What is "siheyuan"

n. A traditional type of Chinese residence consisting of four houses with a courtyard in the middle; a Chinese quadrangle.

A siheyuan is a historical type of residence that was commonly found throughout China, most famously in Beijing. In English, siheyuan are known as courtyard houses or, less often, Chinese quadrangles. The name literally means a courtyard surrounded by buildings on all four sides.

Throughout Chinese history, the siheyuan composition was the basic pattern used for residences, palaces, temples, monasteries, family businesses and government offices. In ancient times, a spacious siheyuan would be occupied by a single, usually large and extended family, signifying wealth and prosperity. Today, many remaining siheyuan are still used as housing complexes, but many lack modern amenities.