Pingyao 平遥
Why did we going to Pingyao? The simple answer is that there is a great Chinese film called Raise the Red Lantern which both Tanya & I love. Shanxi is famous through..

Some travel tips for those of you planning to visit Shanxi Province, China.  Prices, rooms, travel etc.  My being ripped-off is your benefit!

Pingyao and it's fine buidlings were due to one main reason; Pingyao was the home of wealth in China.  It was the 'central bank' of China for two centuries.  It was thanks to this that the town prospered.  However, once it lost the status as the financial hub, the whole town became bankrupt.  I guess this is why the buildings remained

For those of you who want to experience pristine Shanxi family courtyard homes of the wealthy then a day-trip from Pingyao to Qiao Jia Da Yuan 乔家大院 - The Qiao Family Estate.  For those heading to Pingyao, Qiao Jia Da Yuan is well-worth a visit: Take the bus from the train station but don't pay more than 15元. Bargain well and you'll get it for 10元.