[Explore the Ma Family Courtyard and get a glimpse of the former glory of Shanxi merchants]

🏰 [Explore the Ma Family Courtyard and get a glimpse of the former glory of Shanxi merchants] 🏰

🌟 [Treasures of Pingyao Ancient City]
Walking on the stone pavement of Pingyao Ancient City, you can hear the echo of history with every step. Passing through the bustling South Street, I came to a quiet place - Ma's Courtyard, which is a microcosm of Shanxi merchant culture and a symbol of glory as the head of the four major families in Pingyao.

🏯 【Explore the mansion】
Built in 1879, the Ma Family Courtyard, with its three-story towering gatehouse, demonstrates the prominence and grandeur of the Ma family and is even more majestic than the Qiao Family Courtyard. 🌈 Walking through the maze-like courtyard, there are surprises hidden in every corner. Each of the 197 rooms is an interpretation of the word "start", but now we can only glimpse part of the glory of the Ma family.

🔍【Architectural wonders】
Here, every brick and tile tells a story. Pavilions, towers, academies and kitchens, every detail is exquisite. The screen wall, gatehouse, stone carvings, brick carvings, wood carvings, every detail is amazing. 🎨 Standing on the top of the compound, you can have a panoramic view of the entire Pingyao Ancient City, where the vicissitudes of history and modern prosperity are intertwined.

📍【Practical Information】
- Address: No. 34, Majiaxiang, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, near Guandi Temple and Qingxu Temple.
- Transportation: It only takes 10 minutes by taxi from Pingyao Ancient City Station.
- Tickets: The ancient city is open for free, but the combined ticket for the attractions costs 100 yuan and is not sold separately!
- Recommended route: Start from the West City Gate (Fengyi Tower), visit Tingyu Tower, Lei Lutai's former residence, South City Gate, Confucian Temple, City God Temple, South Street, China Escort Agency, City Tower, and finally arrive at Ma's Courtyard, and then head to East Street and Rishengchang.

🌟 In this place full of stories, I seemed to travel through time and space and have a conversation with the glorious years of Shanxi merchants. Ma Family Courtyard is not just a courtyard, it is a witness to a period of history and a symbol of the spirit of Shanxi merchants. 🏰🌆🎭

Post by Foster~Noah | Sep 2, 2024