Qiao Family Compound

​​Historical Significance​​

The ​​Qiao Family Compound​​, a UNESCO-tentative site, epitomizes the wealth and influence of ​​Jin merchants​​ during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). Key milestones:

• ​​Origins​​: Founded in 1756 by tea trader ​​Qiao Guifa​​ and expanded by financier ​​Qiao Zhiyong​​, whose ​​remittance banks​​ dominated 19th-century trade.
• ​​Cultural Legacy​​: Gained global fame as the filming location for Raise the Red Lantern (1991).

​​Architectural Marvels​​

​​Layout & Design​​

• ​​Structure​​: 6 large courtyards, 20 small courtyards, and 313 rooms arranged in a ​​double-"喜"字形 (joy) layout​​, symbolizing prosperity.
• ​​Defensive Features​​: 10-meter-high enclosed walls and ​​patrol corridors​​ for security.

​​Artistic Treasures​​

• ​​Carvings​​: 300+ intricate ​​wood​​, ​​brick​​, and ​​stone carvings​​ depicting folklore.
• ​​Four National Treasures​​:
  1. ​​Nine-Dragon Lantern​​: A Qing-era chandelier with hidden mechanics.
  2. ​​Rhinoceros Moon Mirror​​: A Ming Dynasty bronze mirror.
  3. ​​Ten-Thousand Man Ball​​: An early "surveillance device" from the U.S..

​​Cultural Insights​​

• ​​Jin Merchant Values​​: Exhibits on ​​honesty​​ and ​​frugality​​, core to Jin merchant success.
• ​​Museum Role​​: Since 1986, it houses ​​5,000+ artifacts​​, including farming tools and ​​Qing contracts​​.

​​Visitor Information​​

• ​​Hours​​: 8:30–18:30 (Apr–Oct); 8:30–17:00 (Nov–Mar).
• ​​Tickets​​: ¥72–138 (seasonal).
• ​​Must-See​​: ​​Zai Zhong Tang​​ (main hall) with original ​​gold-leaf ledgers​​.

​​Pro Tip​​: Visit during ​​weekdays​​ to avoid crowds and join ​​guided tours​​ for hidden stories.