The Du Family Courtyard

The Du Family Courtyard

The Du Family Courtyard is located in Zhengan Village, Shenshan Township, Dingxiang County. It faces east and spans 32.3 meters from east to west, and 17.6 meters from north to south, covering an area of approximately 568 square meters. Its exact construction date is unknown, but the existing structure dates back to the Qing Dynasty. The courtyard is designed as a one-entry, two-courtyard style. In the first courtyard, there are currently three east rooms, two main rooms, and four south rooms; the second courtyard has a wooden hanging-flower gateway, four rooms each on the north and south sides, three rooms in the middle section, and three wing rooms on either side. Currently, it serves as the residence of five brothers from the Du Wen’an family, and underwent partial repairs in 2009. This courtyard is a typical example of the flat-roofed vernacular dwellings of northern Shanxi. Content excerpted from *A Collection of Cultural Relics in Xinzhou*.

Source: Xinzhou Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics

Shenshan Township: A township under the jurisdiction of Dingxiang County. In 1958, it was part of the Heping Commune; in 1961, the Shenshan Commune was established; and in 1984, it became a township. It is located in the northeastern part of the county, about 8 kilometers from the county seat, covering an area of 31.5 square kilometers with a population of 15,000. The Xinfu and Xinhong highways pass through the township. It administers eight village committees: Shenshan, Weicun, Guanjia Ying, Zhaojiaying, Cuimazhuang, Shijia Wan, Xiaowangcun, and Zhengan. Agriculture mainly focuses on planting sorghum, corn, and wheat. Township enterprises are primarily engaged in iron smelting and forging industries, earning it the reputation of the “Hometown of Blacksmiths.” Shenshan Ancient Temple was once the study site of the Jin Dynasty poet Yuan Haowen. … Shenshan Township Detailed Information++