9、Pingyao

Pingyao (平遥) in central Shanxi Province is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. Its appearance has remained largely unchanged since the Ming and Qing dynasties and it is most notable for its six-kilometer city wall protected by a moat.

The history of Pingyao goes back 2,700 years, when it was founded during the reign of King Xuan (827-782 BC) of the Western Zhou Dynasty.

Within the city, there are hundreds of well preserved courtyard house built of black bricks and grey tiles. Among noteworthy sights are the Shuanglin Temple, built in 571, Xiaoxu Temple, built in 657, and the Huiji Bridge, built in 1671.