Pingyao Ancient Government office (also known as Gu Xianya) is a well-preserved structure that functioned as a government office and a court for civil disputes. Spread over an area of more than 26,000 square meters, the compound consists of an executive office, a tax office, a trial hall and a prison. It also has a hall dedicated to Buddha worshipers. The building is laid out in such an order that each new layer represents a higher level of importance until you reach the private area that served as the Judges residence, followed by a small garden to rest. It is an excellent site for people to discover what an ancient Chinese local government functioned like. Highlights and must sees include:

• The Daily shows re-enacting an old court trial on a civil dispute
• The Torture museum

• Check the show timings of the re-enacted court trial in advance.
• It is advised to visit the site with a local friend, as most of the communication happens in Mandarin here.

• Walk or hire a taxi.
• Ask a local for the bus details.

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