The Wang Family Compund

Wang Family Compund (王家大院) is a great work of traditional Chinese architecture. It is a clear proof of China's architecture from the imperial times and the history left by the wealthy Wang merchant family. This masterpiece from the Qing Dynasty is often called the "Folk Forbidden City". Its large complex covers an area of 250,000 square meters. Here, defensive buildings, nice living spaces, and detailed artistic works are combined together. As a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage, it can take you on a deep trip to learn about the culture and social spirit of ancient China.

Highlights of Wang Grand Courtyard

Gaojiaya

Gaojiaya

Gaojiaya is the spiritual core of the complex. It is made up of two mansions that are connected to each other. These mansions were built by brothers Wang Rucong and Wang Rucheng in the Qing Dynasty. There are 195 courtyards and 1,118 rooms in it. They show a layout with a clear order of ranks. There are different areas for worshiping ancestors, receiving guests, and for private living. The beautiful stone carvings here show stories from Confucianism and lucky patterns. For example, "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate" (鲤鱼跃龙门) stands for success in learning. The Nine Dragons Screen Wall is something you shouldn't miss. It's a rare remaining work of Ming-Qing masonry art.

Hongmen Fortress

Hongmen Fortress

This structure looks like the Chinese character "王" (Wang). It is like a fortress and has four terraced levels. A maze of alleys connects these levels. It was built for protection. Its watchtowers and underground tunnels show how smart the clan was in strategy. Inside the Wang Family Museum, there are things from the ancestors on display. And from the rooftop, you can get a full view of the Loess Plateau. The fortress is symmetrical and fits well with the mountain slope. This is a good example of traditional feng shui ideas.

Three-Carving Art

The brick carvings of Wang Family Compund

The brick, wood, and stone carving craftsmanship of Wang Grand Courtyard is widely renowned and is hailed as the pinnacle of northern Chinese folk art. More than 1,200 works adorn doorframes, eaves, and pillars, integrating Buddhist, Taoist, and folk themes. Some well-known carvings are the "Hundred Deer" relief. It stands for a long life. And there is also the "Four Loves" pattern, which honors literary classics. These carvings don't just make the buildings look nicer. They also show moral lessons and the values of the family.

Jingsheng Confucian Temple

Adjacent to the courtyards, this 14th-century temple is one of Shanxi's oldest rural Confucian shrines. Its Double-Sided Dragon Gate Stone Relief (双面镂空石雕鲤鱼跃龙门) is a masterpiece, intricately depicting fish transforming into dragons—a metaphor for social mobility. The temple has a Bell Tower and a Drum Tower. Seasonal ceremonies are held in them. These ceremonies can help us understand the scholarly culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.