Pingyao still retains its city layout from the
Ming and
Qing dynasties, conforming to a typical
Ba gua pattern. More than 300 sites in or near the city have ancient ruins. Preserved Ming- and Qing-style residences number close to 4,000. The streets and storefronts still largely retain their historical appearance.
The
city walls of Pingyao were constructed in the 3rd year of the
Hongwu Emperor (1370). The walls have six
barbican gates. The north and south sides have one gate each. The east and west sides have two gates each. This pattern is similar to that of a turtle (the head, tail and four legs), earning Pingyao the moniker "Turtle City."