Red Gate Grand Manor (Wang Family Courtyard)

Author: Tang Jin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: "People Speak of Shanxi · Shanxi Tourism Culture Graphic Book Series" (Volume) consists of 12 books, including "Detailed Pingyao," "Qiao Family Courtyard," "Confucian Merchant Family · Chang Family Courtyard," etc. Each book features over 200 stunning images and textual introductions on local history, folk culture, and other content, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive view of Shanxi's important tourism and cultural attractions. "Shanxi's architecture, sculptures, murals, dramas, folk customs, etc., are truly captivating. Even the embroidery and silver locks are irresistible." Professor Ge Jianxiong, Director of the Institute of Historical Geography at Fudan University, said so. He enthusiastically calls this series "Shanxi's geographical calling card." Shanxi is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese culture, and its long history has endowed it with a rich cultural heritage. Currently, more than 70% of China's remaining ancient buildings are located in Shanxi Province. Shanxi has 119 key national cultural relic protection units, ranking first in the country. Among them, there are numerous world-renowned historical and cultural heritage sites such as the Yungang Grottoes in Datong, the Liao Dynasty Wooden Pagoda, the Hanging Temple, and the Buddhist sacred Mount Wutai. There are also classic cultural tourism attractions like the ancient city of Pingyao, the Jin merchant courtyards, and the Hukou Waterfall. However, due to the lack of a systematic "Shanxi Cultural Index Reader" published so far, many people have only a general understanding of Shanxi's cultural and scenic spots, still like looking at the flowers in the fog, unable to grasp the details in full. "People Speak of Shanxi · Shanxi Cultural Tourism Book Series" fully showcases Shanxi's important tourism attractions, serving as a three-dimensional index map for Shanxi tourism. The series is edited by commentator Yan Jingming, who said that most of the authors are middle-aged and young local writers in Shanxi. They are like local guides, deeply familiar with the roots and essence of Shanxi—this is also an important strategy for Shanxi in building this "local brand." In the hands of a young writer, a vast ancient folk architectural complex is broken down into pieces. Behind the cold and concise paper lies the historical review of the formation process of the Wang Family Courtyard, an exquisite appreciation of its architectural art, the divisions and reunions of the Wang family's ancestors, and a re-examination of the commercial myths and civilizations of the Jin merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Due to the virtues of benevolence, diligence, fortune, and kindness, it is considered a place close to auspicious blessings. Today, Wang clanspeople at home and abroad regard the Wang Family Courtyard as the root of their family. Every year, a large number of Wang clan members come to pay homage. The courtyard preserves multiple copies of the Wang family genealogy, over 1,300 volumes, providing all visitors with clues to trace the migration of their ancestors.