This UNESCO World Heritage Site has nearly 4,000 courtyard buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). Many are in disrepair, due to poverty, neglect, high population density and a lack of local funding.

The courtyard at 12 Mijia Xiang is an excellent example of how these structures can be successfully and accurately restored as residences and businesses. It now serves as the GHF field office and a visitor and community center.

Cave-like rooms are a distinguishing feature of courtyard buildings at Pingyao. They mirror traditional cave dwellings in Shanxi Province that are typically warm in winter and cool in summer.