平遥古城_参考网

平遥古城

2018-08-03张恒

中学生英语·阅读与写作 2018年6期

张恒

The past prosperity1 of Shanxi lies in Pingyao， while the soul of Pingyao lies in its Old City. Founded during the Western Zhou Dynasty （1046～771 BC） and rebuilt in 1370， the Ancient City of Pingyao is nowadays one of Chinas four best preserved old cities together with Lijiang Old Town， Huizhou Ancient City and Langzhong Ancient City. It has no charming view， green mountain or clear waters. There is the well-preserved ancient city， traditional buildings and time-honored2 shops. In 1997， it was regarded as a world cultural heritage3.

山西過去的繁荣在于平遥，而平遥的灵魂在于它的老城。平遥古城始建于西周（公元前1046年～公元前771年），1370年重建，并连同丽江古城、惠州古城和阆中古城并称为当今中国四大保存最完好的古城。它没有迷人的景观、绿色的山峰或清澈的海水。但这里有保存完好的古城、传统民居和历史悠久的商铺。1997年，它被列为了世界文化遗产。

Ancient Ming-Qing Street （South Street）

If you want to have a look at the past prosperity of the Pingyao Ancient City， you should not miss the Ancient Ming-Qing Street. It has been the busiest commercial block of the city for hundreds of years. This 450-yard-long street gathers around 80 ancient stores， including exchange shops， pawnshops4， security guard companies and other handicraft workshops. Walking along the Ming-Qing Street you may feel like being back in the crowded market in the old days. Not only can you view old and beautiful buildings， but also buy specialties5， snacks and souvenirs there.

古代明清街（南街）

如果想看看平遥古城过去的繁荣景象，你不可错过古代明清街。数百年来，它一直是城中最繁忙的商业街区之一。这条450码长的街道汇集了80家古店，包括票号、当铺、镖局和其他手工作坊。沿着明清街走，你会觉得自己回到了古代拥挤的集市上，不仅可以观赏古雅的建筑，还可以在那里购买特产、小吃和纪念品。

Rishengchang Exchange Shop

The nearly 200-year-old Rishengchang Exchange Shop， located near the center of the Ancient City， is the first “bank” in Chinas history and is known as the “Father of the Bank in China”. It once controlled the lifeblood6 of the nations economy in the Qing Dynasty （1644～1911）， with more than 30 branches throughout the country. It is now an Exchange Shop Museum， presenting historical items and local style of buildings. There you can know the development of Chinas banks and Jin Merchants， a famous business group in Shanxi Province.

日升昌票号

位于古城中心附近，有近200年历史的日升昌票号是中国历史上第一家“银行”，被誉为“中国银行之父”，曾经控制着清朝（1644～1911年）的国家经济命脉，在全国有30多家分号。它现在是一个交易所博物馆，展示历史遗物和当地建筑风格。在那里你可以了解中国银行业和山西省著名商业集团晋商的发展情况。

Temple of Confucius7

This is the most important place where people show their respect to Confucius， a famous educator who founded Confucianism. With an area of 10，000 square yards （8，361 square meters）， it is the best preserved Confucius Temple in China. This temple was also a state-run academy8 in the olden days. At that time， the dream of most scholars was to serve as an official. Taking the imperial9 examination was the only way for them to gain the title. There is an exhibition in the fifth court of the temple， introducing the development and the history of the old examination.