The Qiao Compound (乔家大院/喬家大院) is located 30 kilometers north west of the historic Pingyao city, China. It is famous for being the chief location in the film Raise the Red Lantern. Begun during the reign of the Qing Dynasty's Emperor Qianlong (in 1756) and finished in the 18th century, it is a courtyard estate covering 9000 square meters and having 313 rooms with 4000 square meters within 6 large courtyards and 19 smaller courtyards. Its original Chinese name was Zai Zhong Tang (在中堂).

Architects consider it to be one of the finest remaining examples of imposing private residences in northern China. It has been converted into a museum and has many period furnishings.

 It is the residential compound of well-known financier Qiao Zhiyong (乔致庸/喬致庸, 1818—1907), who is the most famous member of the Qiao family[1]. A 2006 Mainland Chinese TV serial, Qiao's Grand Courtyard, was also shot here. The series, directed by Hu Mei, chronicles the life of Qiao Zhiyong with some artistic license applied.

History of Qiao's Family

The prosperity of the Qiao Family originated with Qiao Guifa who was an orphan and made a living as a servant during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1711 - 1799) in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). He first started a business when he met his business partner, Qin. Initially, they sold fodder, bean sprout and bean curd. Several years later, they had become very wealthy. The 'golden age' for this family was under the instruction of Qiao Zhiyong who adopted the principles of being industrious, modest and generous. The family fortunes began to decline due to the large amount of money offered to the Qing Army and the spoliation of the Japanese army.

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