Photography by Mark Carnaby

Looking down South Street
Looking out onto City God Temple Street
Beautifully carved 'Roof Charms' and 'Onigawara' (decorated roof tiles)
Inside the first courtyard at Pingyao with the government offices on either side - the largest and best-preserved existing ancient county government office in China
Inside the prison courtyard of the Pingyao Ancient Government Office
The prison of Pingyao Ancient Government Office, the only Qing prison remaining in China
A variation of the Ming Dynasty guardian lion with drum on it's back
Detail of the drum with a crane craving which is symbolically connected with the idea of immortality in China
Yin Yang wheel and tortoise with dragon head - prosperous to touch the head
Another photo of that Yin Yang wheel/tortoise with dragon head
A 'official litter' - a type of human-powered transport, most probably used by the court judges
Another 'official litter' vehicle, with very colorful silk curtains to screen the occupants
Decorative Shrine inside the Pingyao Ancient Government Office
Looking into the courtyard of the Temple of the City God in Pingyao
Map of the Temple of the City God in Pingyao which was constructed during the Song dynasty (960-1279)
Beautiful ornate chair in the Temple of the City God, Pingyao
Sculpture dedicated to the Kitchen God in the Temple of the City God, Pingyao
The Six Cao Hell sculptures in the Temple of the City God, Pingyao - a vivid depiction of what happens when wicked people die!
Scary Hell sculpture in the Temple of the City God, Pingyao
Scary Hell sculpture's in the Temple of the City God, Pingyao
Sculpture dedicated to the Kitchen God in the Temple of the City God, Pingyao
Entrance courtyard to the Temple of the City God, Pingyao
Bike repairs shop in the ancient city of Pingyao
Colorful wedding litter vehicle in the streets of Pingayo
Wedding decorations in the ancient city of Pingyao
Traditional Chinese wedding decorations
Traditional Chinese wedding tea ceremony decoration
Looking down a back street alley in the ancient city of Pingyao
Entrance to the Shuanglin Temple, just outside the ancient city of Pingyao
The Shuanglin Hall of Heavenly Kings, Shuanglin Temple

China 2014: 2018 Follow-Up Photos

Pingyao Extras – Part Two

Liked the photos?

In these two portfolio albums I’ve dug out and edited some existing photographs from the Ancient City of Pingyao, Shanxi, China that have not featured on the site before.

Note: click on any photo to start a cool manual slideshow without the annotations!

This well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city dates back to the 16th century still retains its urban layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is famed for its importance in Chinese economic history. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is surrounded by a wall that if seen from above it’s pattern is similar to that of a turtle (the head, tail and four legs), earning Pingyao the moniker “Turtle City.” The streets and storefronts still largely retain their historical appearance.

During my visit I stayed at the gorgeous Yide Hotel inside the city, a traditional courtyard property with a 300-year history with Chinese-style rooms with hand-made fine wood fittings and artwork.

I also visited the famous Shuanglin Temple, a short taxi ride out of the city, which dates back to the 6th century and was founded in 571 A.D.