Sanheyuan (Chinese: 三合院; pinyin: "sānhéyuàn"; Wade–Giles: "san1-ho2-yüan4") is a historical type of residence that was commonly found throughout China and Taiwan. "Sanheyuan" have structures on three sides of a courtyard, forming an inverted U-shape, resembling the Chinese character ("āo"). There is normally a wall linking the two forward-thrusting side wings, called "xiāngfáng" (), similar to the wings of a "siheyuan". "Sanheyuan" may be square or rectangular shaped and can be single or multiple-story structures. Typically there are three structural divisions within the horizontal building in the U, which is called a "three-"jian"" building (; "sānjiānwū"). The purpose of this main building varies by region, but typically consists of a central room serving ceremonial needs flanked on either side by a bedroom. The two wings making up the arms of the U may be long or short, according to need, and provide room for kitchens, toilets, storage, and additional bedrooms. In Taiwan, the wings of the "sanheyuan" are called "protecting dragons" (; "hùlóng"). Additional "hulong" would typically be added in pairs, placed parallel to the first set and then duplicated as the household grew. The inner pair of "hulong" were traditionally called "inner protectors" (; "nèihù"), the second pair "outer protectors" (; "wàihù"), and so on.
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