Top 10 must-see spots in Tianjin

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#Shi Family Courtyard

The Courtyard of the Shi Family is located in the Town of Yangliuqing near Tianjin city. Built in 1875, the courtyard was originally the residence of the Shi Family, one of the eight prominent families in Tianjin in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

The Shi family first became rich through the grain and cotton trade, using the – at that time – popular mode of canal transportation. They made enough money to buy land and build their own houses. They subsequently opened up shops, factories and private banks to multiply their wealth. During the reign of Emperor Jia Qing, the Shi family owned thousands of hectares of land and 500 houses.

Being a grand traditional Chinese mansion covering over 7,200 square kilometers, the Courtyard of the Shi Family is made up of 12 ancient-style quadrangle courtyards on both sides of a 60-meter-long road and a few additional elegant pavilions, pools and gardens. The architectural style and all the decorations fully represent the folk culture and custom of the late Qing Dynasty, and show the 200-year-long history of the family in Yangliuqing. Nowadays, the courtyard has been converted into a museum and was listed as an important historic site under state protection.