The Mongolian Yurt

The Mongolian yurt is a circular domed dwelling that is usually four to six meters in diameter. It consists of a wooden frame supporting a felt cover. At the top of the yurt is a movable ceiling, which can be opened to allow sunlight and ventilation in the yurt. Inside the yurt, the living area is situated close to the entrance, with the fireplace right in the center of the yurt. On the ground and the walls are colorful felt rugs that make the whole interior a cozy dwelling space-despite its small space.

The Mongolians are nomads and they usually move about twice within a year. In may when the weather is warm, they go in search of a spot with ample water supply and green pastures for grazing their livestock. In October when the weather gets cold, they would go in search of a warmer place to spend winter. The yurt is a portable structure that requires a couple of hours to take down. It would then be transported using a camel or house driven cart.

source: Chinese Architecture, published by China International Press