The traditional architectural structures of the whole ancient buildings of Pingyao city have the characteristics of four-square symmetry and other traditional cultural features of the Han Nationality. Pingyao County is famous for historical relics with various cultural contents. The rich ancient architectural buildings and historical relics treasure articles have been well preserved since the 10th century.

Pingyao developed into a merchant center where enterprising local business man set up the nation's earliest banks during the end of Qing dynasty. These institutions were the first to use checks, and business peaked in the 19th Century of China. When the city was the financial center of the Qing government, 22 of China's 51 firms took Pingyao as their headquarters for money exchange and transfer. The main street of the city, currently a 440-meter-long street in the Ming and Qing styles, had been called the Wall Street of Asia in the 19th century. After its heyday the city fell into poverty and without the case to modernize, Pingyao's streets remain unchanged.