In Zhongtang

Introduction of Zai Zhong Tang:

——Zai hHong Tang promotion slogan:

“Business was created on the long trade old road, centennial tradition was formed in the home of Zai Hong Tang”

The first sentence indicates how the Shanxi ancient merchants, represented by the Qiaos, traveled far across the world and pioneered an international tea trade road on the Eurasian continent; it also symbolizes the way Chinese people has done business since centuries ago. The second one indicates that the family emphasizes on excellence in moral and career through spiritual cultivation, highlighting their Confucianism belief and responsibility. The family inheritance, disciplines and traditions represented by "Zai Zhong Tang" are core to their success; it also puns that the courtyard complex is a pearl of the northern residence of Qing Dynasty in architectural history.

“Zai Zhong Tang” represents the Confucian “moderation” doctrine of "leaning to neither side, using the middle section". “Zai Zhong” means "in the middle". It demonstrates how Qiao Zhiyong integrated his philosophy in life and business into the title of the main yard. The overall layout of this complex is a Chinese character "囍" (pronounced as “xi”), meaning double auspicious.

Dexing Hall

Introduction of De Xing Tang:

——De Xing Tang promotion slogan:

Respected and cherished, a blessed fairyland

These words demonstrates that the Qiaos gained great fame in the Hefen region in its heyday. Their beliefs on longevity, fame, fortune and life were profound and thought-provoking. The couplets also echos Empress Dowager Cixi's words of "a blessed fairyland", highlighting the reputation and responsibility that the family shouldered in history.

De Xing Tang was home of Qiao Zhixiang, a son of Qiao Quande. The title was derived from two sentences in the Chinese classics of “forever development and fortune” in the Book of Songs and "only those with moralities owning it" in the Doctrine of the Mean. The courtyard was composed neatly, exquisitely and elegantly, forming a Chinese character "寿"(pronounced as “Shou”, meaning longevity).

Baoyuan Hall

Introduction of Bao Yuan Tang:

——Bao Yuan Tang promotion slogan:

Adhere to the original desire, cure the world with sincerity

It implicates how the Qiaos fulfilled their social responsibilities from the end of the Qing Dynasty to the Anti Japanese War, how Qiao Ti dedicated to the country and helped Italian nuns, and how they “serve the people when getting rich”, echoing Qiao Zhiyong’s words "any supernatural powers can help the world, any true power can save people’s life".

Bao Yuan Tang carries the family expectation to "succeed in the imperial examinations". It was built by Qiao Chaowu, the fourth generation of the family and the best educated branch. With majestic layout, the courtyard also shows the official position that the owner used to hold.

Ningshou Hall

Introduction of Ning Shou Tang:

——Ning Shou Tang promotion slogan:

To be diligent and frugal, to cherish the ancestral heritages

The descendants of the Qiaos never forget their family traditions, teachings, and doctrines, though they have been living in different parts of the world since the foundation of the People's Republic of China. The family adheres to diligence and frugality, abstains from extravagant and flashy lifestyles, and attaches importance to education, as has further promoted the family philosophy and their career.

Ning Shou Tang, meaning "still water with deep running, honest for faithfulness", was the residence of Qiao Guifa - founder of the family business. It is generally called the "old yard”.

Garden

Introduction to the Qiaos' family garden:

——the Qiaos’ family garden promotion slogan:

Splendid fairyland, infinite scenery

Deprived from the plaques and couplets in the four courtyards, this slogan carries a meaning of "self-cultivation for pleasant feeling". In Chinese, "Langhuan" refers to a fairyland, while "splendid" is always used to describe the scenery or an article. "Infinite scenery", frequently occurred in ancient poetry, symbolizes the beauty of the Qiaos' courtyard and the charm of ancient Shanxi business culture.

Locating between Bao Yuan Tang and Ning Shou Tang, the garden is of typical northern northern: pavilions, small bridge, flowing water, and flowers. After the solemn courtyard tour, people can enjoy the lovely view of swaying fragrance, fluttering butterflies and swallows, dreamy mists... in the garden, peaceful and light.

As the “first courtyard” and a cultural heritage site of the ancient Shanxi merchants, the Qiaos' Courtyard is not only renowned for its spectacular architectural complexes, but also the rich cultural connotations and strong humanistic atmosphere. The spiritual wealth - the business traditions, the unique culture, and the family doctrines - constantly inspire the later generations and the audience.

Important words and sentences were selected from the plaques and couplets in the four courtyards and one garden in the courtyard for new promotional slogans, though they are distinguished in terms of category, time, and content.

the Changyuan River Wetland Park

Qi County, lies on the central section of the Tea Road, is hometown of the ancient Shanxi merchants, who were among the pioneers of the Tea Road. Changyuan River has nurtured the historical and cultural heritage of Qi County and the Chanyuan River Wetland National Park is rich with historical, cultural and natural landscapes. Close to the Qiaos’ Courtyard, the park has become an excellent place for leisure and recreation activities. Starting from Jialing Bridge in Jialing Town in the north and ending at the mouth of Dongyugou in Laiyuan Town in the south, the river extends for 36 kilometers and covers a total area of 934 acres, including 460 acres of wetlands, accounting for 51.30% of the total park area.

Changyuan River National Wetland Park has three functional areas: wetland utilization, restoration and reconstruction, and wetland conservation and seedling growing, highlighting the thematic, natural and ecological constructions. Currently, it has developed into a comprehensive park for ecological protection, ecotourism, and ecological education. The three theme exhibitions in the science museum educate people about the ecosystem, species, and folk culture in the Changyuan River area. It is promoted as a place for parent-child leisure, fitness and health exercise, poetry and cultural appreciation, wetland science popularization, and wedding photography. It also functions as a place for various educational activity the Qiaos’ Courtyard.

Wang Wei Poetry Garden in the park showcases 108 poems by this famous poet who was born in Qi County in Tang dynasty. Poetry, calligraphy, stone carving, sculpture, architecture, and gardening are integrated together, creating a picturesque landscape to echo the beauty of the wetland park, and fascinating people to come for relaxation and recreation.

With dense jungle, shimmering water, and picturesque views, the park is a paradise for rare birds, especially in summer - a harmonious scene of nature.

Come to the first courtyard of old Shanxi merchants to experience a new life. Tour Changyuan River National Wetland Park to enjoy the beauty of nature, to enjoy the historical and cultural heritages, and to feel the harmony between man and nature.