Pingyao Roofs

What struck me most when I visited Pingyao were the roofs. Apparently flatter roofs are common in the north of China, while sloping roofs are more typical of the south. Pingyao had both. Most of the flat roofs were surrounded by tiles placed in decorative patterns, possibly to let the wind through to dry things, but I'm not sure.

View from the north wall.

Meeting of sloped roofs.

Pingyao Churches

There are also two churches in Pingyao: one Protestant and one Catholic. And I've got to give it to the Catholics, their church is much prettier!

Protestant church.

Catholic church.

Pingyao Temples

I've been home for over a week now and it has been absolutely wonderful. I still have pictures from the last week in China, though, that I want to share with you all.

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In Pingyao there were several famous temples including Confucian, Daoist, and one for the city god. The buildings themselves were much more ornate than the other buildings, especially their roofs which included glazed tiles.

Dragon Gate: jumping over the threshold is supposed to bring good luck.

The walkway is lined with the animals of the zodiac, each with its own fountain.

Drum tower.

Bell tower.

Gargoyle equivalent.