Rishengchang Exchange
Situated in Pingyao, Shanxi Province, the Rishengchang Exchange is widely considered to have been the first bank in China, and you'll also see its name written as Rishengchang Bank, Rishengchang Draft Bank, or Sunrise Prosperity Bank. Established in 1823 during the Qing Dynasty, what began as one man’s efforts to manage the accounts of his own company developed into a private banking enterprise that, at its peak, controlled almost half of China’s economy.
Now converted into a museum, the Rishengchang Exchange comprises 21 buildings surrounded by three courtyards, with counters situated either side of the front yard. In one corner of this courtyard, an elderly man dressed in a traditional 19th-century robe writes out exchange bills bearing the red Rishengchang stamp, which he then issues to visitors as souvenirs.
In 2006, the Rishengchang Exchange was included on the list of monuments of the People's Republic of China.
Practical Info
There’s a coach that departs from Taiyuan train station that reaches Pingyao in two hours. Once there, the ancient walled city of Pingyao can be explored by foot or via rickshaw. Visitors are able to purchase a joint ticket that will cover entry into 20 small attractions around the city.
- Things to do in Northern China
- Things to do in Taiyuan
- Things to do in Tai'an
- Things to do in Luoyang
- Things to do in Zhengzhou
- Things to do in Datong
- Things to do in Jinan
- Things to do in Xian
- Things to do in Beijing
- Things to do in Northwest China
- Things to do in Eastern China
- Things to do in Qufu
- Things to do in Tianjin
- Things to do in Okinawa
- Things to do in Northern Vietnam