Many of Pingyao's historic courtyard homes have been restored with some -- including the Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House -- transformed into tourist accommodation.
Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House —
Many of Pingyao's historic courtyard homes have been restored with some -- including the Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House -- transformed into tourist accommodation.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
The house dates back to the mid-Qing dynasty, the last dynasty of Imperial China.
Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House —
The house dates back to the mid-Qing dynasty, the last dynasty of Imperial China.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
It is rich in original architectural details.
Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House —
It is rich in original architectural details.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
Owner Liu Xueru has lived here all his life.
Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House —
Owner Liu Xueru has lived here all his life.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
Liu's grandmother bought the house in the 1920s. She once ran small businesses both in, and near, the house: including a shoe and clothing business.
Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House —
Liu's grandmother bought the house in the 1920s. She once ran small businesses both in, and near, the house: including a shoe and clothing business.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
Rooms accommodate up to four people but are better for two, Liu says.
Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House —
Rooms accommodate up to four people but are better for two, Liu says.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
There's a dining area, and a kitchen in the backyard.
Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House —
There's a dining area, and a kitchen in the backyard.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
During national holidays in China, people from all over the country come and visit.
Xiang Sheng Yuan Guest House —
During national holidays in China, people from all over the country come and visit.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
This guest house in Pingyao was converted from a historic courtyard home.
Pingyao's courtyard homes —
This guest house in Pingyao was converted from a historic courtyard home.
Pingyao Xiangshengyuan Guest House
Pingyao has more than 4,000 historic courtyard homes under private ownership. The local government is working with owners to help them fix up the crumbling buildings.
Pingyao's courtyard homes —
Pingyao has more than 4,000 historic courtyard homes under private ownership. The local government is working with owners to help them fix up the crumbling buildings.
Global Heritage Fund
The designs have to be approved by the local government. The results are beautifully restored exteriors.
Pingyao's courtyard homes —
The designs have to be approved by the local government. The results are beautifully restored exteriors.
Global Heritage Fund
Entrance to a kitchen in a courtyard home that has been restored.
Pingyao's courtyard homes —
Entrance to a kitchen in a courtyard home that has been restored.
Global Heritage Fund
A leafy front courtyard, post-restoration.
Pingyao's courtyard homes —
A leafy front courtyard, post-restoration.
Pingyao County Urban and Rural Planning Bureau
A grand courtyard entrance to one of Pingyao's historic homes.
Pingyao's courtyard homes —
A grand courtyard entrance to one of Pingyao's historic homes.
Global Heritage Fund
This entryway has many period details.
Pingyao's courtyard homes —
This entryway has many period details.
Global Heritage Fund