Located on the old route between Beijing and Xi'an, Pingyao still retains the city layout of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Well-preserved ancient residences can be found everywhere in the city. Its magnificent barbican gates were built in the reign of Emperor Xuan (827-782B.C.) of the Western Zhou Dynasty. More and more domestic and foreign tourists visit the place in autumn, the best time to enjoy its spectacular beauty.