Shanxi Provinceoccupies the mountainous region between the central plain and the northern desert.

The routes through it provided the means whereby the Han Chinese of the central plains could communicate with the desert tribes living beyond the border. Trading links, dating from the first century BC, flourished during the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907).

The strong family loyalties of those living in Shanxi coupled with the ethics of diligence, thrift, and teamwork brought about a thriving merchant culture that endured for some 500 years, until the late Ming period (1368-1644). True to their roots, these merchants would bring their wealth back to the places where their families had long been settled and they built fine, extensive mansions.

Today, there are still some 1,300 sites where such houses can be found.

Wang Family Grand Courtyard

General introduction

Acclaimed as the "First Folk Residence in Cathay", the Grand Courtyard of the Wangs is the largest-existing folk residence cluster in China and a model of the merchant family's residence in North China'sShanxi Province, demonstrating the quintessence of Chinese architectural art and cultural values. The famous architect Zheng Xiaoxie researched the place six times, describing it as a "priceless treasure not only for the nation, but also for the entire world."

Situated in Jingsheng Town, 12 km east of Lingshi County in the province, the Wang's Grand Courtyard is only 35 km from the Ancient City ofPingyao, which is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

This luxurious residence covers about 45,000 square meters with 123 compounds and 1,118 rooms and took about half a century (1762-1811) to build.

Related:Famous Grand Courtyards of Shanxi Merchants(I)