Journey Through Shanxi Series (XII) - Qixian·Qu Family Mansion

The northern mansions are a microcosm of history, where the bygone days of 'eight thousand miles of clouds and moon' and drunken poetry are now but a whisper in the wind, eliciting sighs. Yet, time seems to have an inexhaustible fondness for these northern mansions, each appearance tinged with the earthy scent of soil, a hint of dampness, a touch of abruptness, a bit of the unconventional. They are full but not passionate, languid but not disrespectful. It's captivating every time it makes an entrance, enough to keep me fascinated for many years. The Qu Family Mansion, which began construction during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, has undergone several renovations, with the main structures from the Tongzhi and Guangxu periods of the Qing Dynasty still standing. The Qu family once built 40 courtyards within Qixian city, and what remains today is only a part of the historical Qu family architecture, specifically the residences of Qu Yuanchao and Qu Yuangan. As a castle-style complex, the Qu Family Mansion has a rich and cleverly arranged layout, with the Railing Courtyard, Bright Tower Courtyard, Unified Tower Courtyard, and Opera Stage Courtyard all intermingled in an orderly fashion. The rooftops are diverse, featuring hipped-and-gable roofs, suspended roofs, and more. Tall arched gateways are topped with exquisite watchtowers. Between the courtyards, there are archways and passageways, with the bright towers and unified towers creating a rich transitional spatial form. From above, the Qu Family Mansion resembles the character '明', with the 'moon' part on the right forming the five-section eastern courtyard, residential area, opera stage courtyard, and sedan chair courtyard, while the 'sun' part on the left comprises three quadrangle courtyards and a study courtyard along the western corridor. The Qu Family Mansion is a masterpiece of Chinese residential architecture, and its brick carving art is representative of Shanxi and even Chinese brick carving, embodying the fusion and crystallization of spiritual and material culture, and is an outstanding cultural heritage. The past's yesterday is history, the past's today is now, the past's tomorrow is the future. The Qu Family Mansion, a microcosm of the entire Jin merchant culture, has stood tall on Qixian's East Street through wind and rain for hundreds of years. The fleeting, the remaining, the lost and regained, all tell us about the past and present of this mansion in different ways. It represents the 'Jin'-style aesthetics of carved railings and jade walls, the deep legends of the courtyard, the enduring prosperity symbolized by the hanging red lanterns, and the remarkable achievements that connected the world. Every brick and tile preserves the Jin merchant's residence. Every courtyard and garden imprints the Jin merchant spirit. 📍TIPS: 📌Location: Search for 'Zhao Yu Ancient City' in your navigation system (Qu Family Mansion is located within Zhao Yu Ancient City). 💰Admission: 35 RMB per person 🅿️Parking: Free parking is available on both sides of the street where the main gate of Zhao Yu Ancient City is located. ⏰️Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours 💚Currently open attractions: 🔺Zhao Yu Ancient City is free of charge. As Zhao Yu Ancient City is still under renovation, only parts of the attractions within the ancient city are open: 🔺Qu Family Mansion 🔺Changyu River (Wanli Tea Road Museum) 🔺Qu Benqiao's Former Residence 🔺Additionally, throughout Zhao Yu Ancient City, you can find ancient Ming and Qing buildings, which are a must-see for those interested in historical architecture. 🩵Nearby attractions: Qixian is renowned for the Qiao Family Mansion, a Jin merchant residence that records the glorious history of the Qiao family. Known as 'the Forbidden City for royal residences, the Qiao Family for civilian homes', it is famous throughout Shanxi and beyond, a peerless treasure trove of art that is well worth a visit. 🔺Qu Family Mansion to Qiao Family Mansion: a 22-minute drive, can be visited in one day.