Courtyard Houses of Beijing

Courtyard Houses of Beijing, Siheyuan in Chinese, are traditional residential houses of local Beijing people in Hutongs. The city of Beijing remains many streets and buildings dating back to Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and courtyard houses belong to them. So we can say, courtyard houses witness the development of Beijing. Also, they bear the history and culture of Beijing city. Overlooking the city from sky, people will find grey-tile houses in many square courtyards decorated with green trees.

Features

Like the courtyards in other places, the basic layout of courtyards in Beijing is also rooms in the four sides with a courtyard in the center. However, they have many features in a lot of details. As most hutongs are east west, so the courtyard houses in Beijing are mostly south north. This feature is especially obvious in inner city of Beijing. The front door is always located at the southeast of a courtyard.

Besides, the yard in the center is very spacious and square, which is different with the courtyards in Shanxi Province. The houses which surround the yard in four sides are relatively independent, connected only with a corridor. That is why it is called Siheyuan in Chinese. In addition, accessory buildings like the gateway, screen wall and gate pier also have strong characteristics of Beijing. The design of courtyard houses follows the rules of Chinese Fengshui and the patriarchal, Confucian tenants of order and hierarchy.

History

The Courtyard Houses of Beijing first appeared in Liao Dynasty (907-1125). Yuan Dynasty Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) made Beijing as its capital and built many courtyard houses around the palace for the merchants and officials. The local inhabitants built their houses around the palace and hutongs and courtyards were formed gradually in the successive dynasties. However, most of them were abandoned during the urbanization of the city. The existing courtyards are relics of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties.

Famous Courtyards

Visiting Hutongs and courtyards has become a unique part for a tour to Beijing. However, most courtyards have been dormitories and offices for companies, which are private for visiting. Thus, the former residences of some famous people have become the main way to experience the life in a courtyard. Famous ones include former residences of Mao Dun, Lu Xun, Laoshe, Guo Moruo and Mei Lanfang.

Former Residence of Mao Dun is located at Jiaodaokou Houjie (No.13 at Rear Yuanensi Lane) in Dongcheng District, Beijing. It is the former residence of Mao Dun, a noted writer, art theoretician and translator.

Former Residence of Lu Xun is situated near Fuchengmen in the West City District. Lu Xun, a famous writer, thinker and revolutionist, lived here between 1924 and 1926. At present, it becomes a museum.

Former Residence of Laoshe (a renowned modern novelist and playwright) is located on the north side of West Dengshikou Street in Dongcheng District, Beijing. It was a regular place for many cultural celebrities. Tourists can get the information about Laoshe from the museum in the courtyard.

Former Residence of Guo Moruo (a writer, scholar and historian in 20th century China) is situated at Qian Hai Xi Jie (west of Front Sea Street). The courtyard houses a large number of Guo Moruo's precious manuscripts and books.

Former Residence of Mei Lanfang (a great master of Beijing Opera) is located in Huguo Temple Street. It is a good place for fans of Beijing Opera to know the life of this great master.

Courtyard Houses of Beijing, the residential houses created by ancient people have existed in local people’s life for centuries. It gives people great impression and leaves great heritage to history. Come and visit before they are destroyed and lost forever.