Pingyao, a photo from Shanxi, Central

Photographer's Note

Pingyao still retains its urban layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties,conforming to a typical ba gua pattern. More than 300 sites in or near the city have ancient ruins. The city has over a hundred streets and lanes, lined with close to 4,000 17th–19th century shops and residences. The streets and storefronts still largely retain their historical appearance.

The city walls of Pingyao were constructed in 1370 The town is accessed by six barbican gates, one each on the north and south walls and two each on the east and west walls. This pattern is similar to that of a turtle (the head, tail and four legs), earning Pingyao the moniker "Turtle City." The walls measure about 12 m high, with a perimeter of 6,163 m. Aside from the four structured towers at the four corners, there are also 72 watchtowers and more than 3,000 battlements.

tyro, Fis2, ChrisJ, ikeharel, holmertz, Royaldevon, PaulVDV, jean113 has marked this note useful

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mesutilgim (0) 2020-04-27 11:58

Hello Gerrit,
Nice daily life scenery from China, captured with good pov and sharpness. Good layout.
Intereating and usefull notes.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

Tue (92402) 2020-04-27 12:11

Hallo Gerrit,
Een heel mooi gezicht op deze oude stad met traditionele daken en architectuur en ook de rode lantaarns zijn een mooi detail. Ze hebben hier handige kleine wagentjes voor de bevoorrading van de winkels hier en die zorgen bovendien voor een levendige sfeer hier.
Lars

tyro (30513) 2020-04-27 12:54

Hello Gerrit,

An interesting note about Pingyao and a lovely photograph of one of its many streets. I suppose one thing that strikes me is that there are not many people simply walking around on this street - everyone here (perhaps with the exception of the cyclist)is busy doing something.

The roadway looks well paved and in remarkable condition while the buildings on either side appear old and traditional but also fairly well cared foe.

A delightful photograph, with fine composition and excellent light, colour and details.

Lovely!

Kind Regards,

John.

Fis2 (170807) 2020-04-27 13:14

Witaj Gerrit!
Excellent shot from street, scene makes impression.
Good framing and colors.
I like this picture from daily life.
Well done.
Good night.
Keep safe.
Krzysztof

abmdsudi (95869) 2020-04-27 14:11

Hi Gerrit
I like that "Old" or "Aged" feeling of this image - minus the motorised vehicles, and much less so compared to the glitzy cities with the ancient buildings have not changed in hundreds of years. Love the framing and the tones in this and that bit of red here and there, and sparked by the peoples activity. Wonderful image, you have such a good eye. composition is perfect. Congrats
Best regards

ChrisJ (171852) 2020-04-27 20:41

Hello Gerrit,

The name is familiar. I must have considered going there at one stage. Looks similar to the old town part of Yangzhou in Jiangsu. Tfs!

jemaflor (147184) 2020-04-27 23:10

Hi Gerrit,
Interesting daily life view with this perspective of street and with these local people, well taken, perfect sharpness, tfs.

ifege (48135) 2020-04-27 23:42

Hi Gerrit
What a change to all the modern high rise that we see in Chinese cities. Good street photo with a relaxed atmosphere.
cheers
Ian

holmertz (102732) 2020-04-28 0:52

Hello Gerrit,
The street life looks very ordinary but the buildings along the street make this look like an outdoor museum. It is a fantastic example of an ancient town adapted to 21st century daily life.
Regards,
Gert

Royaldevon (85932) 2020-04-28 4:43

Hello Gerrit,

You have included some very interesting notes to accompany your photograph. I like the explanation of the 'Turtle City'!

This street certainly looks very period. Only the more modern forms of transport bring it into the present times.
Your viewpoint is well chosen, creating a fine sense of depth and perspective, the well placed cyclist adding further strength to the composition.

Keep safe,
Bev :-)

PaulVDV (62944) 2020-04-28 5:45

Hallo Gerrit,
Ik heb veel van Pingyao gehoord maar het lag indertijd niet op mijn reisroute ...
Prachtige gebouwen langs beide zijden van de straat.
Gemotoriseerde driewielers en fietsers vormen er het straatbeeld.
Verder lijkt het er niet overdreven druk.
Vele groeten, Paul

jean113 (27887) 2020-04-28 7:28

Hello Gerrit, I have never heard of this place before today, so I find your description of the city extremely interesting.
This seems to be a fairly quiet street; there are interesting shaped buildings and fancy roof shapes, and plenty of Chinese lanterns.
Thanks for sharing, regards Jean.

emka (158198) 2020-04-28 23:59

Hello Gerrit, I knew that Pingyao preserved its Chinese old c character but I had not enough time to go there. What a pity. beautiful view of this street. Interesting scenes. I would like to go to China once more. But will it be possible? For fun, I started to re-new my learning Chinese online.
A nice composition with some red elements here and there.
Take care

Malgo