Wang Family Grand Courtyard in China's Shanxi (7/13)

The Grand Courtyard of the Wang Family, situated in Lingshi County of Shanxi province, dwarfs the Qiao family’s mansion in the Ancient City of Pingyao, 35 kilometers away. First built in the mid-17th century, its expansion continued for over a century. Covering a floor area of 250,000 square meters, the compound contains 123 courtyards and 1118 houses in an antique flavor. “You may have no interest in visiting any other courtyards when you return from the Wang family courtyard.” People often quote this saying to express their amazement after visiting this rare architectural treasure. [Photo: Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]