Traces of History in the Southern Gate of Pingyao 平遥

Grooves on the Road at Pingyao Ancient Town 平遥古城

Grooves on the Road at Pingyao Ancient Town 平遥古城

I have just had about it with the ancient city of Pingyao when I finally reached the southern gate. I didn’t really explore the other gates as I didn’t find it that interesting. The northern entrance seems to be much nearer that new town than the southern one. I was actually at the northern gate the previous night but there wasn’t any light at that part of the town and it was downright scary which made me turn back. I can’t risk getting mugged here. Anyway as it turns out the southern gate of Pingyao had some pretty interesting stuff there.

Walking Through the Pingyao Southern Gate

Walking Through the Pingyao Southern Gate

Upon arrival at the southern gate you would notice that there is a wooden walkway which pedestrians use to get out of the town. I was under the impression that the part of the road was damaged or dangerous so they built the wooden walkway. I didn’t pay attention until I noticed a sign which called my attention to the road itself. Most of the road was fenced off to protect was apparently was a historical artifact. Within the protected area, there were numerous grooves on the road itself, there were some which were particularly prominent. These are wheel marks made by countless chariots and wagons which pass through these doors every day until the 20th century. It is amazing to see how things like these were preserved all the way to this time, and I was glad that someone actually had the sense to preserve something as inconspicuous at that.

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