Jinzhong

Jinzhong is a prefecture-level city with in east central Shanxi province of the People's Republic of China. Jinzhong City is situated in east-central Shanxi Province, neighboring Taihang Mountains in the east and Hebei Province in the north. It is separated from the capital city Taiyuan by the Fenhe River in the west. The history of Jinzhong can be traced back to thirty thousand years ago. In the late years of the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC), cities and towns had taken shape in this area. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476), county level administrative units started to be established here. Since the Eastern Han Dynasty (25AD-220AD), shires and prefectures have appeared. Historically, this region was usually subordinate to Taiyuan, Fenzhou or other prefectures.

It is also known as the 'Turtle City' suggesting longevity and never declining. The 6 kilometers long brick City Wall has wall towers and turrets positioned along its length which would be effective in wartime and have a decorative function on the framework of the wall. The ancient city is made up of four major streets, eight lesser streets and seventy-two lanes. The South Street, also called the Ancient Ming and Qing Street, is the busiest commercial center of Pingyao. Along the stre