Qiao Family Compound

The Qiao Family Compound is located in Qiaojiabao Village, Dongguan Town, Qixian County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. It is the former residence of Qiao Zhiyong, a famous Shanxi merchant: Architectural Features - Exquisite Layout: Covering an area of 8,724 square meters, with a building area of 3,870 square meters, it is divided into six large courtyards, each containing 20 smaller courtyards, totaling 313 rooms. The overall layout of the compound resembles the Chinese character for double happiness. The compound faces the street on three sides and is enclosed by three-meter-high brick walls, resembling a castle with strong defensive capabilities. - Sophisticated Design: The courtyards are mostly long rectangles, narrow from east to west and long from north to south, with the exit in the southeast, forming a "Kan House Xun Gate" pattern. The main houses have single-sloped roofs, and the houses around the courtyards mostly adopt single-sloped roofs facing inwards, symbolizing "keeping wealth within the family." From the entrance gate inwards, the ground level of the second gate, third gate, and main house gradually rises, symbolizing "lower in the front, higher in the back, generations of heroes." Historical Evolution - Construction and Expansion: The Qiao Family Compound underwent three large-scale constructions and expansions over a period of more than 160 years. The earliest construction can be traced back to 1755 (the 20th year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign), initiated by the first generation of the Qiao family, Qiao Guifa. Later, it was expanded several times by Qiao Zhiyong and his descendants, eventually forming the current layout. - Historical Changes: After the Japanese invaders occupied Qixian County, the Qiao family fled to avoid disaster. Through its relationship with the church, the Qiao Family Compound was spared from Japanese harassment by displaying the Italian flag. After liberation, the Qiao Family Compound was successively occupied by government agencies, troops, and schools. In 1986, the Qiao Family Compound was designated as a folk museum and officially opened to the public. Cultural Value - Collection of Cultural Relics: The Qiao Family Compound houses numerous precious cultural relics, such as the "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon Mirror," the "Nine Dragon Palace Lantern," and the "Myriad People Ball," all treasures of the Qiao family.