The Old Town of Pingyao. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

Day 2: Jinzhong — Old Town of Pingyao

It was a rare treat to discover the Old Town of Pingyao in a day and age where everything seems to be about newer, bigger and more modern. There is something wonderful about being able to walk the streets of 2,000 years past knowing that very little has changed.

The mystique of this ancient spot was further deepened after a visit to the Rishengchang Exchange. Founded in the early 1800s during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Rishengchang is China's earliest modern bank.

All of the wonders and mystique of the Old Town of Pingyao seemed to create a magical bond among the some 50,000 residents of this county in central Shanxi. The heartfelt pride of their well-preserved surroundings could easily be observed in each of their friendly and welcoming smiles.