Rishengchang Financial Exchange
Pingyao, China
Rishengchang Financial Exchange was a forerunner of modern banking in China. It was established in 1823 during the Qing Dynasty and it was the first draft bank in the country at the time. The shop in the Pingyao Old Town covers an area of about 2,000 square yards. It handled various businesses, including loans, deposits, and exchanging.
Although it was successful for over 100 years, it finally collapsed in 1932. More than six decades later, in 1995, it was converted to a museum open to visitors. Tourists can see numerous buildings and three courtyards.
