Pingyao, an ancient 14th century Chinese city, was captured through the lens of Laowaiblog photographer, Yonathan Scharf
The story of how I got to visit Pingyao (平遥) and Mian Shan (绵山) is a bit amusing. It all started with those annoying chain letters containing powerpoint slides. I normally disregard such chain letters, but this time the sender convinced me to take a look, and I’m really happy I did.
The slides contained pictures of Mian Shan – a beautiful mountain and nature reserve in Shanxi province that offers many hiking routes and tens of Taoist temples, some of them hang in mid-air (悬空寺 – Xuánkōngsì). As I started to investigate the whereabouts of Mian Shan, I discovered it is comfortably located a 1.5 hour drive from the ancient city of Pingyao.
Pingyao, which was built in the 14th century, is a UNESCO world heritage site and is well renowned for its well preserved ancient city walls. It still retains its city layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties, conforming to a typical bagua pattern. One of the most amazing facts about Pingyao is that more than 300 sites in or near the city have ancient ruins and that preserved Ming and Qing-style residences number close to 4,000, a rarity in China.
Since the streets and storefronts in Pingyao still largely retain their historical appearance, it is definitely worth a visit. For those among you who cannot visit Lijiang (in Yunnan province), another famous imperial city, Pingyao offers a reasonable substitute and is relatively close to the capital – only a 7 hour train ride from Beijing (715 km).
After a couple of days of planning, I packed my gear, gathered my girlfriend and a group of friends and headed out to Pingyao and MianShan.
Enjoy the view.
Photos by Yonathan Scharf and Hadar Shamli. For more pictures by Yonathan Scharf, click here
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Yonathan Scharf is a photographer and a food enthusiast. Upon completion of his B.A in East Asian studies several years ago, Yonathan decided to move to Beijing to immerse himself in the local culture. He has been working there for the past two years, studying Mandarin and taking shots of his favorite city spots. 
Remarkable photos! Really passes the vibe and feel of the place.
Beautiful pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Pingyao!
These pictures are great. They really present the authenticity of Pingyao. It is truly an amazing place. highly recommended!
Hi Yonathan
I would like to reply this amazing pictures, you really stopped the moment
and reflected it here.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Pingyao is really nice and amazing place! everyone should go there and take a look!
Pingyao. It is really an amazing town!!! the pictures, although amazing, don’t do enough justice with the feel you get from going there
I am waiting patiently for many more posts about travel spots in China other than Pingyao. bring them on!!
Especially from this photographer who takes absolutely amazing and beautiful shots
Good job
You are a very talented photographer and you should send your Pingyao photos to a photo competition in China. You have a great chance of winning!!
Lovely pictures of Pingyao!
I swear that before seeing this article I haven’t even heard of Pingyao, and I went traveling in China just last year! too bad I didn’t put it in my itinerary, looks amazing
Would appreciate some more info about Pingyao. How to get there? how to get around? is it easy to get a hotel room? what are the rates? etc..
The picture in Pingyao with the baby’s ass is hilarious! Why doesn’t he have a diaper?
Love this Pingyao post!!!
It sure is.
Is there an airport in Pingyao? what is the best way to get there from Shanghai
There is, but I think train is the best way. it’s comfortable and cheap. If you don’t have the time you can always look for a flight in one of China’s flight websites such as ctrip or elong
From most of the comments I see that very few people have actually been to Pingyao. You have to go. It is relatively not touristy as other major cities or even as Lijiang in Yunnan, and it is absolutely beautiful
I think what this blog is missing is a travel section…no??