chinese siheyuan... honestly, it looks so cozy to live in
the Siheyuan is a traditional chinese style of home that's been around for thousands of years
it gradually became the style we recognize today during the Ming & Qing dynasties. the idea is actually pretty simple... houses built around a central courtyard, with buildings on all 4 sides. that's basically where the name "Siheyuan"comes from. usually you'd have a main house, side rooms, and a front gate. the layout is pretty symmetrical, with the main house usually for the elders and the side rooms for other family members. and the courtyard in the middle wasn't just there to look pretty... it brought in light + fresh air, and was basically a place to chill, grow plants, hang out with family, etc. so yeah... it's more than just a house. it's kinda a reflection of traditional chinese ideas about family, harmony and being together