Courtyard
Draft Banks Of Shanxi Merchants
During the hundred years that draft banking lasted in China, Pingyao became the hub as other local merchants opened similar banks. Branch banks were soon set up in major cities in China and in Asia, leading to great prosperity in Pingyao, with its subsequent economic, cultural and societal development. Courtyards became more ornate, streets, shops and stores were developed, enlarged or improved, and its products, such as lacquer ware and clay sculptures, became well known.
Instruments of torture of the Couonal residences
In Pingyao Ancient City are many traditional residences and commercial courtyards, 3797 of which are protected and more than 400 of which are intact. These traditional residences are the carriers of history culture, which are valuable for studying its history, folk customs, architecture, and art, and still serve as homes of local people. They become the architectural cultural heritage, which are protected and utilized today.