🏛 Shan-Shan-Gan Guild Hall — Kaifeng’s Merchant Heritage in Stone and Wood

Located on Xufu Street in Kaifeng, the Shan-Shan-Gan Guild Hall (山陕甘会馆) was built in 1776 during the Qing Dynasty. It served as a gathering place for merchants from Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu who had settled in the city.  

This elegant courtyard complex sits on the historic grounds of the Ming founding general Xu Da’s former residence, and features a formal Siheyuan layout with a central axis consisting of a screen wall, opera stage, paifang (ornamental gate), and main hall. Side buildings include bell and drum towers, wing rooms, and back courtyards.  

But it’s the guild hall’s artistry that truly captivates — inside, intricate brick, stone, and wood carvings depict Buddhist tales and legendary figures with astonishing lifelike detail. These masterfully crafted sculptures are known as the hall’s “Three Wonders.”   Since 2001, the building has been recognized as a Major National Heritage Site by the State Council.

The above will be explained in detail by an in-house guide which would be assigned to you (service included in the ticket price).

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Post by NatDiscoversAsia | Sep 9, 2025