Rishengchang Exchange Shop (日升昌)
Rishengchang was the world's first bank — a Qing Dynasty draft bank that handled millions of taels of silver. The vaults and counting rooms are fascinating.
Duration
1 hour
Cost
Included in city ticket ¥125 ($17)
Hours
08:00-18:00
Booking
No booking needed
Rishengchang Exchange Shop (日升昌, Rìshēngchāng) is where modern banking was born — a Qing Dynasty draft bank that handled millions of taels of silver.
What to See
The Vault — A secret underground vault where silver was stored. The vault is protected by iron doors and hidden tunnels.
The Counting Room — Where clerks calculated exchange rates and processed transactions. The wooden counters and abacuses are original.
The Courtyard — A traditional Shanxi courtyard with ornate carvings and a peaceful garden. The architecture reflects the wealth of the Jin merchants.
The History — Rishengchang was founded in 1823 — it created the world's first draft bank system, allowing merchants to transfer money across China without carrying silver.
Practical Tips
- Included in city ticket (¥125/$17)
- Visit in the morning when it's less crowded
- The vaults are the highlight
- Look for the hidden escape tunnels
- Allow 1 hour
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Practical tips
- Visit in the morning when it's less crowded. The vaults are the highlight — look for the hidden escape tunnels.