The courtyards are shielded by gray brick walls, so people on the outside could not peek in. To reach the inner courtyard, you must go through the front gate on the southeast corner and around the screen wall.

這院子的結(jié)構(gòu)分兩層，外院和內(nèi)院。

The outer courtyard is a place for receiving visitors. The "Chuihua" gate separates the two sections.

本來垂花這個地方它應(yīng)該是兩個柱子，結(jié)果在建筑上它已經(jīng)不負(fù)重了，就把它給切斷了，把它變成一個垂花。

Trees and flowers are planted in the courtyards, attracting many birds, it's a world in itself. The main rooms for the elders face south.

內(nèi)宅在中間叫堂屋，議事的地點(diǎn)。臥室一般是在東側(cè)，西房東房，兒孫們居住，內(nèi)宅的三面房子都有游廊。

Three or four generations live together in the courtyard, and they all have their own rooms. This living arrangement is very convenient. "Liangjinyuan" is a residence with a front and a back yard. And "Sanjinyuan" is a residence with a front, a middle and a back yard. These quadrangle courtyards are the ideal home arrangement for old Beijing families.