Situated in Pingyao, Shanxi Province, the Rishengchang Exchange is widely considered to have been the first bank in China. Established in 1823 during the Qing Dynasty, what began as one man's efforts to manage the accounts of his own company developed into a private banking enterprise that, at its peak, controlled almost half of China's economy.
Now converted into a museum, the Rishengchang Exchange comprises 21 buildings surrounded by three courtyards, with counters situated either side of the front yard. In one corner of this courtyard, an elderly man dressed in a traditional 19th-century robe writes out exchange bills bearing the red Rishengchang stamp, which he then issues to visitors as souvenirs.
In 2006, the Rishengchang Exchange was included on the list of monuments of the People's Republic of China.
Practical Info
There's a coach that departs from Taiyuan train station that reaches Pingyao in two hours. Once there, the ancient walled city of Pingyao can be explored by foot or via rickshaw. Visitors are able to purchase a joint ticket that will cover entry into 20 small attractions around the city.
Address: West Main Street, Pingyao County 031100, China
The old town of Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Shanxi Province, is often considered the best preserved ancient walled city in China. Founded in the 14th century, the old portion of the city covers 556 acres (225 hectares) that retain many of the features of a traditional Han city during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Construction on the old City Walls of Pingyao began in 1370, and visitors can still walk a 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) road on top of the ramparts to take in some of the best views of the old cobbled streets below. Ming-Qing Street, the main commercial street cutting through Pingyao, is lined with hundreds of traditional courtyard houses, shops and snack stands.
Practical Info
Cars and taxis aren't allowed in much of the old walled city, but it’s small enough to navigate on foot.
