Pingyao City Wall
Pingyao City Wall, a UNESCO-listed Ming Dynasty fortification, is one of China’s best-preserved ancient defensive systems. Built in 1370 and expanded over 200 years, it encircles Pingyao Ancient City, a 2,800-year-old settlement in Shanxi Province. The 6.4-kilometer-long wall, made of rammed earth faced with brick, features 72 watchtowers, 3,000 crenellations, and a 12-meter-wide moat. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it symbolizes Ming Dynasty urban planning and military architecture, offering panoramic views of a living museum of Qing Dynasty streets and courtyard homes.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1370 under Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty to defend against Mongol invasions. The wall withstood sieges, including a 14-year rebellion in 1813, and served as a model for later Chinese city fortifications. Key events include the 1900 sheltering of the Qing Imperial Family during the Boxer Rebellion and the 1997 UNESCO inscription, which preserved it as a “living fossil of medieval Chinese cities.”
Structural Layout
The wall follows a rectangular plan with six gates, each guarded by a two-story pavilion:
South Gate (Yongmen): The main entrance, flanked by a 15th-century stone archway.
North Gate (Heymen): Features a Taoist temple dedicated to the city’s patron deity.
Corner Tower: A 18-meter-tall fortress at the northeast corner with arrow slits and a bronze bell.
Key defensive elements include a 4-meter-wide rampart, 3,000 battlements, and a 12-meter-deep moat.
Major Attractions
South Gate Tower: A Ming Dynasty gatehouse with a 500-year-old wooden mechanism for raising the portcullis.
Corner Tower: Offers 360° views of Pingyao’s rooftops and the Li Mountain range.
Battlements Walk: A 2-kilometer path along the wall with explanatory plaques on Ming military tactics.
Horse Relief Statues: 12 bas-reliefs depicting warhorses at the East Gate, symbolizing military strength.
City Wall Museum: Exhibits on siege warfare, including replicas of fire arrows and catapults.
Moon Gate: A secret tunnel at the West Gate used by Qing Dynasty officials to escape rebels.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1 hour):
South Gate → Battlements Walk → Corner Tower → North Gate → Exit.
Highlights: Iconic gates and panoramic vistas.
- Circuit Route (2.5 hours):
South Gate → East Gate → Horse Reliefs → Corner Tower → North Gate → Moon Gate → West Gate.
Highlights: Full perimeter tour and defensive features.
- Sunset Route (1.5 hours):
South Gate → Battlements Walk → Corner Tower → North Gate → Taoist Temple.
Highlights: Golden-hour lighting and temple visit.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via Trip.com or Pingyao Ancient City official website (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets at South Gate; arrive by 8:30 AM to avoid tour groups.
Prices: ¥125 (adults, includes Ancient City combo ticket), ¥60 (students/seniors). Free for children under 1.2m.
Inclusions: Access to all gates, towers, and the City Wall Museum.
Transportation
By Train: High-speed rail to Pingyao Ancient City Station (2 hours from Taiyuan), then taxi (¥15) to South Gate.
By Bus: Direct buses from Taiyuan Jiannan Bus Station (2.5 hours, ¥30).
Within Pingyao: Walk from Ancient City center (10 minutes) or take a pedicab (¥5).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM; visit early (8 AM opening) or late (after 5 PM).
Crowds: Quietest in winter; summer weekends busy with domestic tourists.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) ideal.
Essentials: Wear grippy shoes (sloped ramparts); bring sunscreen in summer.
Prohibited: Drones, bicycles on the wall, and feeding wildlife in the moat.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
Recommend a tour route for Pingyao City Wall.
Climb at South Gate → walk east to East Gate → north to North Gate → west to West Gate.
Are bikes or e-carts available for rent on the wall?
Yes—bicycles (30 RMB/hour) and electric carts (50 RMB/person) for convenient sightseeing.
How to reach the city wall's access points?
Main entrances at South Gate, East Gate, and North Gate; reachable by rickshaw (10 RMB) from the city center.
What are the best photo spots near the city wall?
South Gate at sunrise, East Gate's ancient arch, and the wall overlooking Ming-Qing Street at dusk.
Are there age or fitness restrictions for climbing the wall?
No strict restrictions, but elderly visitors may prefer electric carts for long distances.
