The Pingyao Ancient Government Office (平遥古县衙), located in the center of Pingyao Ancient City, was originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty. It took its present form during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, with the oldest preserved structure dating back to 1346 (the sixth year of the Zhizheng era of the Yuan Dynasty), making it over 600 years old. It is the largest and best-preserved county government office in China. The entire complex faces south, featuring an axial symmetry layout. The north-south axis is over 200 meters long, and the east-west width exceeds 100 meters, covering an area of more than 26,000 square meters.
Every day, the ancient government office hosts a theatrical performance called “The Magistrate Holds Court,” which reenacts the county magistrate adjudicating cases. Performances are held at 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:30 PM daily, with additional performances scheduled during holidays and weekends. Visitors who wish to watch the performance are advised to secure a spot in front of the steps opposite the magistrate’s chair for the best view.
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Included in the price for Pingyao Anicent City |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.30; Last admission: 18.15 (Spring and Summer) 8.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.45 (Autumn) 8.00 – 17.30; Last admission: 17.15 (Winter) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0354-5682909 |
Location and Transportation
The Pingyao Ancient Government Office is located within the heart of Pingyao Ancient City. To visit, you need to first arrive at the ancient city and then walk to the site. Alternatively, you can choose electric cars or bicycles.
- Electric Cars: Several electric cars are available within the city, ranging from 10 to 30 RMB. These can be a convenient option if traveling with elderly individuals or young children.
- Bicycles: Renting a bicycle for about 10 RMB for half a day is another option. It offers a unique way to explore both the city and its surroundings.
Layout of the Office Building
Originally, a screen wall stood outside the main gate of the government office. To the right of the main gate is the “Shenming Pavilion (申明亭),” established in the early Ming Dynasty as a civil mediation center. Beneath the main gate’s porch is a drum called the “Drum of Justice (登闻鼓).” Citizens could strike the drum to petition and seek redress for grievances. The Yi Gate (仪门, Ceremonial Gate) is the second gate of the government office, typically kept closed and only opened for the county magistrate’s arrival, to welcome distinguished guests, or during major ceremonies.
The Main Hall is the most magnificent building within the government office complex, inscribed with “Qinmin Hall (亲民堂, Keep Close to Citizens Hall).” This is where the county magistrate conducted official business, handling all major cases, serious crimes, and capital offenses. The Second Hall served as the magistrate’s daily office for routine administrative tasks and meetings with subordinates.
The Inner Residence was the living quarters of the county magistrate, flanked by guest rooms and featuring a rear garden. The garden is adorned with a pond, a small bridge, and a pavilion, creating a picturesque and tranquil environment. T
he government office also includes several other buildings such as the Earth God Temple, the Zhaodan Pavilion, the prison, the grain storage hall, additional gardens, barracks for the constabulary, and quarters for the yamen runners. These structures reflect the comprehensive and functional layout of an ancient county government office, showcasing its operational mode in the past.
