In the Ming Dynasty, the feudal ruling system and feudal ruling thought reached an unprecedented height, which can also be reflected in the pattern of folk houses. The feudal patriarchal clan system takes "ceremony" as the core, and advocates "orderly respect and inferiority, and differences between inside and outside", which has been fully reflected in the architectural form of quadrangles. The layout of quadrangles is generally three rooms (also called main rooms) in the north, and there are partitions in the rooms, which are divided into one bright and two dark or two bright and one dark. There are two east-west wing rooms and three south wing rooms (also called inverted seats), all of which are tile houses with bricks lying on the top ridge. Two or three generations of a family lived in a quadrangle, their parents lived in the main room (the north room and the upper room), and the younger generation lived in the wing. In the use of the east wing, the eldest son lives in the east wing, that is, the left side of the main room, and the second son lives in the west wing, with the left side as the top; The south room is used as a living room or study. There is a brick cross road in the yard, which leads to four houses in the east, west, north and south. There are steps in front of the houses. Street gates are generally in the southeast. If you go to the hospital more often, the second door in the yard means there are other signs inside and outside. In the old days, the harem at home "can't leave this door without leaving the second door" refers to this door.
The construction of quadrangles pays great attention to geomantic omen. From site selection and location to determining the specific scale of each building, it must be carried out in accordance with Feng Shui theory, especially the gate of the courtyard must be opened in the southeast corner. The decoration, sculpture and painting of quadrangles also reflect folk customs and traditional culture everywhere, and show people's beautiful pursuit under specific historical conditions. For example, the pattern composed of bats and long characters means "longevity and happiness", and the pattern with Chinese rose flowers in the vase means "peace in all seasons". The auspicious words embedded in the door tube and the door head and the couplets pasted on the eaves columns are full of rich cultural atmosphere and wishes and prayers for happiness, peace and auspiciousness.
Some people say that the quadrangles in Beijing are shrinking Beijing, or that Beijing is an enlarged quadrangle, which makes sense. Comparison between the two: both are rectangular, both emphasize axial symmetry, and they are different from each other. The function of each area is reflected by the division of doors and walls. So the imperial city and Miyagi are also quadrangles.