In pics: ancient walled city of Pingyao in China's Shanxi

A tourist selects lacquerwares at a store within the ancient walled city of Pingyao in Jinzhong, north China's Shanxi Province, on Oct. 16, 2018. The ancient walled city of Pingyao was built in the 14th century, and was named a UNESCO world heritage in 1997, as "an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city." The city boomed in the 19th century as China's financial center, as Shanxi merchants expanded their businesses across the country. Now, the well-preserved compounds of these affluent merchants and some emerging modern elements like souvenir shops, bars, photography festival and theatrical performances have again brought the ancient city to life and made it a popular tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)