‘回廊’ (huí láng) literally combines ‘回’ (huí), meaning ‘to wind’, ‘to curve’, or ‘to return’, and ‘廊’ (láng), meaning ‘corridor’ or ‘veranda’. Together, they describe a covered, often ornamental corridor that winds around a courtyard, garden, or building—common in traditional Chinese architecture. Unlike a straight hallway, a 回廊 typically forms a loop or zigzag path, offering shelter from sun and rain while allowing for leisurely strolling and scenic views.

This term evokes classical aesthetics and is frequently used in descriptions of temples, imperial palaces (like the Forbidden City), gardens (such as Suzhou’s classical gardens), and modern cultural venues inspired by traditional design. It carries connotations of tranquility, elegance, and historical continuity. While ‘廊’ alone refers to any corridor, adding ‘回’ specifies its winding, encircling structure—making 回廊 a precise architectural term rather than a generic synonym for ‘hallway’.