The traditional Chinese dwelling is an important type of Chinese architecture, and especially emphasizes the unity between nature and architecture. Due to its vast territory, dozens of minority groups and various architecture styles, China now boasts many types of vernacular dwellings, each with distinctive regional features, aesthetic ideas and cultural imprints. In recent years, China has taken much more care to preserve its traditional dwellings, making the historical folk houses a precious cultural heritage. 

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Siheyuan  (Courtyard)
The Siheyuan is a building complex formed by four houses around a quadrangular courtyard. The siheyuan is a typical form of ancient Chinese architecture, especially in the north of China. And Beijing Siheyuan is the most classic. They are designed to make it as comfortable as possible to live in a climate that is at times inhospitable. For instance, the Siheyuan are enclosed and inward facing to protect them from the harsh winter winds and the dust storms of spring. Their design also reflects the traditions of China, following the rules of Feng Shui and the patriarchal, Confucian tenants of order and hierarchy that were so important to society.
Former Residence of Xiong Xiling

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Tulou ( Earth Building)
Tulou means 'earth building'. It is named from its outer walls, which are made from rammed earth. Generally speaking, the large multi-storey Tulou was seldom seen in the areas where early Hakka lived. However, they are appeared in the perimeters of Hakka and other ethnic groups or around locations where Hakka fast developed after Ming and Qing dynasties. The Tulous in the Fujian Province are divided into three types, Wufeng, Rectangular, and Round. Wufeng are located mainly in Yongding, and rectangular and round Tulou are distributed in Nanjing, Pinghe, Zhao’an West and Yongding East. In most of the villages, round and rectangular tulous are mixed together. Among three kinds of Tulous, the rectangular Tulous were the original ones.

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Huizhou-syle Dwelling is popular in  south Anhui Province and north Jiangxi Province.Their townscapes are developed in harmony with the natural environment, using the geomantic principles of Feng Shui. Therefore, most ancient villages are set up against mountains and facing waters. It is believed to bring good luck to all villagers. In fact, this brought about convenience both to living and to farming for the villages. Furthermore, the village is segmented by winding and narrow lanes. The Huizhou-style Dwelling is the predominant architecture in the villages: white walls, dark tiles, horse-head gables, stone drums or mirrors and open interior courtyards are common features. 
Nanping Village                       Tangmo Ancienrt Village
Xidi Ancient Town                     Huncun Village
Chengkan Village                    Qiankou Village
Huangling Ancient Village      Wuyuan

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Tibetan Block Houses 
The traditional dwelling in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and part of inner Mongolia, blockhouses are built with mud or stone, and usually have two or three floors. The first floor is to raise livestock, while the upper floors are for people to live. 

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Mongol Style Houses
The inhabitants of Inner Mongolia are nomadic. Therefore, they need houses that are easily transported. This style of home is called a yurt. Yurts take only an hour or so to set up, and they are practically weatherproof. The door is set low to the ground in an effort to conserve heat.

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