Qiao Mansion
The Qiao Mansion, located in the suburbs of Pingyao is breathtaking. Its size, complexity, and architectural design never fails to impress. It was built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) by the Qiao Family, the richest family in China. The compound occupies an area of over 8,274 squa remeters. There are six main courtyards, twenty small courtyards and over 300 rooms. The mansion complex was built like a fortress.
The mansion is as famous for its size as for the exquisite craftsmanship that went into the building of the Qiao Mansion. The buildings are covered with carvings and works of art. The bricks found on the walls and balustrades of the mansion are carved in traditional auspicious motifs that were supposed to bring the family luck, wealth, and offspring. The quality of the woodcarving in the mansion cannot rivaled anywhere. Their intricate designs were filled with auspicious meanings. Many of which are gilt.
