The Legacy of Home: Modern Interpretations of Chinese Family Values and Residential Architecture
In Chinese traditional culture, the concept of "home" has always held a pivotal role. It is not merely a physical space for living but a harbor of emotions, a bond uniting families and a cornerstone of society. It carries profound cultural and social significance.
The classic work Four Generations Under One Roof by modern Chinese writer Lao She tells the story of a Qi family living in a Beijing hutong during the 1930s. The title, originally a phrase describing a family structure, has become a symbolic expression of the ultimate Chinese ideals of happiness, harmony and fulfillment. This reflects the traditional values of seeking prosperity, lineage continuity and familial unity deeply embedded in Chinese culture.
According to the 2021 national census, the average household size in China has decreased from 5.2–5.4 people per household before the founding of the People's Republic to 2.62 people. While smaller in size, this number remains higher than the contemporary averages in Western countries, highlighting the enduring centrality of family in Chinese culture.
Traditional residential architectures such as siheyuan (courtyard houses), dayuan (communal compounds), tulou (earthen buildings) and ancestral halls reflect the significance of family in different regions of China. These structures, shaped by diverse natural environments and historical contexts, universally embody the value placed on family. For instance, the siheyuan*of old imperial Beijing allocated living spaces for multiple generations of the same family with strict hierarchical layouts, while the circular tulou of Fujian provided both external protection against threats and internal cohesion for extended family groups of hundreds.
The meticulous design of siheyuan, the grandeur of dayuan, the solidarity of tulou and the pride symbolized by ancestral halls have long made these structures immortal cultural treasures. Beyond their residential function, they serve as enduring symbols of Chinese family values and cultural heritage.
As society evolves, traditional family-oriented culture is also adapting to modern needs. Yang Shanhua, a professor of sociology at Peking University, notes that traditional family values emphasize the family's precedence over the individual, regarding the family as the fundamental unit of society, with inherent responsibilities and moral obligations among its members. Although the practice of multiple generations living under one roof has become rare, the close bonds among family members and the strong sense of belonging to one’s family remain deeply ingrained in Chinese society.
Looking to the future, the concept of family will continue to hold a vital place in the hearts of Chinese people, preserving its immense value. Whether in traditional courtyard houses or modern high-rise apartments, the spirit of "home" remains unwavering. The enduring charm of Chinese family culture ensures that its essence will be carried forward, offering warmth and unity to generations to come.