Laoyuanzi (Tian Family Old Courtyard)

Qing-dynasty Tujia mansion ('First Residence of Western Hunan'), history of the Tian family (Tian Yingzhao, Republican-era 'King of Western Hunan'). A Qing-dynasty Tujia grand mansion preserved in downtown Zhangjiajie, home to the Tian family for generations, called the 'First Residence of Western Hunan' for its architectural standards and fine carving craftsmanship. The Tian family that owned it descended from the same line as Tian Yingzhao, the Republican-era 'King of Western Hunan'; the main hall displays family history and materials on modern Western Hunan. The fire-blocking gables, stilted houses, and carved window lattices are well preserved, and from the courtyard you can take in the Tujia architectural wisdom of 'the whole clan living together'. Tujia wedding-custom shows and folk-song interactions are often held on the grounds. Sharing downtown with the Tujia Folk Customs Park, the two—one a park, one a mansion—complement each other, ideal for visitors keen on Tujia architecture and family history to pick one for a closer look.

Getting there: Downtown