Pingyao hosts influx of visitors for Dragon Boat Festival

The Ancient City of Pingyao received an influx of 115,200 visitors during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday on June 7-9, according to the Pingyao culture and tourism bureau. 

The first day of the three-day holiday saw 37,600 tourists stream into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing year-on-year growth of 9.62 percent. 

Crowds of visitors toured venerated attractions -- such as the ancient city wall. 

They also went to the Rishengchang Exchange Shop -- the country's first draft bank -- ancient predecessors of modern banks in China -- which was built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). 

Still others visited the Pingyao Xianya, which was a government office compound in ancient times -- all the tourists taking in the historical and cultural charm of the well-preserved ancient city. 

Officials said the rich culture, clean environment, and easy traffic left tourists with a lasting impression.