City Wall of Pingyao
Posted by: 
Megrim1888
N 37° 12.194 E 112° 10.566
49S E 604367 N 4118065
The City Wall of Pingyao is one of the well-preserved city walls in China. It was originally built in the West Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC - 771 BC), but the current one was the remains of the City Wall rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Waymark Code: WMDK13
Location: China
Date Posted: 01/23/2012
Views: 6
With a total length of six kilometers (about four miles), the city wall is about 12 meters (about 40 ft) tall and 3 to 6 meters (about 10-20 ft) wide on top. The wall is of compacted earth covered by bricks and stones. From a bird's eye view the rectangular wall resembles a tortoise. There are six city gates, one each on the north and south walls, and two each on the west and east walls. The south gate is the head of the tortoise, the two wells outside being the two eyes of tortoise. The north gate, the lowest place of the city, is the tail of tortoise. Traditionally the tortoise was considered a symbol of longevity, so through ancient times the hopes were that Pingyao Ancient City would be permanently secure. There are 72 watchtowers on the top of city wall and 3,000 external battlements. It is said that the 72 watchtowers represent 72 people of great wisdom, the 3,000 battlements the 3,000 disciples of Confucius.
Among the 'Three Treasures' of Pingyao, the City Wall is rated highest, the other two being Zhengguo Temple, and Shuanglin Temple. Although there has been repeated renovations, the city walls, streets, shops, temples and other buildings are still in a very good condition.
Type: Remnant
Fee: Yes
Hours: Not listed
Related URL: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Original photographs showing additional views of the Ruin/Remnant or even just its current condition are encouraged. Please describe your visit, especially if no additional photos are available. Did you like the Ruin or Remnant? What prompted you to see the Ruin or Remnant?