Rygsækrejsen 2015-2016: Pingyao city tour #2

We both walked the city wall this morning – the part where you can actually walk. About half of the 6.4 kilometre wall is accessible even though the entire wall is reconstructed. From the wall it was easy to get an overview and impression of the “old” town of Pingyao and the new town surrounding it. The old town was a mix of low buildings, most of them built in grey bricks and tiles, the new town looked like all other Chinese towns, that is mostly concrete and highrises going up in all directions.

When we were done walking the wall we continued on the smaller streets going to another temple, a merchant museum and the museum of armed escorts. Pingyao bragged about being the place where the concept of armed escorts originated since there were so many valuables being store and exchanged with the banks here. The museum also included an opportunity to shot bow and arrow – Chinese style. Mikkel was really good, Malene sucked big time. Must try it again some other time. In the afternoon we visited the confusius temple where we could also climb the tower and get another good view of the old city.

Hot day though so we relaxed a bit in the shade in the afternoon before going out for massage and pedicure. It is tough to be and overland traveller. When we were done being rubbed and cleaned we went for some food at one of the nearby foodstalls enjoying a free dessert – sticky rice and dates in a leaf package. Tomorrow is the annual dragon boat and dumplings festival – therefore the free dessert today.