Abstract: Gatehouse is not only an important part of the residential courtyard, but also a kind of architectural cultural heritage, its decorative components have high artistic value. Through the method of literature research and field survey and mapping, the decorative components of residential gatehouses in the Ming and Qing dynasties in Taigu district, Jinzhong city, Shanxi province were classified. The types, themes and protection of decorative components of the gate building were discussed. The classification of four decorative components including chitou, rhynchotherium, sparrow brace and vertical style of the gatehouse building of residential buildings was studied. The social tendency, types and expression methods of the patterns on the decorative components of the gatehouse were discussed, in order to provide some reference value for the classification research, protection and repair of the decorative components of the gatehouse in other areas, and to perfect the theoretical system of the decoration and protection of the residential gatehouse.

Key words: residential gatehouse, decorative, types, Taigu district