A Small Four-Cornered World

Edited by Wang Shuya

Photos courtesy of The Commercial Press

The vibrant trees,plants,birds,and insects become messengers shuttling between heaven and earth,making the residents of the traditional courtyards deep in the city’s alleys feel close to nature.

The persimmon is one of the most popular trees in siheyuan.First of all,persimmon is traditionally known as an auspicious fruit,meaning “everything goes as you wish.” Secondly,an adult persimmon tree is usually just a head taller than the ridge of the roof,making it a common hang-out spot for people looking for shade from the sun on hot days or to watch the fruits in autumn.

C losely tied to Beijing’s alleys and lanes,an iconic type of traditional building issiheyuan(quadrangle residences)with gray bricks and tiles.It features a courtyard in the middle,a main hall facing south,a reverse hall facing north,and two wing rooms in the eastern and western sides.According to old Beijingers,the layout ofsiheyuanreflects an idea of “harmonious coexistence between human and nature.”

Siheyuanis an ideal residence for many people.An old saying from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) goes,a courtyard with a canopy (or sunshade),a fish tank,a pomegranate tree,a family tutor,a fat dog,and chubby maids represents a good life in Beijing.In the courtyard,you can watch the blue sky and touch the earth.There are shade trees,vibrant flowers and plants,insects chirping from nowhere,an old cat lying on the stone steps while basking in the sun,and goldfish swimming in a big tank.Pigeons fly over the roof with whistles echoing across the blue sky.

In the autumn,the view in the courtyard is even more charming.At the entrance of the yard,a locust tree has produced many seed pods.Inside the yard,clusters of bright red fruits grow between the leaves of the tree of heaven,a persimmon tree bears many orange fruits like lanterns,and a crabapple tree is full of small sweet and sour fruits that taste like cherries.

Green little gourds hang from the pergola.Cockscombs flowers flourish like floating purple-red clouds.Grapes with a special rose-like fragrance turn black and purple,with the fruit skin covering a layer of fine white frost.Children play with fallen poplar leaves and fight crickets under street lamps.

The vibrant trees,flowers,plants,birds,and insects become messengers shuttling between heaven and earth,making the residents of the traditional courtyards in the alleys of the city feel close to nature.

Living Creatures in the Courtyarddivides the little creatures in the courtyards into four categories—those planted in the courtyards,those raised at home,those for fun,and those that are indispensable to daily life.

The trees of heaven,lilacs,pomegranates,and persimmon trees planted in the courtyards have taken root deeply and have been standing quietly for many years,becoming an inseparable part of the landscape and courtyard life.

Pets raised at home such as goldfish,katydids,cats,and dogs establish special connections with people,who often consider those pets part of the family.

Cicadas,grasshoppers,and long-horned beetles are favorites of the children living in such courtyards.Children’s interest in playing with insects comes from nature.This interest attracts people to get close to nature at an early age,and they can learn many things subtly and unconsciously that cannot be taught in books.

The indispensables include house sparrows and magpies that can be seen everywhere in daily life.Whether you love them or hate them,they are an integral part of the yards.

These animals and plants,alongside the neighbors who have lived together for decades,form a unique ecosystem that reflects the profound cultural charm of old Beijing.

Living Creatures in the Courtyard written by Cui Daiyuan,illustrated by Lin Yufei,published by The Commercial Press in April 2021.

The author wrote this book in the Beijing dialect with which he is most comfortable.In addition to the various little creatures,it also includes stories and accounts of emotions,memories,and the people related to them.Opening this book is like opening a mottled old gate,walking into a vibrant courtyard,looking around at the flowers,birds,fish and insects,and chatting with old neighbors in clear and humorous Beijing dialect.

Fish tanks are a mustsee in Beijing’s siheyuan residences.From the warm spring to the cool autumn,such a tank is always filled with water,while goldfishes swim freely among the weeds.