In pictures: China's heritage headache

Chinese tourists posing for photos in Pingyao. Fifty years ago China had 300 walled cities, now only four remain.

The influx of tourists - six million last year - has given a boost to traditional industries. Pingyao is famous for, among other things, its handmade shoes, which sell for around five dollars a pair.

But the local government fears the tide of visitors could erode the old city.

Pingyao has some of the best preserved Ming dynasty architecture in China.

The old town survived the waves of demolition and redevelopment which have engulfed other walled cities because of the area's poverty.

Back

1 2 3 4 5

Next