Shi Family Courtyard offers a glimpse into Tianjin’s history

Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2025 shows the view of the Shi Family Courtyard in north China’s Tianjin Municipality. This 140-year-old mansion, once home to a powerful merchant family, dazzles with 18 interconnected courtyards, exquisite carvings, and China’s best-preserved private opera house. Its grand layout, rich symbolism, and timeless craftsmanship make it a must-see gem for architecture lovers and cultural travelers alike. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2025, shows the interior view of the Shi Family Courtyard in Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, north China’s Tianjin Municipality. This 140-year-old mansion, once home to a powerful merchant family, dazzles with 18 interconnected courtyards, exquisite carvings, and China’s best-preserved private opera house. Its grand layout, rich symbolism, and timeless craftsmanship make it a must-see gem for architecture lovers and cultural travelers alike. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2025, shows the interior view of the Shi Family Courtyard in Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, north China’s Tianjin Municipality. This 140-year-old mansion, once home to a powerful merchant family, dazzles with 18 interconnected courtyards, exquisite carvings, and China’s best-preserved private opera house. Its grand layout, rich symbolism, and timeless craftsmanship make it a must-see gem for architecture lovers and cultural travelers alike. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2025, shows the interior view of the Shi Family Courtyard in Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, north China’s Tianjin Municipality. This 140-year-old mansion, once home to a powerful merchant family, dazzles with 18 interconnected courtyards, exquisite carvings, and China’s best-preserved private opera house. Its grand layout, rich symbolism, and timeless craftsmanship make it a must-see gem for architecture lovers and cultural travelers alike. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken on Aug. 7, 2025, shows the private opera stage inside the Shi Family Courtyard, Yangliuqing Town, Xiqing District, north China’s Tianjin Municipality. This 140-year-old mansion, once home to a powerful merchant family, dazzles with 18 interconnected courtyards, exquisite carvings, and China’s best-preserved private opera house. Its grand layout, rich symbolism, and timeless craftsmanship make it a must-see gem for architecture lovers and cultural travelers alike. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture)