Traveling in Shanxi (27) - Kong Xiangxi Residence.

There are many Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyards in northern China, such as the Wang Family Courtyard, known as the "Folk Forbidden City", the Qiao Family Courtyard, known as the "Pearl of Northern Residential Architecture", and the Li Family Courtyard, which is known as one of the "Three Lotus Flowers of Jin Merchants" along with the Qiao Family Courtyard and the Wang Family Courtyard. They are all representative of northern residential architecture due to their unique architecture, exquisite carvings, and the hard work of the families who built them. This is why we hear sayings like "Qiao Family for fame, Wang Family for courtyards, Li Family for kindness" and see the unique beauty of the Jin Merchant Courtyards. The 27th stop in the Traveling in Shanxi series is the Kong Xiangxi Residence, which was built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and completed during the Xianfeng period. The main building faces north, but the courtyard has a double courtyard and double lighting, giving it a positive feel. The Kong Family Courtyard, also known as the Kong Xiangxi Residence, was originally the residence of the ruined gentry Meng Guangyu in Taigu. Unlike other Jin Merchant Courtyards in Taigu and the surrounding area, the history of the Kong Xiangxi Residence is more closely linked to figures from the Republic of China, such as Kong Xiangxi and Chiang Kai-shek. So while admiring the beauty of the courtyard, you can also learn about the history of the Republic of China, which gives the courtyard a lively atmosphere and an enduring soul. 🧡Features: ✔️Northern residence + southern garden = strong combination ✔️Buildings are staggered in height, with a clear hierarchy ✔️Thoughtful and profound details with good meanings 📍TIPS: 📌Location: Search for Kong Xiangxi Residence in your navigation app. 💰Tickets: CNY 60 per person, must be purchased on site. ⏱️Opening hours: 8:00–17:30 ⌚️Tour duration: 1–2 hours 🅿️Parking: There are parking spaces on the auxiliary roads of Taigu Street, free of charge. The alley where the attraction is located is narrow, and it is crowded when entering from South Street. There is no parking, and many of the alleys are one-way streets, so it is more convenient to park on the auxiliary road of Jicheng West Street and walk into the alley. 💚Nearby: The alley where the Kong Xiangxi Residence is located leads to South Street, which is the old commercial street of Taigu County. The bustling atmosphere of the past is still clearly visible, so you can take a stroll. 💚Food: Taigu's specialties include Taigu cake, Taigu smoked pigeon, Taigu Guilingji, oat noodles, and Lang dates. Taigu cake is a traditional Shanxi delicacy, so be sure to try it before you leave. It is crispy and delicious, with a moderate sweetness.