Architecture and hierarchy (3)

Mandarins' Residence

Although lower in rank than the above two categories, mandarins' residence was also restricted by a set of rules. All buildings were legally regulated. "Guardian lions" were not allowed to stand in front of the gate; and engraved beasts were forbidden to decorate ridges of roof.

Residence of Wealthy Business People

Different from government officials, business people belonged to a much lower social class no matter how rich they might were. Doors of these people's buildings were totally different in style from that of officials' residence. One obvious difference lies in the fact that there were no ornaments around the door symbolic of official position in ancient Chinese hierarchical society.

Residence of Ordinary People

Ordinary people could not afford buildings as decent as those of the wealthy or officials.Doors and windowswere much smaller; humble guava, rather than noble crabapple, could be found in their courtyard; and even goldfish could only enjoy themselves in special bowls rather than spacious ponds. Poor as they may be, ordinary people could enjoy a serene and happy life.

(Source: chinaculture.org)