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Three highlights of Pingyao  |
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 The ancient Pingyao city wall
First built about 2,700 years ago, the ancient city wall was expanded in the Ming Dynasty. It was the most well-preserved wall among the ancient historical and cultural cities in China. It is square, 12 meters high, five meters wide, and about six kilometers in circumference. There are 72 terraces with battlements.
Each corner of the city wall is furnished with a tower. In the actual combat, the corner proves to be the weakest point. Since the joint of walls is on a right angle, the view is narrowed and the soldiers are open to a pincer's attack. The corner tower settles the problem. It could serve as a watchtower and offer a good position for snipers as well.
The gate is also a vulnerable point on the walled defense. Pingyao's city gate was built into archway of bricks. The heavy door leaf made of thick wood was highly reinforced by thousands of strong iron nails hammered in, which enabled it fire-resistant. Atop each city gate, there is a tower, serving as the command post when the war broke out.
Zhenguo Temple
Twelve kilometers northeast of north city gate of Pingyao, the Zhenguo Temple is famous for its 10000-Buddha Hall, built in the North Han period (951-979 AD). It features unique wooden structure, which is also the third oldest timberwork built in China.
Shuanglin Temple
The Shuanglin Temple is a Buddhist temple with a long history, built in Northern Qi period. It's about six kilometers southwest of Pingyao city. Inside the temple are more than 2,000 painted sculptures of precious value, representing Ming and Qing Dynasties' best. They are reputed as a "treasure reserve of the oriental painted sculptures".
Editor: Rebecca & Ronnie
Source: CCTV.com
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