Pingyao country office

Pingyao country office, also called Yamen, is located at north of the centre of Yamen Street. Covering 26.6 thousand square meters with about 131 meters from east to west and about 203 meter from north to south, Pingyao country office was first built in 1346. The architectural group is well organized and the layout is symmetrical. Most of the halls were renovated in Ming and Qing (1368-1911) Dynasties, but very few Yuan style buildings are left in the courtyard. The courtyard is composed of archway, ceremonial gate, six divisions, the prison, the court, meeting room, residential area and gardens. It is the miniature of the emperor palace at the basic level and is the important material for studying ancient political system and civil service system.