China Biaoju Museum

China Biaoju Museum

The China Biaoju Museum is located in the middle section of South Street in the ancient city of Pingyao, facing east. Covering a total area of [square meters], the museum’s 10 exhibition rooms use detailed and abundant physical exhibits to objectively and comprehensively narrate the historical facts behind the emergence, management, and operational organization of biaoju — a unique industry. It reveals the special contributions that biaoju made to the field of commodity circulation in the later period of China’s feudal society.

In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, with the sprouting of capitalism and the development of a commodity economy, a new type of business emerged in many cities. Known as the biao trade, these were agencies that, for a fee and relying on martial prowess, specialized in protecting property or personal safety. This semi-official martial arts group was neither composed of wealthy merchants nor backed by ample capital. Instead, it was formed by several martial artists (commonly called "skill masters") who hired dozens of fighters to protect transport vehicles. Their internal accounting procedures were extremely simple. Typically, a biaoju kept only one ledger. Upon receiving payment for a consignment, they would note in the ledger the date, the amount of silver, and the destination — without questioning the quality or weight of the silver. When handing over funds, the silver was simply wrapped, sealed with cloth or hemp, stitched up, and marked with the amount and destination, signed off by the sending agency, along with an accompanying letter. If any silver went missing, the biaoju would compensate, but only up to a reasonable amount — as the saying goes, “We compensate if we can afford to,” implying that they wouldn’t if they couldn’t. However, historically, cases of lost silver by biaoju were extremely rare.

The services of biaoju were divided into cargo biao (loan biao) and passenger biao (client biao). The forms of biao journeys were divided into land and water routes. Land biao routes were further classified into southern and northern routes: the southern route mostly traversed plains, while the northern route covered the desolate grasslands beyond the Great Wall. Biao masters were skilled in combat involving carts, horses, and on foot, favoring weapons such as [weapons], single swords, hidden weapons, and bows. As social life grew more complex, the scope of work undertaken by biaoju expanded widely — not only safeguarding private property but also transporting tax revenues collected by local officials. Thus, later services included guarding residences, overnight watch, shop security, vault protection, and biao transportation, among others.

The vehicles you see in the courtyard now were important means of transport used by biaoju during their operations. They featured a single wheel, hence called single-wheel biao carts. These carts were tricky to balance but convenient for navigating rough mountain roads. Take a look at the small triangular flags on them — the characters on the flags represent the surname of the head biao master. When bandits saw whose biao was being transported, they might hesitate to attack, as these biao masters were renowned martial experts, each with extraordinary skills and fame.

As you move forward, you’ll find that the China Biaoju Museum displays four major themes. This exhibition room showcases biao households and the ten major biaoju.

Biao household biao was the prototype of biaoju operations. Over more than two hundred years of development, ten of the most distinctive and influential biaoju emerged. Visiting this room gives you a clear view of the grand and sweeping historical landscape of China’s biaoju industry.

Biao household biao was the main form of biao transport before the formal establishment of biaoju. It developed alongside commerce. Hence the saying: “Where there is business, there is biao; where there is biao, there is business.” Biao household biao was purely a private enterprise, limited by region and reputation. Biao guards stayed at inns and were hired based on their martial skills to escort people, merchants, or goods from one place to another. The fastest could cover over 80 li a day. As commerce flourished, the influence of biao households grew, inns were established, and the combination of biao households and inns laid the foundation for the emergence of biaoju. As commerce continued to develop, and after registration, biaoju were officially born.

Now take a look here — these are the famous ten major biaoju of China. They are: Xinglong Biaoju, Huiyou Biaoju, Chengxing Biaoju, Yuyong Biaoju, Guangsheng Biaoju, Changlong Biaoju, Tongxinggong Biaoju, Yuanshun Biaoju, Sanhe Biaoju, and Wantong Biaoju.

Among them, Huiyou Biaoju, established on Qianmen Outer Street in Beijing, was one of the earliest biaoju. At its peak, it had over a thousand masters and apprentices and could handle both land and water biao.

Guangsheng Biaoju (1802–1830) was founded by Dai Erlü from Qi County, Shanxi, in Sheqi, Henan. It operated in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hebei, Anhui, Jiangsu, Beijing-Tianjin, Shandong, and other areas. When transporting biao through Shandong and shouting in Cangzhou, Dai Erlü defeated three martial artists including Yin Yuwen, which greatly boosted his reputation and business. The Changlong Biaoju, founded by Zuo Erba, had over a hundred members at its peak, established branches in places like Hangzhou, and was eventually withdrawn back to its hometown in the late Daoguang era (1830).

Changlong Biaoju (1840–1911) was founded by Zuo Changde from Xiaoziqi, Wenshui, Shanxi, in Suzhou. In the 14th year of the Daoguang reign (1844), Zuo Changde was entrusted by the Jiangsu governor to escort a batch of silk imperial biao to Beijing. After safely arriving, the Daoguang Emperor personally awarded him a yellow mandarin jacket and a biao flag, rapidly boosting his reputation. Later, Zuo Anmin, his son, continued the biao trade. The biaoju withdrew back to its hometown during the Xinhai Revolution.

Turning around, you can see the biao chests used by biaoju in those days. These chests were designed for both water and land routes. The land ones could be carried or loaded on horses. Some are over two hundred years old and are now quite rare.

Ten Great Biao Masters

The history of biaoju development is a heroic saga woven from the magnificent lives of countless biao masters. The ten great biao masters are outstanding representatives among them. Visiting this room offers you a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of their ideals, beliefs, morals, and aspirations.

The life of a biao master was glorious. To become one, one had to master exceptional martial skills — training hard in summer’s heat and winter’s cold, proficient in all eighteen martial disciplines. A biao master valued loyalty above all, honoring promises as if they were worth a thousand pieces of gold. Friends could swear brotherhood and even sacrifice their lives for each other. Outlaws would lend a hand for mutual success. For a biao master, injury was minor, and death in service was not uncommon. The biaoju would provide compensation and support their families. Focused on martial excellence and integrity, biao masters could retire at fifty, either staying to advise or returning home — with all expenses covered by the biaoju.

On the wall, you can see introductions to the ten great biao masters: Li Guanming, founder of the “Biao Does Not Shout in Cang” rule; dual-sword master Li Fenggang; Xingyi master Che Yonghong; North China Xingyi master Dai Erlü; North China wrestling king Wang Zhengqing; Iron Leg Zuo Erba; Broad Sword Wang Wu (Wang Zibin); single-sword master Li Cunyi; Sanda champion Zhao Guangdi; and all-around expert Li Yaochen.

Li Guanming, from Cangzhou, Hebei, mastered various weapons of the Liuhe School. His martial skills impressed even the imperial guards so much that they were completely awed. At age 32, he founded Chengxing Biaoju in Cangzhou, shaking the land. Once, another biao master shouted while passing through Cangzhou. Enraged, Li rode his horse, leaped onto a plaque beam, and hung there. The biao master quickly apologized, and Li burst out laughing. Since then, the rule of “Biao does not shout in Cang” became customary. Cangzhou had many martial artists, and passersby preferred to avoid trouble. But those who did shout were usually highly skilled, seeking friendly martial exchanges.

Dai Erlü (1769–1861), from Xiaohan Village, Qi County, Shanxi, was the son of Dai Longbang, founder of the northern school of Xingyi Quan. He learned martial arts from his father in his youth. At 20, he followed his uncle Dai Linbang to run an inn in Henan but suffered defeat against local thugs. He returned home to train again, then reopened Guangsheng Biaoju in Sheqi, Henan.

Big Sword Wang Wu — Wang Zibin ( ? –1900), from Cangzhou, Hebei, founded Yuanshun Biaoju in Beijing. He was a close friend of Tan Sitong during the Reform Movement. After Tan was executed, Wang safely escorted his remains back to Hunan for burial. Wang was also a patriot. In 1900, during the invasion of Beijing by the Eight-Nation Alliance, he fought to the death against the invaders and was unfortunately shot and killed.

Due to the dangers of the biao trade, biaoju employed top-tier anti-theft measures. Upon entering, look up — the rooftops of biaoju buildings were covered with wire mesh, adorned with small copper bells to prevent intruders from climbing down. It was the most advanced anti-theft system of the time.

Biaoju Management

As China’s earliest insurance-like organizational entity and economic body, biaoju had its own business scope, operational procedures, unique handling processes, biao transport methods, and six key commandments that biao masters had to follow. Visiting this room gives you a deeper insight into the rich connotations of biaoju.

Biaoju Business

Pingyao had a large population but limited land, prompting many to go into business. Sending earnings — especially silver — back home became a common biaoju task, and it was also the first of their six main services.

When merchants earned money, some would purchase valuables and hire martial guards to protect their silver or goods. But no matter the biao, everything had to be counted and settled in person.

With rapid commercial growth, many became wealthy bosses. The abundance of gold and silver attracted danger, so they hired martial guards for personal protection.

"Sitting guard at shops": Gold shops feared robberies, so they hired guards to protect their premises.

Courtyard Guard: All year round, all day long, they stay in this courtyard to ensure its safety.

Night Watch: They are off during the day but on duty at night, responsible for catching thieves and protecting the master from harm.

Among bodyguards, there are also certain rules and precepts, among which the "Six Prohibitions of Bodyguarding" are particularly important.

Prohibition against staying at newly opened inns: Newly opened establishments are unpredictable, so bodyguards avoid taking unnecessary risks and will not stay at any inn displaying a “Grand Opening” sign.

Prohibition against staying at inns with new ownership: Inns that have changed owners are suspicious and may be run by thieves, so bodyguards avoid them as well.

Prohibition against staying at inns with courtesans: Some inns are frequented by courtesans who may lure and trap you, causing you to lose your guarded goods—bodyguards avoid such risks.

Prohibition against being separated from weapons: Whether on the road or resting at an inn, weapons must always be carried to prepare for emergencies.

Prohibition against being separated from the guarded goods: Whether it’s a caravan on land, a boat on water, or any protected party, merchants must not leave their belongings unattended.

Prohibition against ignoring suspicious signs: A bodyguard must possess keen alertness, observing all directions and listening carefully. Upon noticing anything suspicious, they must stay vigilant and prepare for combat.

Bodyguards carry a manifest of the goods they are escorting and an official travel permit issued by the government before setting out on a mission.

When reaching a checkpoint, they present the travel permit. To avoid complications, bodyguards sometimes slip the guards some silver, ensuring smooth passage. Since ancient times, it has been said, “Money opens roads.”

When spotting bandits in the distant mountains, bodyguards shout the “escort call”: “With one ‘He Wu,’ the caravan moves, and a safe journey home follows half a year later.” The term “He Wu” is a homophone for “He Wu” (a reference to Zhang Hei Wu, the first person in Chinese history to establish an escort agency), used to identify fellow convoy members. Knowing they are allies, the mountain bandits may choose not to attack.

If shouting the escort call doesn’t work, coded language known as “Chun Dian” is used. Chun Dian is jargon understood only within escort agencies and incomprehensible to outsiders. For example, smoking is called “chao keng,” matches are “liang zi,” and jackets are “ye zi.”

If Chun Dian fails, it comes down to swords and blades, fighting to the death. Therefore, being a bodyguard is no easy task. Before every trip, they settle their family affairs and prepare for the possibility of not returning, highlighting the inherent dangers of the profession.

After safely delivering a convoy to its destination, bodyguards receive their due payment and return to their agency, thus securing their livelihood and leaving behind a legacy of honor.

Escort agencies are a very unique trade. Not only do they rely on the existence of bandits to survive, but they also maintain close ties with the underworld. Moreover, most agencies had rather secretive dealings with government authorities. In an era when information, transportation, and currency circulation were underdeveloped, escort agencies were spread across cities of all sizes nationwide, serving as the insurance industry of the past. They played a positive role in facilitating the normal operations of trade, goods, and currency for businesses. However, with societal development, the advent of banks, railways, postal services, and steamships led to the gradual decline of these agencies, which had thrived for over 300 years, fading from the historical stage by the early years of the Republic of China.

Address: No. 61, South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City

Type: Museum

Recommended Visit Duration: 0.5–1 hour

Phone: 0354-5686648

Opening Hours:

Monday–Sunday: 8:00–19:30 (Spring/Summer); 8:00–18:00 (Autumn/Winter)

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Pingyao Ancient City Pass. Ancient City Pass: 120 RMB (peak season), 90 RMB (off-season), valid for three days.