The 'Guanmiao Union' Shanxi-Shaanxi-Gansu Guild Hall

In the Shanxi-Shaanxi-Gansu Guild Hall, which has a history of 200 years and embodies the 'Guanmiao Union', the three wonders to behold are the wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings. Originally the mansion site of Xu Da from the Ming Dynasty, it was later funded and constructed by wealthy merchants from Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces, shaping the architecture we see today. It became an important venue for merchants from these three provinces during the Qing Dynasty to conduct business, trade, and maintain relationships. From the brick and wood carvings with meaningful themes such as 'generations of nobility' and 'auspicious dragons and phoenixes', it is not difficult to see that the merchants from the three regions during the Qing Dynasty integrated traditional culture, classical aesthetics, and craftsmanship. Among them, the wood carvings in the main hall are the most concentrated and artistically accomplished (Photo 5). The wood carvings under the eaves depict layered patterns of bats, cloud-shaped openwork, twin dragons playing with a pearl, auspicious birds and beasts, and floral designs, all vivid, interesting, and with profound implications. If you want to see the integration of Central Plains culture with Shanxi-Shaanxi-Gansu culture in the context of the times, this is definitely a place where you won't be disappointed. 📖 Shanxi-Shaanxi-Gansu Guild Hall 🗺️ Xufu Street, Kaifeng City, Henan Province 🚌 Bus routes 31, 10, 13, 4 🅿️ There are parking lots on the right side outside the guild hall's main gate and directly opposite. The parking lot opposite is free for the first half-hour, and then 10 yuan for up to six hours. 💰 25 yuan per person (free guided tours are available inside the guild hall)