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Courtyard of Family Qiao

Located 37.3 miles south of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, the Courtyard of Family Qiao was built in the late 1700s by the then influential Qiao family. It is a featured site in many famous Chinese movies and TV series, including the well-known filmRaise the Red Lantern. This internationally acclaimed film fully demonstrated the character of the house.

The entire courtyard house covers an area of 8,000 square meters and consists of six main courtyards and 19 smaller ones, with 313 rooms altogether. Looking from the pavilion on the southwest corner is a great way to have a bird's-eye view of the entire complex. Beyond the gate is a wall on which is carved Chinese characters, evoking the theme of longevity. There are various kinds of red lanterns hanged in courtyards, and the carving in roofs is very delicate. The whole compound features various kinds of elements of Chinese art and strong traditional cultural characteristics.

In 1985, the local government set up the Qixian County Folk Art Museum, which exhibited 5,000 objects of folk traditions on the Qiao grounds, including folk art, agricultural customs, clothing and food.

Travelling tips:

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (autumn and winter); 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (spring and summer)

Admission: 40 yuan

How to get to here: Taiyuan Travel Agency have direct bus to the The Qiao Family Courtyard House and it costs 80 yuan;