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Walking and cycling in the city are both perfect ways to quickly absorb its historic vibes. Six gates allow access through Pingyao’s massive walls, beyond which motorized vehicles are not allowed. Away from the busy touristy streets, it is easy to feel transported back to an earlier era.

Pingyao was first established over 2,000 years ago during the reign of King Xuan (827-782 BC). The earliest walls, which were earthen, stood mainly northeast of the present location. The massive and strong walls seen today, about 12 meters high with a perimeter enclosing 2.25 square kilometers, were constructed starting from 1370 in the third year of the Ming Emperor Hongwu. However, some sections still show signs of earlier construction.

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