Gao Family Courtyard: Unique Architecture and Rich Cultural Experiences

Written by Clementine | Updated December 23,2025

Gao Family Courtyard (Gao’s Grand Courtyard) is the former residence of Gao Yuesong, which is located in No.144 Beiyuanmen Street, a part of the Muslim Quarter. It covered a living area of 2517 square meters. This is a brick and wood structure courtyard, the host of which Mr. Gao got picked the second prize by the emperor in the imperial examination in the Ming dynasty. The families of 7 generations of Gao people served as officials from the Ming to Qing dynasty.

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• Basic Information for Visitors
• Why Visit the Gao’s Grand Courtyard
• What to See and Do
• Special Note
• Admission Fee
• Brief History about Gao’s Grand Courtyard
• How to Get to
• Attractions Nearby
• Plan a Xian Tour with Gao’s Courtyard

Basic Information for Visitors

• Location: No. 144, BeiyuanmenStreet, Lianhu District, inside the Muslim Quarter
• Chinese name:高家大院
• Tickets:CNY 15
• Opening hours:09:00 – 22:30; Classical Clothing Museum: 10:00 – 18:00
• Best time to go:in the late afternoon
• What to see: Official architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties, intangible cultural heritage performance, Classical Clothing Museum
• Time needed:1 – 2 hours

Why Visit the Gao’s Grand Courtyard

In 1999, the residence of Gao Family was listed as “the key historical district protection project of China and Norway”, and was renovated with the investment of Norway, and also won the UNESCO cultural heritage protection award of Asia Pacific region in 2002.

There are many kinds of tangible artistic works exhibited in the yard, such as Ming and Qing architectural art, ancient furniture, traditional residential couplets, tile carving, paper-cutting, shadow puppetry, Guzheng performance, celebrity calligraphy and painting, fine Chinese painting, old photos, porcelain and tourist souvenirs with Shaanxi characteristics, etc.

What to See and Do

Admire the Unique Chinese Architecture Style

Gao’s Grand Courtyard was built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, featuring a traditional brick and wood structure. The courtyard has an orderly yet elegant layout, showcasing the ancient vicissitudes of Chinese culture. There are totally 86 rooms in the courtyard, including guest rooms, halls, studies, main rooms, ancestral halls, private schools, and more. Among them, 56 rooms are open to the public. Visitors who are interested in the ancient dwellings in northern China should not miss it on their trip to Xi’an.

Enjoy Rich Cultural Experiences

Visitors can expect many cultural performances at Gao’s Grand Courtyard. The shadow puppetry is one of the highlight here, which depicts popular folk legends and stories though the manipulation of puppets against a screen with lamplight.

Hua Yin Lao Qiang show is also popular. It is a kind of Chinese rock, featuring shocking tunes and powerful and resonant singing style.

Enjoy Exhibitions of Ancient Clothing Artistry

There are exhibitions of clothing artistry depicting seances of the daily life of Ming and Qing Dynasty officials’ families. Visitors can get a chance to see a variety of collections, including clothing, accessories, woven and embroidered artworks, and everyday textiles.

Special Note

• The opening time of this site is 08:30 – 22:30.
• Ordinary ticket: 15 RMB (only for entering admission)
• Set ticket: ticket + paper-cutting + painting 135 RMB/ ticket + shadow play 30 RMB

Admission Fee

Brief History about Gao’s Grand Courtyard

In the Ming Dynasty, the Emperor Chongzhen selected Gao Yuesong as the second-place winner in the imperial examination and bestowed the courtyard on him. In the following more than 200 years, it has been expanded and repaired continuously and finally completed in the Qing Dynasty. Since the late Qing Dynasty, the Gao family gradually declined and the courtyard was nationalized in 1966. In 1999, the turning point appeared. It was listed as “the key historical district protection project of China and Norway”, and was renovated with the investment of Norway. In 2003, it was opened to the public as a cultural attraction.

How to Get to

• Metro: tourists can take metro line 2 to Zhonglou Station. After leaving from exit C, walk eastward to Bell Tower first and then walk northward to the courtyard.
• Bus:bus lines 15, 32, 43, 45, 201, 215, 218, 222, 251, 252, 286, 300 and 604 all can take you to Bell Tower West stop, then you can walk northward for about 400 meters to get there.

Attractions Nearby

• Muslim Quarter: a famous food district in Xian, where sells various authentic local snacks. The Gao’s Courtyard is inside the Muslim Quarter.
• Xian Ancient City Wall: About 1.5 km from the courtyard. It is China’s largest and best-preserved ancient city wall, where tourists can go sightseeing by walking or cycling.
• Drum Tower and Bell Tower: About 400 – 700 meters from the courtyard. The two towers are the city landmarks. The night landscapes are quite charming.
• Great Mosque: About 400 meters from the courtyard. This ancient mosque integrates the traditional Chinese architectural style and Islamic culture.
• The Steles Forest: About 2 km from the courtyard. A large number of stele inscriptions are preserved here, including the precious works of some famous calligraphers.

Plan a Xian Tour with Gao’s Courtyard

As a city with a long history and abundant cultures, a Xian tour will be more impressive if you travel with a knowledgeable guide. China Xian Tour is glad to arrange such a guide for you. If choosing us, we can also tailor a trip specially for you based on your interests. You can raise any requirements in hotels, foods, and guide, we will make every effort to meet your needs. Our trip can also include some unique experiences, such as dumpling making class, etc. So do not hesitate to contact us.

Recommended Xi’an Tours including Gao’s Family Courtyard

• 7 Days Xian In-depth Culture Tour
• 3 Days Xian Private Tour to Terracotta Warriors & Local Culture Experience