[An Family Courtyard, Yangliuqing Ancient Town, Xiqing District, Tianjin]

An Family Courtyard in Yangliuqing is a typical traditional northern residential building located in Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, Tianjin, featuring the characteristics of a wealthy merchant's residence in the Qing Dynasty. The following is a detailed introduction to An Family Courtyard: 1. Historical Background - Construction Year: An Family Courtyard was built during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty (approximately mid-19th century) as the residence of the An family, a wealthy merchant in Yangliuqing. - Family Status: The An family was one of the "Eight Great Families" of Yangliuqing, starting with canal transportation and the salt industry, and later venturing into finance and real estate. At its peak, the family owned multiple residences and shops. 2. Architectural Features - Courtyard Layout: The courtyard consists of multiple interconnected courtyards, following a central axis symmetry, and integrates the rigor of northern residential buildings with the delicate decorations of Huizhou architecture. - Brick and Wood Carvings: The gate tower, screen wall, and eaves are decorated with exquisite brick carvings, with themes mostly of auspicious patterns (such as fortune, prosperity, longevity, flowers, birds, and figures); the indoor wood-carved lattice doors and beams are also exquisitely crafted. - Defensive Design: High walls, narrow windows, secret passages, and other details reflect the importance that merchants placed on security during the turbulent times of the late Qing Dynasty. 3. Cultural Value - Yangliuqing New Year Paintings Association: Some courtyards once served as New Year painting workshops, showcasing the folk tradition of "every family paints, every household draws" in Yangliuqing. - Restoration of Life Scenes: The courtyard displays Ming and Qing furniture and daily necessities, recreating the daily life of a merchant family in the late Qing and early Republic of China periods. 4. Visiting Information - Address: Guyi Street, Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, Tianjin (near Shijia Courtyard). - Opening Hours: Generally 9:00–17:00 (it is recommended to confirm in advance for seasonal adjustments). - Ticket Price: Approximately CNY 30, often sold as a joint ticket with Shijia Courtyard. - Nearby Attractions: Shijia Courtyard, Yangliuqing New Year Painting Museum, Wenchang Pavilion, etc. 5. Tips - Although An Family Courtyard is not as grand as Shijia Courtyard, it is better in its simplicity and authenticity, with fewer tourists, making it suitable for quiet appreciation. - A guided tour can provide in-depth understanding of the architectural details and the history of the An family's rise and fall. If you would like to know more about a certain aspect (such as architectural details or family stories), feel free to ask me further!