An elderly couple in a creek at their home. Photo: Zhao Liwen/Sina

Living in a house separated from other dwellings - usually called a villa in China - constitutes the Chinese definition of success.

This set of pictures reveals the lives of people with their own villa residences in a neighborhood at the foot of Qing Shan Mountain, 20 kilometers from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.

Villas aren't necessarily located in mountainous areas; however, the remoteness of this compound fits in with the natural lifestyle that is often presented in Chinese traditional artworks.

Residents there made their fortune in various professions, including engineers, professors, attorneys, artists, business owners, and retired officials.

Every house has the luxury of creek water streaming down from the Qing Shan Mountain, and this enables the residents to build pools or ponds in their backyards, which have been designed in traditional styles.

Living in villas such as these has become increasingly difficult in China. Purchased a long time ago, the prices of these houses have ballooned.

Just like people who live in cities, elderly villa residents assist in looking after their grandchildren, while others enjoy more spiritual pursuits like painting or playing traditional musical instruments. Some take full advantage of their lifestyles in the low-density residences to hold parties from time to time where participants can dance or eat barbecued food.

Perhaps the only difference between these residents and others is that they have more resources, leisure time and spacious homes, giving them the freedom to forge the kinds of lifestyles they wish to have.

Villa resident Ms Fan enjoys leisure time in the compound's swimming pool, which is filled with hot spring water. Photo: Zhao Liwen/S?ina

Security guards take care of residents' pet dogs while they are away. Photo: Zhao Liwen/Sina 

Employees of Mr Wang, a real estate developer, are inivited to a party at his residence. Photo: Zhao Liwen/Sina

Two elderly Buddhists pray at home. Photo: Zhao Liwen/Sina

Mr Fan, an artist, plays the guqin while his wife practices yoga at their home. Photo: Zhao Liwen/Sina