The spatial composition of natural environment and settlement in the Three Gorges region along the Yangtze River was analyzed from a macro perspective,which emphasized its characteristics of the interdependence among its buildings,landform and waterscape,between buildings and landscape,and integration of nature and human culture.Then the spatial features of folk houses were analyzed,while special attention was paid to its "upward","grey",and dynamic characteristics.The courtyard-type residence and stilted building in South China were taken as examples in order to explain their exterior spatial characteristics,and the interior spatial features were analyzed from the pursuit of courtyard layout,the preference of courtyard space and the emphasis of central room space.The paper exposed the builders' rational thinking about natural environment and living place conveyed through the traditional folk houses,as well as the practical value of this architectural style in the special natural environment of the Three Gorges region,and explained the artistic achievements from the integration of architecture and environment,aiming to provide references for the urban and living environment construction in this region during the "Post Three-Gorges Project Era".
