Chang Family Manor is the first Confucian merchant family in Shanxi, China.

《Tourism Guide for Chang Family Manor in Shanxi》 Chang Family Manor, a model of Chinese folk residence that carries the vicissitudes of history and cultural heritage, is located in Chewang Village, Dongyang Town, Yuci District, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. It is like a shining pearl, exuding unique charm and attracting countless tourists to explore. The following is a detailed guide to visiting Changjia Manor, which will take you to appreciate the extraordinary charm of this manor. 1. Overview of the scenic area Chang Family Manor was built by the Chang family of Yuci, the pioneers of the Tea Road from Fujian to the heart of Europe. After nine generations of hard work, when the brothers Chang Wanqi and Chang Wanda were in charge, the mansion architecture of the Chang family manor entered its heyday. Today, although the area is less than a quarter of what it was back then, one can still feel the Chang family’s former glory and elegance. The manor is famous for its elegant cultural taste, profound historical heritage, fusion of northern and southern styles, and exquisite architectural art. It is a model of Chinese folk residence. 2. Best time to travel Chang Family Manor can be visited all year round. In spring, the manor is shaded by green trees, with flowers in full bloom, full of vitality; in summer, the green trees provide shade, bringing a touch of coolness to visitors; in autumn, the golden leaves and the ancient buildings complement each other, creating a unique charm; in winter, the manor is covered with snow, like a beautiful ink painting. 3. Opening hours The scenic area is open from 08:00 to 18:30, and tourists can choose the visit time according to their own schedule. 4. Traffic Information 1. Visitors from Taiyuan City: - If you drive, you can take Taiyu Road and National Highway 108 to Dongyang Town, Yuci, and turn right; or take Pingyang Road and Taimao Road to Changzhuang, Qingxu, turn left and drive along Dongqing Road for 15 kilometers to arrive. 2. Visitors from Datong, Shuozhou and Mount Wutai: - Take the Jinzhong exit of the Wusu Interchange Bridge on Dayun Expressway, follow Taiyu Road and National Highway 108 to Dongyang Town, Yuci, and turn right; or take the Taiyun Expressway to Taiyuan Xiaodian, turn into the Yuci exit of the Taichang Expressway, go south along National Highway 108 for 1 km to Dongyang Town, Yuci, and turn right. 5. Tour route 1. Manor entrance - Entering from the west gate of the manor, the first thing that catches your eye is the huge stone sculpture of a fish leaping over a dragon gate. It is majestic and symbolizes the Chang family’s good wishes for future generations. 2. Street Tour - Stroll along West Street and Back Street to experience the prosperity of the Chang family in the past. There are more than a hundred mansions, more than four thousand houses, and more than fifty buildings on these two streets. The architectural style is unique, with both the grandeur of the north and the refinement of the south. - Appreciate the architectural features of each courtyard, such as the archways with raised eaves, screen walls and flower walls, all of which demonstrate the Chang family's exquisite craftsmanship and elegant taste. 3. Visit the ancestral hall - The Chang Family Ancestral Hall is one of the important buildings in the manor, where the family history and cultural heritage of the Chang family are preserved. - Appreciate the 240 characters for longevity on the screen wall of the ancestral hall and feel the Chang family's pursuit of longevity and happiness. - View the 340 family mottos in square script in the Hetang main courtyard to appreciate the Chang family’s family motto culture and family spirit. 4. Garden tour - The garden landscape of Chang Family Manor is unique, combining the grandeur of northern gardens with the refinement of southern gardens. - Stroll through the gardens, admire the various exquisite couplets, plaques, calligraphy inscriptions, and feel the cultural heritage of the Chang family. - Observe the exquisitely crafted stone carvings, brick carvings, wood carvings and various painted patterns, as well as the carvings, beasts, and carved ridge guards on the buildings, all of which leave a deep impression. 5. Taste for details - During the tour, pay attention to the various details of the manor, such as the carvings on the doors and windows, the murals on the walls, the patterns on the ground, etc. These details are the essence of the Chang family's architectural art. - You can spend some time staying in each courtyard, savoring the carved treasures such as the archway with raised eaves, the screen wall and the flower wall, and feel the craftsmanship of the Chang family. 6. Tour Schedule It takes more than two hours to tour the entire estate even if you just take a quick look. If you want to savor it carefully, you must spend a whole day. 1. Morning: - 08:00 - 09:00: Arrive at Chang Family Manor, purchase tickets and enter the scenic area. - 09:00 - 11:00: Visit West Street and Back Street to admire the mansions and architectural features. - 11:00 - 12:00: Visit the Chang Family Ancestral Hall to learn about the family history and cultural heritage. 2. Noon: - 12:00 - 13:00: Enjoy local delicacies such as Yuci sausage and Pingyao beef at the restaurant in the manor. 3. Afternoon: - 13:00 - 15:00: Tour the gardens and admire the couplets, plaques, calligraphy and various carvings. - 15:00 - 17:00: Appreciate the details of the manor and experience the architectural art and cultural heritage of the Chang family. - 17:00 - 18:00: Buy some souvenirs, such as Chang Family Manor’s special handicrafts, books, etc. - 18:00 - 18:30: Leave the scenic area and end the pleasant journey. VII. Precautions 1. Learn about the opening hours and transportation information of the scenic spot in advance and arrange your itinerary reasonably. 2. There are many buildings in the scenic area. Please pay attention to safety when visiting and do not climb or touch the cultural relics. 3. Respect the culture and customs of the scenic area and do not make loud noises or litter in the scenic area. 4. The dining and shopping facilities in the scenic area are relatively complete, but the prices may be slightly higher. You can bring some food and drinks with you. 5. The tour will take a long time, so please wear comfortable shoes and clothes to better enjoy the trip. In short, Changjia Manor is a famous historical and cultural garden worth visiting. Here, you can feel the former glory and elegance of the Chang family and appreciate the unique charm of Chinese folk houses. I hope this travel guide can help you with your trip to Chang Family Manor and allow you to have a pleasant and unforgettable vacation.