This summer, escape in Shanxi

Pingyao is the oldest walled Chinese city, dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (BC1046-256).[Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

Pingyao

Pingyao is the oldest walled Chinese city, dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (BC1046-256). It was enlarged during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The most impressive thing has to be that people still live inside the walls of the city today. The economy of Pingyao developed rapidly beginning in the 19th century, and it became an important hub of finance, with 22 exchange shops. Springtime in Pingyao is nothing less than magical. The place looks more like a small village with its narrow alleys and quiet roads.

Royal Residence of the Prime Minister

This unique castle complex was built by the Chen family, a wealthy and distinguished family of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The master of the residence was Chen Tingjing, who served as editor-in-chief of the classic Kangxi Dictionary and was the teacher of Emperor Kangxi.

Taihang Mountain

Taihang Mountain is a scene of unfettered peace and an important geological dividing line. It stands astride four major areas: Hebei, Shanxi and Henan provinces, and Beijing municipality. It stretches for over 400 kilometers. Because of its key geographical position, it has been of great military importance since ancient times. The Grand Canyon of Taihang Mountain has amazing landscapes, attractive rock caves, small rivers and waterfalls and a lot of legends.

Wangmang Mountain cliff road

In this part of Shanxi you can only see perpendicular cliffs and walls without roads. In the early 1960s the people of Xiyagou began a 30-year project to carve out a 7.5-kilometer road through the cliffs using only hand tools. The feat is a wonder in the road-building history of Chinese villages.

Some people say that Shanxi province is a wonder of the world. I think they are right.