City Tower at the Pingyao Ancient Town 平遥古城
At the very center of the ancient town of Pingyao is what is probably one of its most well known landmarks. The town of Pingyao is very much still the medieval town it was. Must of its Ming and Qing dynasty buildings are still intact. It would surprise you to know that Pingyao is actually much older than the relatively recent Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. The town dates at least two thousand years old. It was only until much, much later that it became the financial center that made it famous during the Qing dynasty. It was hard to imagine how such a place can remain virtually unchanged over the millennia. No wonder it is called one of the best preserved ancient cities in China.
Close Up Look at the City Tower in Pingyao 平遥
At the center of this magnificent city, is the City Tower. It has become the signature building of Pingyao and it is easily the tallest building here in town. The name City Tower is a translation of 市楼, but it can also be translated as Market Tower. This denotes it prime location within the town – dead center. As expected, this is the busiest part of town. The City Tower is around three stories high and gives commanding views of the surrounding town. For a fee, you can climb the tower. At night, the tower shines like a beacon from afar. The wet streets reflect the night lights of the tower to great effect.
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