Changyuchuan Jin Merchant Tea House Museum

Changyuchuan Jin Merchant Tea House Museum

The Changyuchuan Courtyard is located at the northern entrance of Duanjia Lane in the ancient city. It was originally the site of a tea house owned by the Qu family, one of the ten wealthiest merchants and a prominent clan in Qi County during the Jin merchant era. It stands as one of the longest-operating and largest tea houses among the Jin merchants. Built during the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns of the Qing Dynasty, the entire courtyard is bounded by streets on three sides. Inside, the bright pavilion, main tower, and overhanging corridors are majestic and imposing; brick, wood, and stone carvings can be found everywhere, all rich in symbolism; dougong brackets, flying eaves, painted decorations, and gilded finishes showcase exquisite craftsmanship. Notably, the large bluestone relief sculpture above the southwest courtyard gate stands 15 meters high and 10 meters wide. It is vividly realistic, exquisitely crafted, and considered the finest among Shanxi residential stone carvings, as well as a rare cultural and artistic treasure in China. The former site of the tea house has now been repurposed into the Jin Merchant Tea House Museum, which systematically showcases the long history and profound richness of Chinese tea culture. It serves as an ideal place for visitors to enjoy tea, relax in the cool, and be entertained.