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Features of Quadrangle Courtyard in Beijing

There are a variety of courtyards in the whole China, among which Beijing quadrangle courtyard is the most typical one in the north of China. Usually speaking, the quadrangle courtyard in Beijing is facing to the south and the gate opens in the southeast corner, being called Kan Zhai Xun Men. In the traditional idea, people think it is auspicious. However, as a matter of fact, it is good for keeping the secret and increasing the changes in the space. When you enter the gate and turns to the west, you will see the outer courtyard, which are the houses for guests and servants and also the kitchen and washroom.

If you start from the outer courtyard along the gate to the north, you can arrive at the inner courtyard, the north of which is called Tang. The family ceremony and the reception of the honored guests are processed in this place. The side rooms on both sides are the houses for the elder generations and also for the study room. The wing-rooms on both sides of the courtyard are the living-rooms for the later generations. Each room is connected with the corridor named Chao Shou You Lang without being exposed. You can also take a rest and appreciate the scenery in the corridor.

Many foreign students might have witnessed the beauty of the Beijing quadrangle courtyard when they come to learn Chinese language in China. One reason that the Beijing quadrangle courtyard is famous is because it contains profound cultural connotation even though it is only the dwelling house, making it the carrier of traditional Chinese culture. In addition, the so-called Feng Shui is also an important element in the quadrangle courtyard in Beijing. A variety of relevant activities are processed according to the theory of Feng Shui such as choosing the site and making sure the specific size of each building.

As a matter of fact, the theory of Feng Shui was the building environment science in ancient China and is an important part of the traditional Chinese architecture theory which has guided the building activities in ancient China. Some foreign students who volunteer in China also know the decoration, gingerbread and the color decoration of the quadrangle courtyard all indicate the customs and the traditional culture, showing people’s hope for the happiness, peace, wealth and auspiciousness under certain historical conditions. For example, the pattern made up of bat picture and the character 寿mean to enjoy both felicity and longevity.

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