A martial arts filmmaker's dream locale, the walled city of Ping Yao is home to Jing's Residence, a serene slice of China's history subtly improved upon with respect to both modernists and historians.
EXPERIENCE
The former home of a Qing Dynasty Silk Merchant, Jing's Residence has been restored and augmented with a patience and attention to detail that produces an immediate sense of calm in visitors. Thousands of perfectly cut white stone bricks line the exterior, with perfectly placed bamboo trees adding life to the scene.
Rooms and common areas are distinctively modern, with low-lying furniture paying tribute to days gone past. A group dining room serves some of the best noodles anywhere; offered piping hot with two dipping sauces. Bet you can't eat just 100.
Grab a cocktail and sit back for some traditional Chinese music before venturing out into the unchanged 2,700 year-old streets. Walking on the cobblestones, footsteps echo off the town's ancient wall, providing a metronomic soundtrack accompanying the glow of Ping Yao's many red lanterns.
From Beijing, catch a three-hour high-speed train to Taiyuan, and one more train to Ping Yao. Once in the walled city, head to the main East - West traveling street. Jing's Residence is located adjacent to The First Armed Escort Agency.