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The Qiao Family Compound is an ancient merchant family residence that offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy merchant family in the Qing Dynasty. Explore the architecture, take in the courtyards and gardens, and visit the impressive halls and rooms. It's also famous for its use in the film "Raise the Red Lantern." You can enjoy the local culture, see traditional artwork, and learn about the Qiao family's history.
The Qiao Family Compound, also known as the Qiao Family Compound Folk Custom Museum in Qi County, Shanxi Province, is located in the beautiful and fertile Jinzhong Basin. It is a fine example of a residential complex that embodies the historical features of Shanxi merchants and reflects the characteristics of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has been hailed by experts and scholars as "a shining pearl in the history of northern residential architecture," leading to the saying, "For the royal family, there's the Forbidden City; for the common people, look no further than the Qiao Family Compound."
In the process of development and restoration, the scenic area has formed a new tourism pattern: "Four Halls and One Garden", with a total area of more than 24,000 square meters, namely the Central Hall, Dexing Hall, Ningshou Hall, Baoyuan Hall and the garden, which fully display the long history, elegant architectural style, exquisite carving art, and simple folk customs of Qiao Family Courtyard.
In 1991, Zhang Yimou's film Raise the Red Lantern promoted Qiao Family Compound as the representative of Shanxi merchants' compounds. In 2006, the hit TV series Qiao Family Compound once again evoked people's memories of this Qing Dynasty residence.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Four halls and one courtyard: 138 yuan per person
Summer 8:00-18:45
Winter 8:30-17:00
The Qiao Family Compound was built during the Qing Dynasty and is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. It was the residence of the Qiao family, one of the most successful merchant families in the region. The compound is known for its distinct architectural style and well-preserved structure, reflecting the wealth and culture of Shanxi merchants during that period. The compound was also featured in the famous Chinese film "Raise the Red Lantern."
The Qiao Family Compound is located in Qi County, Shanxi Province, near the city of Jinzhong. To get there, you can take a taxi or a bus from Jinzhong. It is approximately 30 minutes by car from Jinzhong City. There are also shuttle buses from nearby attractions, making it easily accessible by public transport.
The Qiao Family Compound is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor exploration. Avoid visiting during Chinese public holidays when it can get crowded.
The entrance fee for the Qiao Family Compound is approximately ¥60. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through official platforms. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid long lines.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended during peak seasons (such as Chinese holidays). Booking 1-2 days in advance is typically sufficient for most visitors.
You will need around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the Qiao Family Compound, including visiting the various halls, courtyards, and gardens. If you're keen on learning more about the history and architecture, consider spending extra time to explore in detail.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and occasionally in English during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides are also offered in multiple languages, including English, for a more self-paced tour.
The best photography spots are the traditional courtyards with their intricate wooden carvings, the main hall with its elegant design, and the overall compound from the front entrance where you can capture the entirety of the structure. The gardens also offer beautiful spots for nature photography.
Start by entering through the main gate and proceed to the courtyard. From there, explore the various rooms and halls, moving from the central building to the outer chambers and gardens. Finish by walking through the gardens and viewing the surrounding area. A loop around the compound will give you the best perspective of its design.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at the Qiao Family Compound. However, special tours are available during the day, which include in-depth explanations of the architecture and history of the site.
The Qiao Family Compound can get crowded during Chinese public holidays, particularly during the summer and fall seasons. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, when tourists are fewer.
The site has basic facilities such as clean toilets, rest areas, and souvenir shops. There are also small food stalls offering snacks, but for a more substantial meal, you may need to venture outside the compound.
The Qiao Family Compound is relatively accessible, though some areas with stairs or narrow walkways may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy exploring the compound, especially the spacious courtyards and gardens.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted at the entrance and in the souvenir shops. Some smaller stalls may still prefer cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some with you.
While there are no major restaurants inside the compound, there are small food stalls offering local snacks such as Shanxi noodles and fried dough. For more substantial meals, nearby towns and cities like Jinzhong have a variety of dining options.
Vegetarian options are available at local food stalls, with various vegetable-based dishes. For halal food, you may need to head to larger cities such as Taiyuan, where more options are available.
There are several hotels in Jinzhong city, about 30 minutes away by car. Options range from budget hotels to more comfortable accommodations like the Jinzhong Xinjing Hotel and the Taiyuan Hotel for visitors who want a more luxurious stay.
Souvenir shops at the Qiao Family Compound sell traditional Chinese handicrafts, such as lacquerware, pottery, and embroidery. You can also find local Shanxi vinegar and preserved foods as souvenirs.
After visiting, you can take a taxi to nearby attractions or take public buses back to Jinzhong City. Trains and buses to other parts of Shanxi, including Pingyao, Taiyuan, and the Hanging Monastery, are also accessible from Jinzhong.
