Region: 山西Shanxi

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  The three-stories high mansions, called "统楼"("tonglou"), on the north side of the rectangular compound.

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  One of the courtyards that has a stone sculpture in the shape of a 元宝, a standard Chinese gold nugget.

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  Another courtyard. The sophisticated doorway has a well-decorated eave supported by painted 斗拱dougongs (brackets). In front is a stone sculpture in the shape of a 元宝, a standard Chinese gold nugget. In the back is a grand 门楼(menlou), a structure consists of a set of columns that supports the 斗拱(brackets) that in turn support the protruding eave. 门楼(menlou) is an essential part of Chinese architecture.

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  Looking below toward south from the window of the 3-tiered mansions. The double-ridged roofs, like every part of the compound, were carefully considered and designed.

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  Looking below toward south from the window of the 3-tiered mansions. The double-ridged roofs, like every part of the compound, were carefully considered and designed.

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  Looking toward the west end of the compound.

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  Looking toward the west end of the compound.

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  Looking toward the east end of the compound. The east doorway was used as the tourist entrance at the time I was there.

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  A line of parked carriages -- the equivalent of today's luxury cars.

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  The pavillion at the top of the three-tiered mansions. These are so called "Moon Pavillions" - to better admire the moon. On each of the three pavillions are cutouts of a cow, lamp and pig head.

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  On each of the three pavillions are cutouts of a cow, lamp and pig head. This one appears to be a lamp.

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  The front entrance, which is located on the south side of the rectangular compound. The tourist entrance was around the corner on the east side. The extraordinary and intricate 门楼(doorway architecture) is typical of wealthy homes and is a sign of importance.

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  The west side of the compound. This area is more of less the backyard. At the time I was here, renovations were underway to expand the area.

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  Village children playing in the large open area before the main entrance.