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 Courtyard Uniting Chinese families

 

A courtyard residence, si he yuan, is a yard enclosed by houses in four directions. It is a closed residence with only one gate leading to the outside.Houses on the north are the largest ones and used as the owners’ bedrooms. The arrangement represents the hierarchy in a family.

The screen wall stands behind the gate to protect the residents from wind-blown sand. .Chinese believe that the screen wall can also ward off bad luck. Therefore, the wall is usually decorated exquisitely.The si he yuan is intended to unite all the family members to enjoy a harmonious and happy life together.