Siheyuan

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Siheyuan
A model siheyuan
Chinese	四合院
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin sìhéyuàn Bopomofo ㄙˋ ㄏㄜˊ ㄩㄢˋ Wade–Giles ssŭ4-ho2-yüan4 IPA [sɹ̩̂.xɤ̌.ɥɛ̂n] Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization seihahpjyuhn Jyutping sei3-hap6-jyun6 IPA [sei˧.hɐp̚˨.jyːn˨]

A siheyuan (Chinese: 四合院; pinyin: sìhéyuàn; IPA: [sɹ̩̂.xɤ̌.ɥɛ̂n]) is a historical type of residence that was commonly found throughout China, most famously in Beijing and rural Shanxi. Throughout Chinese history, the siheyuan composition was the basic pattern used for residences, palaces, temples, monasteries, family businesses, and government offices. In ancient times,^[when?] a spacious siheyuan would be occupied by a single, usually large and extended family, signifying wealth and prosperity. Today, remaining siheyuan are often still used as subdivided housing complexes, although many lack modern amenities.