In ancient Chinese people's beliefs, the earth generates gold in a symbolic sense, which has become one of the explanations why Pingyao was home to many tycoons, especially during the late Qing Dynasty.

"Whether it's the city's turtle-shaped contour or the tu-shaped street pattern, they are essentially people's blessings to the city for its longevity and prosperity," Li says.

Pingyao Ancient City showcases the traditional philosophy about a Han city: a pivotal high point — the three-story City Pavilion dating back to the Ming Dynasty; a central axis — the South Street; the Confucian Temple on the left and the Guandi Temple on the right, which commemorates the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) general Guan Yu; the City God Temple on the left and the ancient government office on the right; and Taoist temples on the left and Buddhist temples on the right.

With a maximum reception capacity of 113,000 people per day, Pingyao Ancient City is seeing its busiest time of the year.

Following the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is the 24th China Pingyao International Photography Festival that closed on Monday with photographers and shutterbugs flocking in from all over the world.