The Mansion of Familyis located inof Xiqing District of Tianjin. Built in 1875, the mansion was originally the residence of the Shi Family, which was one of the eight prominent families of Tianjin in the ancient times. Today the mansion has been listed as an important historic site under state protection. The mansion originally coveredover 6,000 square meters, including large and small yards and over 200 folk houses, a theater and over 275 rooms. Shifu Garden, which finished its expansion in October 2003, covers 1,200 square meters, incorporates the elegance of imperial garden andof south garden. Now the courtyard of Shi family covers about 10,000 square meters, which is called the first mansion in North China. Now it serves as the folk custom museum in Yangliuqing.
ancestor came from Dong'e County in Shandong Province, engaged in water transport of grain. As the wealth gradually accumulated, the Shi Family moved to Yangliuqing and bought large tracts of land and set up their residence.Yuanshi came from the fourth generation of the family, who was a successful businessman and a good household manager, and the residence was thus enlarged for several times until it acquired the present size. It is believed to be the first mansion in the west of Tianjin.
The Mansion of Familyis made up of ancient-style 12 quadrangle courtyards, pavilions, pool and gardens. The paved path leading to the main hall is 60 meters long, with exquisite buildings standing by both sides. From bed chamber and drawing room to worshiping hall, the architectural style and all the decorations fully represent the folk culture and custom in the late Qing Dynasty.
The residence is symmetric based on the axis formed by a passageway in the middle, with four archways. There are the accountants' office, the living area, waiting room, the study roomsthe family hall for worshiping Buddha,for the reception room and theater, side yard rooms for maids and servants. Now here displays Yangliuqing, clay carvings, wood carvings, brick carvings and Tianjin folk artifact.