Shi Family Grand Courtyard, Grand traditional Chinese mansion in Yangliuqing, China
The Shi Family Grand Courtyard is a large traditional Chinese mansion arranged as 12 quadrangle courtyards with pavilions, pools, and gardens distributed along a central axis. It now operates as a folk art museum displaying Yangliuqing New Year pictures, brick sculptures, and period furnishings from the family's era.
Built in 1875, this residence belonged to the Shi family, one of eight prominent merchant families in Tianjin during the Qing Dynasty. The structure reflects the economic success and importance of this family within the port city during that era.
The mansion displays traditional Chinese architectural elements through its symmetrical layout, Buddha halls, and decorative carvings that reflect the family's social standing. The different spaces and ornamental details reveal how the household expressed wealth and values through its design.
The site is located in Xiqing District and invites visitors to walk through its connected areas, with the symmetrical arrangement of courtyards making navigation intuitive. Visitors benefit from allowing time to explore all exhibition areas and the surrounding gardens.
The mansion's opera room accommodates around 200 guests and stands as one of the largest private performance spaces in the north, designed for dining and entertainment. This space demonstrates how wealthy families during the Qing era hosted elaborate performances for their social gatherings.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
