The Qiao Family Compound is one of the most iconic traditional courtyard mansions in North China. It's s a real-life window into the life of a wealthy Shanxi merchant family during the Qing Dynasty.
Qiao Family CompoundIn 1991, a famous film named Raise The Red Lantern was directed by Mr Zhang Yimou. The film was shot in the Qiao Family Compound, which made the compound well-known by lots of people.
Facts:
- Chinese name: 乔家大院, Qiáo Jiā Dà Yuàn
- Opening hours: 08:00–18:00
- Location: Qixian County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province; about 45 minutes by car from Pingyao Ancient City
- Ticket price: RMB 115 (USD 16 / SGD 22)
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Size: 1.06 hectares (2.6 acres); with 6 major courtyards, 20 smaller courtyards, and 313 rooms
- Suitable for: Couples, families, architecture/history/culture lovers, film fans
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How to Visit Qiao Family Compound
Visiting the Qiao Family Compound is like walking through a living museum of traditional Chinese architecture and culture. To make the most of your visit, we suggest following this walking route:
Main entrance → Zai Zhong Hall (Courtyards 1–5) → Dexing Hall → Baoyuan Hall → Qiao Family Garden → Ningshou Hall
The most impressive section is Zai Zhong Hall. Later courtyards are less essential. Feel free to browse through them more quickly.
When you are visting the compound, focus on the wood, brick, and stone carvings from door frames to window panels and take time to admire their intricate craftsmanship.
Qiao family compoundZai Zhong Hall (在中堂)
The main residence of Qiao Zhiyong, the most influential figure in the family. This is the largest and most popular area, especially during peak hours. Here you'll find the compound's top treasures, including the famous filming site for Raise the Red Lantern.
- Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon Mirror (犀牛望月镜): A 1-ton bronze mirror located in Courtyard No.3 of Zai Zhong Hall, this national-level treasure symbolizes good fortune and auspiciousness. In ancient China, mirrors were rare and valuable items.
- Carved Pearwood Nine-Dragon Screen (九龙屏风): Located in Courtyard No.4 of Zai Zhong Hall, this 2.7-meter-high masterpiece is gifted by Empress Dowager Cixi, carved from pearwood and inlaid with jade. It's widely regarded as one of the compound's most exquisite and elegant pieces.
- Nine-Dragon Lantern (九龙灯): A redwood structure in Courtyard No.4 of Zai Zhong Hall, also gifted by Empress Dowager Cixi, remarkable for its design and hidden motion mechanisms.
- "All-Seeing" Glass Sphere (万人球): A mirrored surveillance globe said to be imported from the U.S., often dubbed the world's first monitor.
Many halls and gates display large horizontal plaques with poetic inscriptions and imperial commendations.
One of the most famous is the "Fuzhong Langhuan" (福种琅嬛) plaque above the main gate of Zai Zhong Hall. It was granted by Empress Dowager Cixi to honor the Qiao family's generosity and charitable spirit.
Without a guide, it's easy to miss the fascinating stories hidden behind the plaques and carvings.
Dexing Hall (德兴堂)
There you can see museum-style exhibitions and live folk shows like traditional wedding performances.
Baoyuan Hall (保元堂)
Built by the fourth-generation Qiao Chao Wu, this courtyard features a sundial and offers insights into traditional Chinese symbols for marriage (囍) and longevity (寿). You can also shop for cultural souvenirs here.
The room of a traditional Chinese marriageNingshou Hall (宁守堂)
The original home of the Qiao family's founding ancestor, Qiao Guifa. It's quieter and less crowded, great for taking photos in peace.
Qiao Family Garden (乔家花园)
A charming northern-style garden with pavilions, bridges, flowing water, and lush plants. A relaxing spot after exploring the courtyards.
Best Photo Spots
The Archway Gate (乔家大院牌楼): This vibrant and elaborate structure at the entrance is the most iconic photo spot, showing off classic Qing-style design.
Archway gate of Qiao family compoundHundred Longevity Characters Wall (百寿图): A beautiful photo background made up of different calligraphy styles of the Chinese character for "longevity" (寿). Located near the entrance with a large "福" (blessing) character on the front.
Qiao vs. Wang Family Compound — Which to Visit?
Since both Qiao and Wang are residential compounds with similar architectural styles and functions, we suggest just visiting one of them.
Wang Family Compound is our recommendation. Here's why:
- Much bigger and more impressive: Nicknamed the "Folk Forbidden City", Wang's compound is four times the size of Qiao's, covering a vast 250,000 square meters. Built along a hillside, its layered courtyards and grand layout create a stunning visual impact.
- Finer craftsmanship: While both compounds feature wood, brick, and stone carvings, Wang's details are more refined and extensive. Its artistic quality is on a different level.
- Fewer crowds, better experience: Qiao's fame from movies means it's often packed with tourists. In contrast, Wang's mansion is quieter and less commercialized, giving you space to explore and take photos in peace.
- Better value for money: Entrance to Wang's is just RMB 55 (USD 7.5 / SGD 10.5), less than half of Qiao's RMB 115 (USD 16 / SGD 22) ticket, yet it offers more in size, beauty, and atmosphere.
Recommended Itinerary
Both Qiao and Wang Family Compounds are located outside of Pingyao Ancient City, so it's best to dedicate one day to exploring inside the city, then visit one of the mansions the next day.
Start your morning from Pingyao by visiting Shuanglin Temple, just a short 15-mins ride away. It offers rich insights into Buddhist art and ancient architecture.
After lunch, head to Wang Family Compound (about 30 minutes west of Pingyao by car) and spend your afternoon wandering through the grand courtyards, exquisite carvings, and lush gardens.
Prefer Qiao's movie-famous scenery instead? You can swap it to the Qiao Family Compound, which lies about 45 minutes northeast of Pingyao.
We can arrange private tours including transport and expert guides to make your visit seamless and insightful. Check our 2-Day Pingyao Highlights Tour.
Travel Tips
Best time to visit: Qiao Family Compound is a cultural site that can be visited year-round, but the most comfortable seasons are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild and the air is dry.
Summer tends to be hot and crowded, especially during school holidays. If possible, try to avoid visiting then.
For a quieter experience, consider going in the afternoon. Mornings are usually the busiest time, especially with tour groups arriving early.
Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be walking a lot, especially across uneven stone paths, steps, and narrow courtyards.
Ticket info: RMB 115 (USD 16 / SGD 22). You can buy tickets online via WeChat or at the on-site ticket office. To skip long queues, we recommend booking online at least one week in advance.
Facilities are limited inside: After entering, toilets and drink stalls are far apart. Carry your own water to stay hydrated during your visit.
Mobility note: The compound has many steps, high thresholds, and uneven surfaces. It's not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility.
Discover More with China Highlights
Make your Pingyao journey even smoother with our private guides, tailored routes, and insider tips. Whether you're planning a visit to the Qiao Family Compound, the Wang Family Compound, or Pingyao Ancient City, we're here to help.
Contact us to customize your trip or check out our popular itineraries for inspiration: