While the Wang and Qiao family compounds are major attractions to be found here, Pingyao is also fa
mous for its lanes and streets which date from antiquity. A short distance from the Rishengchang Exchange Shop in Xida Jie there is a small cross road where to the left a street running from north to south leads to the southern end of the city. Passing by an 18 meter high three tiered tower, built during the Ming Dynasty, you will enter the famous Ming and Qing Street, also called Nanda Jie. This is one of the best places in which to explore ancient Chinese culture. There is a dazzling array of art wares that includes antiques, furniture, ancient coins, Chinese paintings, jade ware, lacquer ware and traditional folk clothing, etc., as you take a stroll among rows of traditional buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This crowded bazaar was the commercial centre during these dynastic periods with over 700 stores and shops. Most of these time-honored stores continue to thrive to this day. It is also possible to travel through the streets in the appropriate style by taking a rickshaw ride. To complete your appreciation and enjoyment of this unique part of the city there are a number of museums. The Tongxinggong, Tianchengkui and Xietongqing are among the most notable and should not be missed.
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