Wang Family Compound

王家大院

Known as the “Folk Forbidden City,” this 250,000 sq m hillside fortress complex took the Wang clan of Jingsheng about three centuries to build. It is the largest of the Shanxi merchant compounds, and its three-dimensional carving art is unmatched.

The Wang Family Compound is in Jingsheng Town, Lingshi County. It was built by the Jingsheng Wang clan, Shanxi merchants, over roughly three centuries, from the Wanli reign of the Ming to the Jiaqing reign of the Qing. It covers 250,000 sq m, of which about 45,000 sq m is open to visitors. It consists of two fortress complexes, Gaojiaya and Hongmenpu, and the Wang ancestral hall. Built into the hillside with layered houses and courtyards, it far exceeds the Qiao Family Compound in scale and is called the “Folk Forbidden City” and “No. 1 Residence in China.” Gaojiaya was built in the Jiaqing era as the residence of brothers Wang Rucong and Wang Rucheng. Its two main courtyards, Dunhou Residence and Ningrui Residence, each have a front hall and rear chambers, with three courtyards enclosed on four sides. Brick, wood and stone carvings decorate the lintels, window lattices, column bases and screen walls. Motifs such as “Five Sons Top the Examinations” and “Deer and Crane Together in Spring” carry auspicious meanings, and the craft is listed as national intangible cultural heritage. Hongmenpu was built in the Qianlong era, and its lanes form the character 王 (Wang). You can climb the fort walls for views over the whole complex and the valley beyond. Suggested route: Gaojiaya, across the bridge to Hongmenpu, through the fort, then the Wang Ancestral Hall. The full route takes about 2.5–3 hours, and a guide is recommended. Admission is about 55 yuan. Getting there: the compound is about 50 km south of Pingyao. A chartered car from the old town costs about 200 yuan round trip. Alternatively, take the high-speed train to Lingshi East Station and then a taxi for about 20 minutes. From Taiyuan, transfer at Jiexiu. Tips: the compound is built on a slope with many steps. With so many courtyards it's easy to get lost, so follow the signs and visit in one direction. Nearby you can also visit Mianshan or the Zhangbi Ancient Fort.

Wang Family Compound

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