Shanxi—Pingyao—National Historic and Cultural City

Pingyao County is the second batch of China's historical and cultural cities, along with Lijiang Ancient City in Yunnan, Langzhong Ancient City in Sichuan, and Shexian Ancient City in Anhui, known as the 'Four Ancient Cities' that are best preserved in China. With a history of more than 2700 years, it is a county rich in cultural relics in Shanxi Province, with more than 300 ancient sites. The 'world-renowned' Rishengchang Bank is known as the 'ancestor of modern Chinese banks', Shuanglin Temple is praised by experts as the 'treasure trove of oriental colored sculpture art', and the Wanfo Hall of Zhenguo Temple is one of the earliest and most precious wooden structures in China. Take the high-speed train from Wuhan to Pingyao via Shijiazhuang, about 6 hours. 597R Route: Pingyao City Wall—Pingyao Confucius Temple—City God Temple—Rishengchang—Shuanglin Temple—Zhenguo Temple Pingyao City Wall: The route to climb the city wall is from the entrance of Yingxun Gate, where you can enjoy the scenery of Pingyao while walking. When you get to the exit of Yunlu Street, go straight and you will soon reach the Confucius Temple. Pingyao Confucius Temple: The Confucius Temple is full of cultural atmosphere, and there is also the Dragon Gate symbolizing good luck. Remember to walk through it for good luck. City God Temple: The City God Temple is opposite the Confucius Temple, you can visit it on the way. The City God Temple has colored glazed tiles, and it is a unique combination of the City God, Kitchen God, and Wealth God temples. If you worship the Wealth God, you must not miss it. Rishengchang: The ancestor of modern Chinese banks, it was the first private financial institution in China that specialized in deposits, loans, and exchange business, pioneering the Chinese banking industry. At noon, I went to eat Kao Lao Lao, Pingyao beef, which has a unique taste. In the afternoon, I went to two temples. Shuanglin Temple: Shuanglin Temple faces south with the north behind, covering a large area. The western part is the temple yard, with ten halls and three courtyards. The front yard consists of the Sakyamuni Hall, Arhat Hall, Wusheng Hall, Earth God Hall, Yama Hall, and Heavenly King Hall; the middle yard consists of the Great Buddha's Hall and the Thousand Buddha Hall and Bodhisattva Hall on both sides; the back yard consists of the Goddess Hall and Zhenyi Shrine. The eastern part is mainly the Zen yard and the sutra room. Zhenguo Temple: The Wanfo Hall is one of the earliest and most precious wooden structures in China, with more than 100 existing murals, which are continuous and rich, worth seeing. In the evening, I went to eat Hongwuji's old vinegar braised beef, the meat was tender and the taste was great, after eating, I went to the high-speed rail station to go home.