[Explanation] Blue bricks and gray tiles, angled cornices, spring water gurgling... Some of the courtyards located in the deep lanes of Jinan, Quancheng, some of them still maintain the primitive style of traditional houses, and some of the courtyards are owned by the owner or tenant according to their own The "concept" of the old courtyard houses with floor-to-ceiling windows, central air-conditioning and other modern facilities, coupled with simple and generous decoration, brings these traditional courtyards back to life. Some experts believe that the protective commercial transformation of Jinan Siheyuan may become a trend.

  [Explanation] On August 15th, the reporter walked into Jinan’s old alleys with different widths. The courtyards were scattered with unique layouts. Many yards have changed their appearances and have been transformed into literary bars, modern guest houses, private dining shops, etc., with traditional styles. It coexists with modern elements and retains the memory of the city in another form. Guo Xianan is the manager of a homestay. Three years ago, he and his boss Yu Tianwei transformed the century-old courtyard in Whipzhixiang into a modern homestay. Guo Xianan said that he hopes to "resurrect" traditional houses with a new business model, attracting young people to live in and experience Jinan's local culture.

  [Concurrent] Guo Xianan, manager of a homestay in Whipzhi Lane, Jinan

  Now everyone needs more and more, and they don't want to stay in some hotels as rigidly as before. They now prefer to live in some distinctive homestays and feel at home. We found a yard like this. The predecessor of this yard was actually a building of the Republic of China. At that time, the yard was relatively desolate, so we renovated the yard and kept it as old as possible, keeping the original appearance of the courtyard as far as possible.

  [Explanation] In Wangfuchi Street, about 1 km away from Whipzhi Lane, there is an old house with a history of over a hundred years, which still retains the architectural style of the time. Li Jinlian, the 17th grandson-in-law of the Zhang family, said in an interview that the ancestors of the Zhang family led a knife and commanded the Ming dynasty and followed the prince to this place. This is how the Zhang family has been guarding it for generations.

  [Concurrent] Li Jinlian, person in charge of "Zhang Family Courtyard" in Jinan

  Our Zhang family compound has a history of more than 500 years of inheritance, which means that our ancestor came with the prince from the Ming Dynasty. He was commanding with a knife in front of him, which is equivalent to the fourth grade. Coming over that period, in our current language, we lived in a public house at that time because it was the residence of the Prince's Mansion. When the sale was allowed, our ancestors bought the property in 1690 and it continues to this day.

  [Explanation] 10 years ago, Li Jinlian and her husband renovated this old building and used a vacant house as a catering business. According to Li Jinlian, he did not dare to make major changes at the time. When renovating the house, he only replaced the decayed wood with pure solid wood, leaving behind old stones and bricks and re-embedded in the current house.

  [Concurrent] Li Jinlian, person in charge of "Zhang Family Courtyard" in Jinan

  The old material must not be used anymore. Besides, it has been in disrepair for a long time. Our terrain is soaking in the spring water, so the wood inside is rotten and cannot be used. I also spent a lot of money, and I wanted pure solid wood, all of which were rebuilt from the wooden structure. Nowadays, eating is not based on eating. It is based on culture and some of your cultural heritage at that time. People are only interested in eating your meal.

  [Explanation] Regarding the renovation and upgrading of Jinan’s old courtyard houses, Jiang Bo, a professor at Shandong Jianzhu University, believes that after the 1950s, Jinan courtyard houses have undergone changes in their functions and living styles. If they can lead to commercial development from the front, they may be able to make them Well integrated into modern city life.

  [Concurrent] Jiang Bo, Director of Qilu Architectural Culture Research Center, Shandong Jianzhu University

  It is also a trend to carry out some commercial transformations or make a re-use. Siheyuan is an important part of the famous historical and cultural city (Jinan), and some good cases of reconstruction should be guided positively. There are a few yards that have been remodeled really well, which can be used as a model and reference for everyone's remodeling. However, there are also many yards that have been remodeled beyond recognition. Such a guide must be given before this transformation.

  (Reported by Yang Fei in Jinan)

Editor in charge: [Tao Guangxiong]