新中式四合院-四水归堂 Chinese house traditional and morden

In old Chinese courtyard houses, all four roofs slope inward, so rainwater flows into the central yard. This is called “Four Waters Returning to the Hall.” Water meant wealth – collecting it was like keeping fortune at home. It also saved rainwater for washing or watering plants. Most importantly, the open yard brought the family together under one sky, reminding everyone of unity and harmony with nature.