Today, Pingyao looks much the same today as it did when it was the bustling economic center during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ming Qing Street, also called South Street or Nan Da Jie, was the main commercial street in Pingyao. It is one of China's cultural and historical landmarks, where both locals and tourists come to discover the antique charm of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The street extends for about 750 meters, with 78 traditional shops that remain well-preserved in the Ming and Qing style. However, the city also offers modern amenities like museums, shops, and hostels, but do not appear out of balance with the city's traditional flavor. While strolling through Pingyao, visitors may note the many tall walls which were symbolic of the city's wealth and prosperity at that time.
Since the early 19th century it has served as the original gathering place for business people in Shanxi, and today it is home to the biggest antique market in the province. Almost all kinds of trades took place along the street.
Other attractions are the 20-30 museums that flank the street, which give visitors a taste of the various cultures that thrived during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This ancient street runs from north to south down the center of the city, directly between the City Government Building and the Cheng Huang Temple.
