"I am quite into old buildings in China.I am fond of Zhaohua ancient city,and in particular the Gu Family Courtyard.This is my fourth time staying in Gu Family Courtyard.This ancient courtyard is steeped in history and have endless stories to tell."On March 20th,81 year old American women Jia Hepu and her friends stayed in guest house in the Gu Family Courtyard of the ancient city of Zhaohua.
Located in the South Gate lane of the ancient city of Zhaohua,the Gu Family Courtyard was first built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and boasts a history of more than 400 years.It is a typical large-scale residential building with three entrances and four courtyards.During the Ming and Qing dynasties,the ancient city of Zhaohua had four prominent families:Gu,Lu,Wang,and Zhao.The Gu family was the wealthiest in the ancient city at that time,and the Gu Family Courtyard was the residence of the Gu family.In 2016,the renovated Gu Family Courtyard was officially opened as a guest house and became a place of respite for travelers.
Zhaohua,formerly known as Jiameng,is known as the"first county of Bashu and the second capital of Shu."In 316 BC,after Qin state's conquer of Shu,Ba and Ju,it established Shu state in Chengdu,and Jiameng County in the region of Ju.This is the first county in the Bashu region,hence hailed as the"first county of Bashu".In 972 AD,Zhao Kuangyin,Emperor Taizu of Song,changed"Jiameng"to"Zhaohua",signifying"to demonstrate the emperor's virtue and civilize the people,hence the name Zhaohua.Until today,Zhaohua Ancient City is still the best preserved ancient city of the Three Kingdoms of China.(Qin Qin)
