Courtyard Canopy

This is the best-preserved and most exquisite stone-carved gate in the alley. It is said that the city's richest canopy craftsman used to live in the house behind this gate. He made the canopy for Empress Cixi.

The courtyard canopy is perhaps strange to most people nowadays. But in the past almost every family in the courtyards put up such overhangs in the summer to keep out the strong sun and keep in cool breezes. The reed pats on the canopy are movable. When evening fell, people removed the pats and sat in the courtyard, enjoying the moonlight and night air.

Canopy craftsmen were extremely skilled. They made practical yet attractive canopies from wormwood, bamboo poles, reed pats, and rope. The canopies did not require nails, wires, or any other rigging to stay in place: the extraordinary craftsmanship allowed them to withstand strong winds and summer storms.

Layout of the Courtyard

If you are an observant visitor, you will notice that all front gates of courtyards are located at southeast or northwest corners ---a distinctive feature of Beijing's unique courtyard complexes.

Page:

1

2

3

4

All rights reserved. Reproduction of text for non-commercial purposes is permitted provided that both the source and author are acknowledged and a notifying email is sent to us.