the Shuanglin Temple. The city wall of Pingyao was originally built using rammed earth, and was rebuilt with bricks in 1370 during the reign of Emperor Hong Wu of the Ming Dynasty. The wall extends for six km, and testifies to the profound influence of Confucianism in this region, as the 3,000 embrasures on the wall are said to represent the number of disciples of Confucius, and the 72 small watchtowers represent his 72 top disciples. In the later period of the Qing Dynasty, the Kuixing Pavilion was built on the southeast section of the wall, and became a symbol of the flourishing culture of the ancient city.

In the center of the Old City, the nearly 200 years old Rishengchang Exchange Shop is the first 'bank' in Chinese history. The well-preserved County Government Office shows a complete picture of the solemn law court and prison of the Qing Dynasty while in Chenghuangmiao Street. The Temple of the City God and the Confucius Temple reveal a glimpse of local folk life. Along the Ancient Ming and Qing Street, the old buildings in antique architecture styles may bring you back to the old China of that time.

Outside the Old City, there are two temples worth visiting: Shuanglin Monastery and Zhenguo Temple. Shuanglin Monastery, 7km from Pingyao, is renowned not for its architecture, but for its painted statues executed during Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, spanning a period of over 1,000 years. Zhenguo Temple, 12km from Pingyao, was first built in the period of Five Dynasties and was renovated in Ming and Qing Dynasties, but still keeps its original styles.

What's more, most of the famous residences of Shanxi Merchants are clustered around Pingyao: Qiao Family Residence, Wang Family Residence, Qu Family Residence, and etc.