 Ian
Proven takes us westward to Shanxi for a look at two of the
province's most famous scenic spots; the Residence of the Qiao
Family and the old town of Pingyao.
Shanxi Province is not particularly well known to westerners as a
travel destination in China, but there are two places (well
probably more than two, but two is all I have time for), that are
deserving of more attention.
The
Qiao Family residence is in Shanxi's Qixian County, about an
hour's drive from Taiyuan, the provincial capital.
It's
a typical old northern Chinese courtyard complex, built for a
wealthy family in feudal China. It's also where Zhang Yimou's
Oscar-nominated movie "Raise the Red Lantern" was shot.
During
the latter half of the 18th century, in the Qing dynasty, the Qiao
family acquired great wealth. It ran more than 30 financial
institutions across the country and had close connections with
business people in Mongolia and Russia.
At
the peak of its success, the family returned to its ancestral home
in Shanxi, where it built a big mansion to house the whole family.
The
residence occupies an area of 90,000 square meters. There are 26
courtyards and several hundred rooms, arranged in the shape of the
"double happiness" character, the Chinese symbol for
good luck.
The
threshold at the front gate is high, symbolizing the family's
wealth and prestige. When entering, you are supposed to step
ACROSS the threshold. Stepping ON it is considered bad luck.
Surrounding
the residence is a 10-meter high brick wall to keep burglars at
bay. The roofs of many of the buildings slope down toward the
center of the courtyard. That's to provide shelter from the cold
winds of winter and spring.
Brick
and wood sculptures, colourful paintings, couplets and inscribed
boards can be found everywhere. Many tells stories. There are also
over 100 chimneys, and just like fingerprints, every one is
different.
The
entire complex is a great example of Qing dynasty architecture, no
doubt part of the reason movie director Zhang Yimou decided on it
as the setting for "Raise the Red Lantern" after
traveling all over the country in search of locations.
Since
its opening to the public in 1986, the mansion has attracted more
than 4 million visitors.
About
a hour's drive south from the Qiao Family mansion is the the
beautifully preserved ancient town of Pingyao.
Pingyao
was built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, dating back about
600 years.
Over
the years, the look of the town--the old city wall, the winding
lanes, the old-style shops, the courtyards and temples--have
remained virtually unchanged. Last year, the town was put on
UNESCO's
World Cultural Heritage list.
Pingyao
became an important commercial center in north China in the 16th
century, reaching its peak in the mid-19th century.
Over
170 years ago, Pingyao was home to China's first financial
institution, Ri Shengchang, marking the start of banking in China.
Since
then, over 20 such institutions have been set up in Pingyao,
accounting for half of the country's total.
Their
branches have expanded into 85 cities in China, as well as Japan,
Korea, Russia and Southeast Asia.
Some
of the original management methods are still used today.
And
Ri Shengchang is now used as a bank museum, displaying 100 years'
of China's financial history.
Other
famous sites in Pingyao include the Wanfotang Temple, which was
built in the 10th century and is now the oldest wooden building in
China.
So
why not come to Pingyao to visit these places yourself? You won't
be sorry.
(china
radio international)
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