In December 1997 Lijiang in Yunnan Province and Pingyao in Shanxi Province were both designated as World Culture Heritage sites by UNESCO. They became world heritage sites at the same time but they both have their own unique charm.
Old Town of Lijiang
Lijiang is an old town which was built about 800 years ago in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province. Local Naxi people have kept their culture and traditions. In 2003, Naxi Dongba Literature Manuscript was recommended for inclusion in the Memory of the World Register in 2003.
Snow-capped mountains, ancient architecture and streetscapes, canals and waterways, the Naxi people and their distinct culture have attracted hundreds and thousands of tourists from all around the world. The most popular scenic spots and tourist attractions in and around Lijiang are Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Old Man Peak, the Black Dragon Pool, the Jade Peak Monastery and the Tiger Leaping Gorge. There are also some wonderful sites slightly further away from Lijiang, some of which can be reached by cycling or hiking.
Ancient City of Ping Yao
Pingyao in Shanxi Province, located on the trade route between Beijing and Xi’an, is famous for its ancient city wall and folk architecture. It was established in the Ming Dynasty and has been left almost untouched.
Ancient narrow, small temples and courtyard houses offer a unique architectural style and show the town planning of imperial China. Pingyao was also known as a merchant centre and is where China’s earliest banks set up. These institutions in Pingyao were the first in China to use cheques. In the 19th century the city became the financial centre of the Qing government.
To see a full list of World Heritage sites in China please click here.