Pingyao

We took our first trip out of Xi’an last week to the town of Pingyao, an incredibly quaint UNESCO world heritage site that has an unique collection of consistent Ming / Qing era architecture, within the reach of an overnight train from Xian. Rather than add to the number of words on this blog, as it seems we've been a bit wordy of late, I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking...



Here are my travel partners adapting to local custom – great alleys and entrance ways to secluded courtyards.





Pingyao’s calling card is a consistent architectural style that represents a step back in time. It’s said to have China's only remaining original, intact Ming era wall circling the old town center. It has a quiet, laid back feel was such a nice break from the fast pace China’s major cities.

Quick fact – did you know that by 2020, China expects to have 15 cities with populations OVER 25 million residents. Amazing.




They use the street as social space much more than we do - lots of great opportunities to watch the locals like this fellow, who I think might have helped with some of the original construction. Also crowds like these seem to quickly form around Chinese chess, card games, or cute American girls working their way in the streets.




They have great guesthouses here - we found a wonderful one in the center of town. Here is one of the courtyards in the interior of our guest house. Buildings here, except for those on the main commercial streets, have rather modest front entrances that open up to eleborate courtyards and connecting buildings behind these walls. Really charming.




Seems like there were lots of kids here. Don’t think the one child policy is as rigorously enforced as in metro areas.








Lots of family shops, like this one specializing in twisted pastries. Pasteries are another of China’s under appreciated culinary joys… Don’t get me started on the quality of Chinese food.




Helped by some strange local fermented barley based beverage that, being open to local traditions, I readily consumed, I ponder the challenges facing China’s rural collectives in this era of globalization…



Cheers