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Exploring the Historic Charm of Pingyao with an English Guide
If you visit Shanxi Province in northern China, a must-
see destination is Pingyao. This small ancient town, located about 90 kilometers southwest of Taiyuan, the capital city, was once a significant financial and commercial center in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, thanks to
its strategic location on the trade route from Beijing to
Xi'an and the Yellow River. Today, Pingyao preserves well-preserved city walls, streets, houses, temples, and shops
from the past, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national 5A-rated tourist attraction.
To fully appreciate the cultural and historical richness
of Pingyao, it's helpful to have a knowledgeable and friendly guide who can explain the origins, stories, and significance
of the places and relics you encounter. While Chinese-
speaking guides are abundant in Pingyao, finding a competent English-speaking guide may require some research and communication skills. Fortunately, I was fortunate to meet Ms. Li, a qualified and enthusiastic local guide who offered me a
personalized tour of Pingyao's highlights. Here is my review of her services and some of the highlights she showed me.
First of all, Ms. Li impressed me with her professionalism and communication skills. Before we met, she contacted me via email and WhatsApp, and confirmed the itinerary, the meeting point, and the fees (which were reasonable and negotiable). She also asked me about my interests, preferences, and health conditions, and tailored the tour accordingly. When we met in front of the Pingyao Ancient Government Office, she introduced herself in fluent and clear English, and handed me a map of Pingyao and a bottle of water. She also reminded me to wear comfortable shoes and avoid buying souvenirs from aggressive vendors.
Our first stop was the City Wall, which is the most recognizable landmark of Pingyao. Built in the 14th century and expanded in the following centuries, the wall is about 6 kilometers long, 12 meters high, and 3.5 meters wide on average. It has 72 watchtowers, four gates, and a moat. Ms. Li explained the strategic and defensive functions of the wall, as well as its architectural features and cultural significance. She also pointed out the best spots for taking panoramic photos of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Next, we walked along the Central Avenue, which runs from south to north in the middle of Pingyao and is lined with various shops, restaurants, theaters, and temples. Ms. Li introduced me to some of the best examples of Ming and Qing architecture, such as the County Government, the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the Tongxinggong Ancient Bank, and the Confucius Temple. She also explained the differences between these buildings in terms of their functions, decorations, and symbols. She even showed me some hidden alleys and courtyards where ordinary people used to live and work, and where some scenes from the movie "Raise the Red Lantern" were filmed.
One of the highlights of our tour was the visit to the Qiao Family Compound, which lies about 20 kilometers
northeast of Pingyao and was built by a wealthy businessman
in the 18th century. This huge complex of courtyards, gardens, halls, and dwellings reflects the luxurious lifestyle and architectural preferences of the rich merchant class in old China. Ms. Li helped me to explore the main features of the compound, such as the Bixi Hall, where the family held meetings and ceremonies, the Chao Tomb Museum, where the
family collected and displayed cultural relics, and the Xiaozhai Village, where the family entertained guests and
practiced folk arts. She also provided insights into the social and economic context of the Qiao family's rise and decline, and the role they played in Pingyao's history.
Throughout the tour, Ms. Li demonstrated her knowledge, passion, and humor in guiding me, and also gave me enough freedom to ask questions, take photos, and interact with the locals. She was attentive to my needs, such as finding me a restroom or a snack, and flexible in adjusting the itinerary according to my time and mood. She also offered me some advice on other attractions and restaurants in Pingyao, and even helped me to book a train ticket to my next destination. Overall, I was very satisfied with her service and grateful for her companionship.
In conclusion, if you want to fully appreciate the beauty and depth of Pingyao's cultural heritage, hiring a local English guide like Ms. Li is highly recommended. With her expertise, enthusiasm, and friendliness, you can learn a lot about the town's past and present, and enjoy a memorable and authentic travel experience. Pingyao is not just a tourist spot, but a living testimony to China's civilization.。