Li Family Courtyard in Wanrong

　　A unique magnificent merchant mansion in southern Shanxi, the Li Family Courtyard is situated in Yanjing Village, Wanrong County, approximately 38 kilometers north of Yuncheng City. It borders National Highway 209 to the west, Peach Blossom Valley to the east, the uniquely peaked Solitary Peak Mountain to the north, and the vast Salt Lake stretching over a hundred li to the south – truly a feng shui treasure.

　　The Li Family Courtyard scenic area spans over 1,000 acres, with a built-up area of more than 100,000 square meters. It consists of six major parts: the ancient architecture zone, the imitation ancient zone, the newly built zone, the service zone, the agricultural ecological park, and the humor expo park. It serves as a multifunctional cultural tourism destination integrating dining, accommodation, sightseeing, entertainment, shopping, and fitness.

　　Established during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty, the Li Family Courtyard has a history of nearly 200 years. Originally consisting of 20 courtyards, 11 remain today, along with ancestral halls, gardens, and more. The entire complex features vertical-shaft courtyard layouts designed for wealth accumulation, while also incorporating Huizhou-style architectural elements, blending the architectural characteristics of both northern and southern China. The ancient courtyards are laid out in an orderly fashion with distinct layers; they are grand in scale, using robust materials; structurally rigorous and durable; well-ventilated and bright, yet securely fortified; and richly decorated with elegant, classic charm.

　　Traditional quadrangle courtyards gather qi and energy, while exquisitely crafted main gates connect earth to sky. The brick carvings, stone carvings, wood carvings, and ironwork decorations throughout the Li Family Courtyard buildings vividly reflect auspicious meanings cherished by the folks of southern Shanxi, such as prosperity through many children, blessings from the Three Stars, the Five Blessings descending upon the home, longevity through pine and crane, passing down virtues through farming and scholarship, and wealth with peace. These artistic expressions vividly embody the local customs, traditions, and cultural essence of southern Shanxi. Additionally, because the owner of the western courtyard, Li Daoxing, studied in the UK and married a British woman named Mackenzie, some sections of the courtyard feature European Gothic architectural styles, showcasing the artistic fusion of Chinese and Western cultures. This makes it a unique gem among the many regionally distinctive residences across the country.

　　The Li family built their fortune on plain cloth, governed profit with righteousness, and balanced both. For generations, they were wealthy without arrogance, luxury, or forgetting benevolence. Their charitable deeds inspired the greedy to value integrity, the timid to stand tall, the struggling to seek change, and the stubborn to embrace kindness. The Li family’s business legacy and their adherence to the ancient family principles of “loyalty and forgiveness” remain relevant even today. Their longstanding acts of philanthropy command deep respect. Stepping into the Li Family Courtyard is like embracing a blessed haven – the well-arranged, classic traditional dwellings; the old alleyways with high blue-brick walls and ornate roof ridges; the diverse and exquisitely crafted brick, wood, and stone carvings; the countless forms and comprehensive calligraphy, paintings, and steles; and the exhibits showcasing the family’s entrepreneurial, business, and charitable history – all offer not only visual delight but also endless food for thought. The Li Family Courtyard unfolds its profound depth and timeless charm to visitors from around the world...

　　Address: Yanjing Village, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City

　　Scenic area ticket: 70 RMB per person

　　Transportation information: Self-driving: Drive along G5 Beijing-Kunming Expressway toward Yuncheng, exit at Yuncheng, then take National Highway 209 toward Wanrong for about 38 kilometers to Yanjing Village. Clear tourist signage is available along the way. Public transport: Take a bus bound for Hejin from Yuncheng Central Bus Station and get off at Yanjing Village. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

　　Tourist tip: Scenic area ticket center phone: 0359--4823278

　　Address: Yanjing Village, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City S85 (Heyun Expressway)

　　Type: Garden/Park

　　Rating: AAAA

　　Recommended visiting time: 2–4 hours

　　Phone: 0359-4823333

　　Opening hours:

　　9:00–17:00