Chang Family Manor

Chang Family Manor is where the scholarly merchant Chang family in Chewang Village, Dongyang Town, Yuci lived. People first built it during the times of Emperor Qianlong and Emperor Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty. It covers an area of 600,000 square meters. There are more than 4,000 rooms, more than 50 buildings, and 13 small gardens in it. Its area used to be half of the original village. A war damaged it in 1947, but people restored it later.

Highlights of Chang Family Manor

Chang Clan Ancestral Hall

Chang Clan Ancestral Hall

The Chang Family Ancestral Hall stands at the heart of the manor's architectural complex. For many generations, the Chang family has carried out ancestor-worshipping rituals here. This wonderful ancestral hall is well-known for its nice woodcarving work, golden ancestor tablets, and different cultural items that show the family's 400-year-long history. The ancestral hall closely follows the layout rules of Confucianism. There is a central altar for holding sacrificial ceremonies, and side rooms store Qing Dynasty business papers and the family's precious things. Tourists can strongly feel that it's exactly this respect for tradition that made this merchant family successful.

Guihe Hall

Guihe Hall

Guihe Hall is among the grandest houses in the manor's architectural complex. It shows how rich the Chang family was and their good taste. It has lovely courtyards with beautiful stone carvings, pretty lattice windows, and well-kept furniture. Each room has its own special use, from having guests over to studying by oneself. The most noticeable part is the main reception hall, where a lot of important business talks happened. The fancy ceiling beams and old-fashioned decorations let people take a look at the luxurious life of top Shanxi merchants.

Jing Garden

Jing Garden, in the manor's busy buildings, is the Chang family's private rest place. It's quiet. This Chinese garden has winding paths, calm ponds, and lovely pavilions. They were carefully built to make people feel peaceful and think. Uncommon plants, nice stone inscriptions, and moon gates make it very beautiful, like a picture. The Lotus Viewing Pavilion, where the Chang family once had scholars and friends, is a place you must see. Jing Garden shows how nature and people's ideas can mix well.

Shiyun Study

The stone wall of Shuyun Study

Shiyun Study is the cultural center of the manor's buildings and a great place for scholars. In this nice space, the Chang family has collected many old books, calligraphy, and paintings over the years. The quiet feeling, wooden bookshelves, and the scholar's desk show the Chang family cares a lot about education and culture. The walls have stone carvings of famous poems, making it more cultural. Shiyun Study lets people know what China's merchant elites were interested in, in culture and learning.