Former Residence of Kong Xiangxi (Kong Family Courtyard)

The Kong Xiangxi Residence, also known as the Kong Family Courtyard, is a site listed in the seventh batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites. It is locatedat No. 1 Shangguan Lane, Taigu County, Jinzhong City.

Originally the residence of Meng Guangyu, a declining gentleman from Taigu, it was first built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty and completed in the Xianfeng reign. In the 19th year of the Republic of China (1930), Kong Xiangxi purchased it for 20,000 silver dollars and carried out minor renovations. When Chiang Kai-shek stayed here in 1934, it was repainted and decorated with new furnishings. The residence is relatively well preserved. It currently includes the main courtyard, kitchen courtyard, study courtyard, theater courtyard, Ink Garden courtyard, West Garden, and parts of the partially damaged East Garden, all retaining the architectural style of the mid-Qing Dynasty.

The residence faces south and is 91 meters wide from east to west and 69.5 meters long from north to south, covering a total area of 6,324.5 square meters. It consists of multiple horizontally arranged suite courtyards, each divided along the central axis into several quadrangle courtyards. Each courtyard is adorned with plaques inscribed by notable figures. The main buildings feature ornate brackets, painted beams, gilded decorations, and richly colored patterns. The courtyards are separated by connecting halls, with ornamental gates such as pendant-flower gates, vase gates, and octagonal or round-arched gates. The rooms and partition walls between adjacent courtyards are fitted with variously shaped windows—hexagonal, octagonal, rectangular, and more—each uniquely styled and creatively designed.

The Kong Xiangxi Residence combines characteristics of northern residential architecture with the charm of southern gardens. Its elegant design features a clear hierarchy and a distinctive style. Buildings and cottages are interspersed at varying heights, complemented by a variety of window and door designs that enhance the building’s vibrancy. Especially noteworthy is the ingenious integration of southern-style gardens and northern-style residences within limited spaces, a unique highlight in architectural design.

In May 2013, the Former Residence of Kong Xiangxi (Kong Family Courtyard) was designated as part of the seventh batch of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites.

Address: No. 1 Shangguan Lane, Taigu County, Jinzhong City (within Taigu Normal School)

Type: Celebrity Residence

Rating: AAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours

Phone: 0354-6230121

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:30