l. Pingyao -- Cradle of Chinese Banks

Pingyao is the best-preserved Ming and Qing townscape of the Han people, retaining most of its ancient charm with 3,797 Ming and Qing houses still in existence. Richly decorated temples and shops are scattered all over the town. It was listed as a world cultural heritage site in 1997.

In 1824, the Rishengchang Piaohao, the first banking firm in China, was established on the former site of the Xiyucheng Pigment Shop on Xidajie Street. Later more than 20 piaohaos opened one after another in Pingyao, turning the town into China's financial center in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries.

The town is known for three historical treasures: the ancient brick city wall, Zhenguo Temple, and Shuanglin Temple. The wall extends for 6 kilometers (km) with 3,000 embrasures (holes in fortified walls from which to shoot weapons) and 72 small watchtowers. Inside the wall, four large streets, eight smaller ones, and 72 lanes form a neat grid. The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Zhenguo Temple is the third-oldest existing wooden building in China, while the Shuanglin Temple is known as the Treasure House of Painted Sculptures.

2. Wulingyuan -- A world outside the world

Covering over 264 sq. km in Hunan Province's Zhangjiajie City, the landscape of Wulingyuan is renowned for five wonders: spectacular peaks, unique rocks, secluded valleys, serene waters and deep karst caves, of which the most peculiar scene is the 3,000 bizarre quartz sandstone peaks, some 40 karst caves, and two large natural bridges.

Reputed as "a world outside the world", Wulingyuan is the ideal place for reclusion or moments of tranquility. It encompasses three sections: the Zhangjiajie National Forest Reserve, the Suoxi Brook area and the Mt. Tianzi area.

Mt. Tianzi, located in the north of Wulingyuan area, is the ideal place to watch dreamlike cloud and mist, especially in summer. It is also a green treasure clove, as over 97.7% of it is clad with primitive sub-tropical forests. Many rare species of trees, such as renowned "living fossils" of ginkgo and spruce, can be found everywhere on it.

Page:

1

2