Pingyao Liang Village

Pingyao Liang Village

Liang Village is an ancient settlement with a long history and profound cultural heritage, often praised as “Among the 408 villages of Pingyao, Liang Village ranks among the very best.” It currently preserves five ancient fortresses and 132 historic traditional courtyards, most of which were once the residences of wealthy merchants from the Qing Dynasty, such as Mao Honghan and Mao Hongju. These individuals were influential draft bank (piaohao) owners within the Pingyao business community of Shanxi merchants, and at one time served as leaders of the Pingyao piaohao industry. The former residences of Mao Honghan, Mao Hongju, Ji Shi, Ji Gui, Deng Wangqing, Mao Hongxiang, Deng Shi, Ji Dingxuan, Bai Shi, the Liang family’s old house, and the Shi family’s old house... all bear witness to the history of Shanxi merchants and reflect the prosperity and flourishing of this area during the Qing Dynasty. No wonder there is a popular saying: “Yuanchi Liang Village came before the ancient city of Pingyao.”