Pingyao bank

Pingyao was the financial/banking center of China. The first Chinese bank was founded here, and at it's peak, there were dozens of banks here. The first pic is the entrance to the very first bank, followed by models of bank clerks at work. The red fence surrounds a hole in the floor that provided access to the "vault" in the basement. 4th is the vest worn by armed guards were kung fu masters. 5th shows some of their weapons and some chain mail. Last is a picture of the carts and chests used to transfer bullion between banks. The use of these reduced with the Advent of bank draftsRead more