The Qiao Family Compound

The Qiao Family Compound is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, a National Second-Class Museum, an Advanced Unit for Cultural Heritage Protection, a National Youth Civilization Unit, and a Patriotic Education Base of Shanxi Province.

Also known as Zaizhong Hall, it is located in Qiaojiabao Village, Qi County, Shanxi Province. First constructed in 1756, the whole complex is laid out in the shape of the Chinese double-happiness character. It consists of six major courtyards enclosing twenty smaller yards with a total of 313 rooms and a construction area of 4,175 square metres. The compound borders streets on three sides and is surrounded by fully enclosed bluestone walls over ten metres high. The main entrance is designed like a city gate tunnel. It is a grand ancient residence embodying the architectural style of traditional northern Chinese dwellings.

More than 5,000 precious cultural relics are on display here, fully reflecting folk customs prevalent in central Shanxi. The exhibitions cover farming traditions, life rituals, seasonal festivals, clothing, food, housing and transportation, merchant customs and folk crafts. Special galleries are also dedicated to Qiao family historical materials, family treasures and feature film exhibits.

Boasting magnificent buildings with exquisite layout and elaborate craftsmanship, the compound showcases the unique characteristics of residential architecture in the Qing Dynasty. It boasts outstanding ornamental, academic research and historical value, forming an unparalleled artistic treasure trove. Reputed as "a bright pearl of northern folk architecture", it has long been celebrated by the saying: "The imperial palace belongs to the royal family, while folk mansions are best represented by the Qiao Compound." It enjoys great fame across Shanxi and worldwide.