Acclaimed as the "First Folk Residence in Cathay", the Wang Family's Compound is the largest- existing folk residence cluster in China and a model of the merchant family's residence in Shanxi Province, demonstrating the quintessence of Chinese architectural art and cultural values.
Sixty kilometers (37 miles) south of Pingyao, this dayuan dwarfs the Qiao's Compound. First constructed in the mid-17th century, its expansion continued for over a century. Walking through the 123 courtyards and 1,118 houses takes around 3 hours, but the time is well spent. The decorative lattice screens and windows, shaped openings between rooms and courtyards, and undulating partition walls are exquisite examples of Ming and Qing vernacular architecture. Rarely are so many classic styles found all in one place. Also of note and well worth looking for are the cave dwellings at the compound's periphery. |
