Ping Yao Couryard Houses & Traditional Dwellings,  Ping Yao - China  June.2014

There are 4,000 buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, making this ancient city incredibly special. These buildings provide evidence of a culture and traditional architecture that has been lost in most cities in modern China. The houses of Pingyao respect the traditional courtyard house typology that is commonly found all throughout China. The courtyard typology has multiple reinterpretations and variations from region to region, but it is the fundamental Chinese architectural typology that is used for houses, temples, monasteries, and imperial palaces. Chinese buildings typically wrap around a courtyard, which serves as a fulcrum for the house, and is the connecting element of its parts. The shape of the courtyard depends on the geographical area, climate, and cultural differences. The courtyard widens or shrinks, the floors and walls rise or fall, and the materials used to change depending on these characteristics, but it does not change the fundamental importance that the courtyard holds in Chinese architectural culture. In Pingyao, we can admire the Siheyuan typology, which is mainly spread throughout Beijing and the rural areas of Shanxi. The name Siheyuan translates to a courtyard surrounded by buildings on all four sides. It is interesting how the very name of the typology puts the courtyard at the center, underlining how it is the main element. Traditional Chinese architecture follows very precise rules. Usually, the entrance is in the southeast corner, but it does not open directly into the central courtyard. There is typically a wall that works as a screen just inside the entrance. This helps to prevent prying eyes from looking inside the private space of the house. Family privacy is very important in Chinese culture. This wall also protects the home from spirits and is often decorated with well-wishing characters. The number of courtyards symbolizes the wealth of a family. Modest houses usually have only one courtyard, while the homes of nobles and wealthy merchants may have numerous courtyards with gardens and pavilions inside them. The layout of the rooms and their occupation follow a strictly hierarchical system. The main pavilion located to the north, with windows that open to the south, receives better sun exposure and is therefore reserved for the householder or the elderly. The pavilions that open to the east and west are assigned to the younger children, depending on the importance they have in the family. The unmarried daughters occupy the most hidden rooms in the house, as they were not allowed to reveal themselves to the public. The pavilions with the least sun exposure (for example those facing south, with windows that open to the north) are usually assigned to the servants or used for daily activities such as cooking or study. The perfectly preserved courtyards of Pingyao are what makes this city special. They display the wealth of some of its ancient inhabitants and present the refined skill of traditional Chinese architecture in one of its purest expressions.  (Source: https://architectureontheroad.com/pingyao-ancient-town)