siheyuan

Siheyuan is a traditional Chinese residential complex in northern China, consisting of buildings arranged around a central courtyard, enclosed by walls on four sides. The layout is typically oriented on a north-south axis, with the entrance gate on the southern side and the main hall or ancestral rooms at the northern end.

The living quarters extend along the east and west sides, often forming a symmetrical arrangement; at the rear is usually additional rooms or a secondary courtyard in larger compounds. The courtyard serves as the central open space for family life, sunlight, ventilation, and social activities, with gates and screens controlling privacy and access.

Construction uses brick or rammed earth walls, timber frames, and grey-tiled roofs; walls may be whitewashed, and doors and windows feature wooden latticework. A spirit wall or screen may stand in front of the main facade to obscure the interior from street view; decorative features include carved screens, courtyard landscaping, and sometimes a small rock garden or pond.

Origin and history: Siheyuan developed in northern China and became a common urban dwelling in Beijing during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It reflects Confucian family structure, hierarchy, and feng shui considerations. Variants include single- and multi-courtyard compounds, some forming long linear blocks along hutongs (alleys). In modern times, many have been preserved, restored, or repurposed as museums, hotels, or cultural centers, while urban development has reduced traditional examples.