Second, the compound walls of are very tall, and there are four gates on four circles of walls that enclose the buildings on different layers. This style inherited the construction mode of the WesternZhou Dynasty(11th century-771BC) that employs halls in the front and rooms in the rear part, as well as many rows of houses. There are a multiple of spaces, which strengthens safety.
The main body of each building strictly follows feudal rules about the construction styles of different ranks, reflecting the class differences in the feudal society as well as the notions and thoughts of the scholar-officials.
The third feature is the magnificence and the complete functions of the compound. The main body of the construction is symmetrical in its layout. Inside one courtyard, there always seems to be another; behind one door, there always
seems to be another door. Rooms,pavilions, studies, gardens, and kitchens are all stationed in the places that are most suitable to them.
Stone carvings, brick carvings, and woodcarvings have various themes and rich content. Known for their exquisite skills, the carvings incorporate folk customs and folk arts, and best represent the "fine and dense" artistic style of the Qing Dynasty. Many experts and scholars think that the place is suitable for traveling, dwelling, and just plain appreciating.
Construction Art
The Grand Courtyard of the Wangs gained its fame as the "First Courtyard in Cathay" not only because of its use, stability, and beauty, but also because of its magnificent grandeur and unique craftsmanship that are embodied in its location, structure, interior design, and cultural bearings.
The whole compound incorporates garden art and courtyard building techniques under the premises of conforming to social institutions and practicality. The traditional flavor of North China's civil residence is very distinctive, but the building also borrowed the design of the gardens in South China. The outline, the intervals, and every other detail of the compound jointly present an elaborate work of Chinese folk residence.
