Introduction to Chang Family Manor

Travel through the legend of Confucian merchants for a century and explore the living fossil of Shanxi merchant culture! Chang Family Manor is located in Chewang Village, Dongyang Town, Yuci District, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. It is a residential building complex of the Chang family in Chewang Village, Dongyang Town, Yuci, known as the "Confucian merchant family", and is also a national AAAA-level tourist attraction. Chang Family Manor was first built in the late Ming Dynasty. Chang Zhonglin, the ancestor of the Chang family, moved here from Hui'an, Taigu to herd sheep. The manor was gradually built when the family's descendants reached the fifth or sixth generation. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, the family began to engage in business, gradually accumulated wealth, and started large-scale residential construction in their hometown, Chewang Village, Yuci. The Chang Family Manor reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty, covering an area of ​​600,000 square meters, with more than 4,000 houses, more than 50 buildings, and 13 small gardens. When talking about Shanxi merchants, people often think of those businesses and banks that have shone brightly in the long river of history, as well as those wealthy business tycoons. However, in Jinzhong, there is a complex of residential buildings that not only witnessed the glory of Shanxi merchants, but also carried the essence of Confucian merchant culture. This is the Chang Family Manor located in Chewang Village, Dongyang Town, Yuci District, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Chang Family Manor, a place that sounds full of historical charm, its story begins in the late Ming Dynasty. At that time, Chang Zhonglin, the ancestor of the Chang family, moved here from Huian, Taigu, and became a sheepherder, and gradually multiplied. By the fifth and sixth generations, the family began building large-scale houses in Chewang Village. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, the Chang family rose to prominence through business and their wealth reached its peak. So they began to build more spectacular houses and gardens in their hometown, and Chang's Manor became famous because of this. When you walk into Chang Family Manor, you feel as if you have traveled through time and space and returned to the prosperous era of Shanxi merchants. The architectural style here is unique, combining the ruggedness of the north with the delicacy of the south. The layout of the house is rigorous, neat and orderly, and every detail reveals the family's high level pursuit of living environment. Brick carving, wood carving, stone carving, these traditional architectural arts are fully displayed in Chang's Manor. Every brick and stone, every wooden beam seems to be telling the history and story of the Chang family. In Chang's Manor, the most eye-catching things are the exquisite buildings. The ancestral hall is the spiritual symbol of the family. It is solemn and dignified, and enshrines the tablets of the Chang family's ancestors from generation to generation. Whenever the family has an important event, this place will become the focal point, and the clan members will hold sacrifices here to remember their ancestors and pray for the prosperity of the family. The Shiyunxuan Academy is another highlight of the Chang family manor. This academy is not only beautifully designed, but also full of cultural atmosphere. It breaks the closedness and dullness of traditional square buildings, and adds a bit of elegance, freedom, tranquility and refinement. The academy displays many historical steles and a large number of calligraphy masterpieces. These precious works of art not only demonstrate the cultural heritage of the Chang family, but also provide valuable information for us to understand the social culture of the time. In addition to the ancestral hall and the academy, the gardens in the Chang family manor are also a major attraction. Jingyuan is the largest of them, covering an area of ​​80,000 square meters, and is considered to be the largest northern-style private garden in China. The landscape here is cleverly laid out, with pavilions and towers scattered throughout, each revealing the designer's ingenuity. Walking in Jingyuan, you feel as if you are in a beautiful painting and feel the tranquility and harmony of nature. The other gardens in Chang's Manor also have their own characteristics. Some are themed on mountains and rivers, some are decorated with plants, and some are highlighted by buildings. Each one is a place that makes people linger. However, the charm of Chang's Manor lies not only in its architecture and gardens. More importantly, it carries the essence of Confucian merchant culture. Confucian merchant culture is a cultural form that combines Confucianism with business practice. It emphasizes integrity, etiquette, education and family values. In Chang's Manor, you can see this culture everywhere. The Chang family attached great importance to education. They set up academies and hired famous teachers to provide a good learning environment for future generations. They advocate etiquette, and follow strict etiquette norms whether in interactions within the family or with the outside world. They value integrity and stick to their word in business activities, winning wide praise and trust. These Confucian business spirits not only brought commercial success to the Chang family, but also set an example for their descendants. Of course, the history of Chang's Manor has not been smooth sailing. In 1947, it was severely damaged due to the war. It is heartbreaking that many exquisite buildings and gardens were destroyed. Fortunately, however, in the years that followed, the Chang Family Manor was gradually restored and protected. Today, it has become a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, attracting countless tourists to visit. Standing in every corner of Chang's Manor, you can feel the weight of history and the charm of culture. Every building, every brick and stone, and every garden here seems to be telling the story of the Chang family and the history of Shanxi merchants. When you gain a deeper understanding of the Confucian merchant culture behind Chang Family Manor, you will be even more attracted and moved by this unique cultural form. Confucian merchant culture is not only a kind of business culture, but also a kind of humanistic spirit. It emphasizes harmonious coexistence among people, business ethics based on integrity, and a sense of responsibility to family and society. In today's society, this culture still has important value and significance. It reminds us that we must uphold integrity, pay attention to etiquette, and respect others in business activities; and that we must take responsibility, care for others, and pass on culture in our families and society. And these are the precious treasures that Chang's Manor has passed on to us. When you walk into Chang Family Manor, you may wish to slow down and savor every building, every garden, and every piece of history here. You will find that this is not only a beautiful tourist attraction, but also a place full of cultural heritage and historical value. It allows us to understand the history of Shanxi merchants and the essence of Confucian merchant culture, and also allows us to have deeper thinking and understanding of today's society and culture. Chang Family Manor is not only a place worth visiting, but also a place worthy of our deep reflection and study. It allows us to see the glory of Shanxi merchants and the charm of Confucian merchant culture, and also allows us to have deeper thinking and pursuit of today's business culture and social values. Therefore, you may as well come to Changjia Manor to walk around, take a look and think about it in your spare time. Perhaps you will have different gains and insights. Every visit and comment of yours is the best inheritance and promotion of Chang Family Manor and Confucian merchant culture.