Ancient mansion with rare mountain gate now used as a cattle shed

While visiting Qixian County in Shanxi, I unexpectedly discovered a courtyard of a Qing Dynasty residence. Passing through the modern iron gate, I was greeted by a mountain gate brick carving. This architectural style is rare and unique in my year of visiting ancient sites. Inside the courtyard, a unique atmosphere is intertwined: the simplicity of cow dung and the aroma of milk form an indescribable harmony in the air. Passing through the exquisite mountain gate, the scene in front of me is even more emotional - this once luxurious and exquisite courtyard has now become a resting place for dairy cows. In stark contrast to the exquisite mountain gate brick carvings, I can't help but marvel at the diverse fate of ancient buildings in Shanxi and the unique emotions and uses of local people for ancient buildings. The courtyard has two courtyards in the front and back, both of which have been converted into cattle sheds. Every brick carving, wood carving, and stone carving in the courtyard is exquisitely designed and the architecture is exquisite, making me intoxicated by the architectural aesthetics that transcend time and space and reluctant to leave.