day 48: 平遥 (pingyao) = 0km

I found 平遥 to be a large rectangle that is bursting with history to look at.

We decided to pick out only the sights with a rating of AAAA, like for example, China’s very first bank:

日升昌 (rishengchang) was established in the late Qing-dynasty (清1644-1911).

It’s part of what this whole part of the country is famous for:

A traditional spirit of mercantilism.

Then there were some more banks and some temples.

…lots of walking and a confusing number of gates to pass through, so I forget what these places were called.

But it was fun anyways:

I found a nice substitute for Christmas candles:

Unfortunately, the “only professional photography museum in the country” was closed and didn’t look like it was going to re-open within the next few days:

No bad feelings, though – only a good excuse to call it a day and go back to the hotel.

We’re on holidays after all.

Soundtrack: Morcheeba – “Public Displays Of Affection”

—total: 731,7km