Sanheyuan

Sanheyuan (Chinese: 三合院; pinyin: sānhéyuàn; Wade–Giles: san1-ho2-yüan4) is a historical type of residence that was commonly found throughout China and Taiwan.

The purpose of this main building varies by region, but typically consists of a central room serving ceremonial needs flanked on either side by a bedroom.

[1] The two wings making up the arms of the U may be long or short, according to need, and provide room for kitchens, toilets, storage, and additional bedrooms.

In Taiwan, the wings of the sanheyuan are called "protecting dragons" (護龍; hùlóng).

[1] Additional hulong would typically be added in pairs, placed parallel to the first set and then duplicated as the household grew.