Pingyao County Museum

Pingyao County Museum

Pingyao County Yamen Museum The county yamen follows the hierarchical layout of feudal China, with civil offices on the left and military on the right, front for administration and rear for residence. There are six courtyards along the central axis, from the outside in: the Main Gate, Hall of Justice, Gatehouse, Second Hall, Inner Residence, and Immortal Tower. The Hall of Justice is also known as the “People’s Hall,” and the Inner Residence as the “Diligence and Caution Hall.” Along the eastern side, from north to south, are the Flower Hall, Changping Granary, Hall of Marquis Zan, and the Earth God Shrine. The Changping Granary is also called the Treasury Hall. Along the western side, from south to north, are: the Prison, Official Quarters (ruins), Ten Kings Temple, Hongshan Post, and the Arrest Office. (The Ten Kings Temple, Hongshan Post, and Horse King Temple are currently under restoration and not open to the public.) The entire architectural complex is well-organized, with a clear hierarchy, balanced layout, and cohesive structure. Whether in terms of building arrangement or functional division, it can be considered a miniature imperial palace. On May 19, 2004, the 11th Panchen Lama visited the yamen and inscribed: “Pingyao County Yamen – The Finest of Ancient Yamen.”

Unlike the museums we commonly see, the Pingyao County Yamen Museum demonstrates historical and cultural characteristics through its preserved architectural layout.

Telephone

0354-5682909;0354-5636808

Location

Guandao Lane, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province

Further Reading:

· National Third-Class Museum of China