In the south of France and in the heart of North China’s Shanxi Province, there are two remarkable places – the ancient cities of Carcassonne and Pingyao. Despite their geographical distance, they are both treasures of their respective countries, showcasing their own unique charms in different cultural settings.
An undated photo shows the historic fortified city of Carcassonne, France. /CFP
An undated photo shows the historic fortified city of Carcassonne, France. /CFP
In the Occitanie region of southern France lies the medieval European city of Carcassonne. Renowned for its castle of the same name, the historic fortified city stands on the right bank of the Aude River, with origins dating back to Roman times. The castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe and a significant former defensive structure in the region.
In 1997, the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passing through its arched city gate, crossing over the moat and entering the city, visitors are immediately surrounded by ancient cobbled streets and stone buildings, as if they were traveling through a time tunnel into the medieval world.
An undated photo shows the ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi Province, China. /CFP
An undated photo shows the ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi Province, China. /CFP
Similarly, the ancient city of Pingyao in Shanxi Province, North China, bears witness to history. Dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), Pingyao Ancient City is one of China’s most well-preserved ancient county towns. Its city walls resemble a turtle crawling southward, earning it the nickname of the “Turtle City.”
In 1997, Pingyao Ancient City was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can stroll through the ancient streets, explore the architectural complexes from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), and experience the unique charm of ancient Chinese culture. Pingyao Ancient City is also renowned for its distinctive financial culture, serving as an important witness to the development of China’s ancient financial industry.