The symbolism of siheyuan

The name "siheyuan", whose name literally translates as "courtyard enclosed by buildings on four sides",derives from the fact that the siheyuan's square central courtyard is typically surrounded by four buildings, one on each side of the courtyard.

A sketch map of a small siheyuan.[Photo/ytdaily]

The entire structure is usually arranged to face exactly south, with a main room on the northern side, an "opposite" room in the south, and eastern and western wings on each side.

The layout is orderly and the courtyard is bright to give an air of elegance and comfort, with family members allotted living quarters in different wings of the house according to the strict hierarchies laid down in Confucian tradition.

The main house was typically inhabited by the head of family, with his or her eldest son giventhe eastern-wing house, which was believed to be superior to the western wing.

Usually, the opposite house wasused as servants' quarters, though sometimes the house would be occupied by a spinster-daughter, a divorced daughter or a widowed daughter-in-law who had never given birth to a son.

This layout both reflected and reinforced Confucianism's hierarchical system, and also emphasized fengshui.

The enclosed structure, with only one gate to the street outside, also served to preserve the family's privacy while protecting them from intruders. In this way, the siheyuan represents the typical character encouraged by traditional Chinese culture—introversion and quiet manners.

The big gate was painted red, because red symbolizes luck and happiness, and during traditional festivals banners bearing traditional couplets would be hung on the gate. A pair of red lanterns was also commonly seen in many large siheyuan.

The big gate of a siheyuan in Yantai is painted red. [Photo/ytdaily]

A pair of banners with traditional couplets hangs on the gate of a siheyuan in Yantai during traditional festivals. [Photo/ytdaily]

Behind the gate, a large screen wall would stand,an important decorative part of the siheyuan that would often be carefully and meticulously carved with intricate patterns or auspicious phrases.

In the center of the siheyuan, the courtyard was planted with trees and flowers, with two stony paths leading to the houses on each side. Usually, a goldfish pool and a marble table were set in the yard, and birds could be found singing on the rooftop.

The siheyuan is a small cosmos and a paradise for residents who can enjoy a wonderful outdoor life there. No wonder so many people are still keen to live in siheyuan today.

A meticulously carved wall in a siheyuan in Yantai [Photo/ytdaily]