Abstract: In the regions south of the Yangtze River in the middle and late Ming Dynasty, large and magnificent residential buildings became fashionable among officials, men of letters and merchants, and the earlier preference for simplicity and graveness now gave way to a new style that emphasized exquisite beauty and extravagant embellishments. The new vogue has something to do with the changed social status and economic strength of the owners, and also reflects the changing ideas and values of the time. These buildings bear distinct characteristics of the folk houses in the regions south of the Yangtze River in terms of layout and decoration. A comparative investigation of the historical relics of “extravagant” residential buildings suggests that the desire to transgress and deliberately challenge building hierarchy regulations is by no means common among the public. In addition, the exquisite craftsmanship, superb construction standards and flexible strategies shown in these buildings all mirror the rich architectural tradition in the regions south of the Yangtze River.

Key words:  Building of Ming Dynasty, Residential Building in Regions South of the Yangtze River, design of Residential Building, Forms of Residential Building