Photo of Pingyao, Shanxi province. Akhil Parashar / For chinadaily.com.cn

Beyond the architecture, two other things caught my attention: the number of themed bars and restaurants and the noticeably polite and affable people.

The many cafes can be considered a hallmark. A foreign visitor might be surprised by the number of well-kept bars and massage parlors. Most eating and drinking establishments are individually owned, each with its own unique style and service.

The atmosphere of Pingyao's main streets is cozy, though there are lots of tourists like me dropping in simply to snap a picture.