Glimpse at compound culture in Shanxi

(chinapic.people.com.cn)

The unrivaled compound culture in Shanxi Province has been known throughout the world. The ancient local-style dwelling houses of Shanxi were quadrangle dwellings. They have rational layout and magnificent structures with unique brick carving, wood carving and stone sculptures. Among all the compounds in Shanxi, Chang Family Compound, as one of Shanxi's several wealthy merchant's manors, is representative.

Chang Family Compound is the private mansion of Chang family. The constructing scale of Chang Family Compound is the first of its kinds in Shanxi province.

The tall gateway faces the east, surrounded by a river outside, the white stone arch bridge set up at the entrance of the gate. A flagstone against the gate is stretching from east to west. The repaired houses rank in rows. A 100-acres garden corresponds with the houses.

In every courtyard of Chang's Compound, you are provided with the chance to enjoy brick, wood and stone sculptures. The inscriptions on these sculptures are verses, adages or patterns of flowers like plums, orchids and chrysanthemum. These sculptures are considered the most elaborate examples of the Qing Dynasty's building art.