Pingyao is among top 30 most beautiful counties in China

Updated:2014-08-15 17:25
( chinadaily.com.cn)

Tongxinggong is an ancient store that was once known for providing escort service. [Photo/pyonline.net]

Pingyao county, in Northern China's Shanxi province, made the 2014 list of the 30 most beautiful counties in China, issued by the China Institute of City Competitiveness (CICC) on Aug 8. Pingyao ranked 15 due to its historical landscape and the preservation of its ancient city.

All counties on this year's list boast good planning and design, well-preserved relics, unique architecture, rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. The CCIC committee also used 85 indicators in the comprehensive selection process including the counties' service, tourism facilities, management and environmental protection. The final ranking incorporated expert opinions and online polls.

Pingyao hosts county landscapes from the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of 2,700 years. The county has already been designated as world heritage.