A revered historical building, the Geng Family Courtyard in Huantai county – administered by Zibo city, in East China's Shandong province – vividly recalls the glory days of the region, something that is said to amaze visitors every time.
Pictures of the Geng Family Courtyard, a grand old complex with private houses and shops in Xincheng town in Huantai county, went viral in recent years.
It is understood that the Geng family became the most powerful family in Xincheng town in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
The structure is a typical siheyuan, a compound with houses around a central courtyard and rows of brick bungalows that feature blue bricks and gray tiles.
After the passing of more than 400 years, the Geng's family compound is full of atmosphere and is understandably somewhat worn at the edges – but the exquisite stone carvings on its walls still tell of the prosperity of the family in times past.
The evocative interior of the compound recalls the splendors of the past. [Photo by solar/WeChat account: zibowenhualvyou]
