Jinan Outskirts Tour | Met a Tour Guide at the Former Residence of Du Shoutian in Binzhou

The first stop on my Shandong trip was Binzhou, Shandong's northern gateway and northeast neighbor of Jinan. Although Binzhou is not very famous, it has a long history. I visited a real ancient architectural complex early in the morning, the little-known former residence of Du Shoutian, the teacher of Emperor Xianfeng during the Qing Dynasty. 🐱The former residence of Du Shoutian was also the former residence of the Du clan (the Du family had been a prominent family since the Ming Dynasty, and by the late Qing Dynasty, they had produced 12 Jinshi degree holders). The architectural style is typical of northern Shandong during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The original Du residence was a courtyard house, containing 28 small courtyards and more than 300 rooms. Now only the embroidery building, the living room, and some of the main halls and side rooms remain. The biggest feature of the overall architecture is its openness. Although relatively independent, there are no enclosed courtyards, and there are many back doors and side doors, making it easily accessible. The most interesting attraction in the courtyard is the "nail house" in the southwest corner. When the Du family expanded their residence, there was one family who refused to move no matter how much money they were offered. Because the residents' surname was Gang, they were called the "steel pillars" of the Du family compound. 🐱I met a very clingy calico cat🐱 tour guide in the courtyard. It accompanied us almost the entire way, and even stopped to wait for us when we were too slow. I guess it will get certified to work as a tour guide once it learns to talk. 🐱Former Residence of Du Shoutian Address: South Street, Binbei Subdistrict Office, Binzhou District, Binzhou City, Shandong Province Opening hours: 8:00–17:00, last entry 16:30 (winter) / 8:00–18:00, last entry 17:30 (summer) Tickets: 50 CNY/adult, 43 CNY if booked one day in advance