The County Magistrate’s Parade

The County Magistrate’s Parade

The Pingyao County Yamen is one of China's four best-preserved ancient government offices and the largest in scale. It features a typical six-courtyard quadrangle layout. Along the central axis from south to north are, in order: the screen wall, the main gate, the ceremonial gate, the main hall, the residential gate, the second hall, the inner residence, and the Immortal Tower. During opening hours, visitors can also enjoy the “County Magistrate’s Parade” performance.

At 9:40 a.m. every day on Ming-Qing Street in the ancient city of Pingyao, the “County Magistrate,” dressed in a traditional gown, routinely parades through the street, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. When the parade reaches the Market Tower, a “shrewish woman” suddenly kneels down to block the way—leading to an impromptu performance that leaves the onlookers in stitches. Throughout the event, actors often spontaneously invite tourists to join in the fun.

Attraction Location

Ming-Qing Street, Ancient City of Pingyao