The wonders of China's Shanxi Province and its magnificent ancient structures

One of the writers’ travel buddies at the historical settlement of Pingyao Ancient City. The centuries-old city was well planned and has a functional underground sewerage system. — Photos: LEESAN

I recently read the book The History Of Chinese Architecture by Liang Sicheng, and was shocked to find that much of China’s ancient architecture had its origins within the borders of Shanxi Province.

Despite having gone through years of destructive wars, it is miraculous that many of those magnificent ancient structures have managed to survive until this day, with some almost in their original conditions.