Qiao Family Compound traces rise and fall of Qing Dynasty merchants

The Qiao Family Compound in Qi County, Shanxi Province, serves as a symbol of the rise and fall of the wealthiest merchant clan during the Qing Dynasty. Spanning over 8,700 square meters, the massive complex includes 6 large courtyards, 20 small courtyards, and 313 rooms, earning it nicknames such as the ‘miniature Forbidden City’ and ‘the most beautiful house in northern China.’

The family's ascent began in the mid-18th century with Qiao Guifa, a poor farmer who moved to Baotou, Inner Mongolia, to establish a successful business selling tofu, tea, and small goods. The clan reached its economic peak in the third generation under the leadership of Qiao Zhirong (1818–1907).

A prominent representative of the Shanxi merchants, Qiao Zhirong expanded the family's trade network to include tea and silk and pioneered a modern banking precursor through the establishment of the Dai De Tong bank. During the 1800s, the family's brands, Dai De Tong and Dai De Heng, operated extensively across the country.