Yaodong: The cave homes of China that co-exist with modern, high-tech buildings
We all know how ancient humans lived in caves. But do you know that there are people who reside in caves in the 21st century too? Yes! People in the Loess Plateau of Northern China still willingly dwell in caves that they call Yaodong. These Yaodongs are home to approximately 40 million people! That is intriguing indeed!
Why do people live in caves when China has high-tech buildings and is well-equipped with modern infrastructure? Read on to find the answer and know about these beautiful cave houses that attract dwellers and tourists alike.
History of cave houses
The first Yaodong was built in the second millennium BC, during China’s bronze age. More specifically, the development began in the Han dynasty (206 BC) and reached a climax during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). These were built on the Loess plateau that has a challenging terrain, with slopes, valleys and ridges. As a result, most Yaodongs are distributed along the sides of cliffs and gorges. They were built specially to avoid the wind and maximise the use of sunlight and water for farming.
A large proportion of the population currently living in Yaodongs consists of peasants who have lived in the area for several generations. Most of them prefer the convenience, comfort and affordability. However, yaodongs that were abandoned by families who moved to cities are being turned into folk museums and cultural heritage sites.
A peep into Yaodongs
You’d probably think of barren, stony structures when you hear the word ‘cave’. But that’s not how Yaodongs are. They reflect the brilliance of Chinese architecture in the truest sense. They feature vaulted rooms having clay walls clad with stones on the outside. The arched openings are finished with decorated, wooden window panes. Most homes still have paper window panes. Inside, you will find large stone beds known as Kang. Because of their unique architecture, the caves stay cool in the summer and warm during the winter, proving to be an ideal place for peasants to rest.
These beautiful and environment-friendly houses, carved decades ago, co-exist with modern architecture. Some architects are even contemplating ways to incorporate luxury amenities in Yaodongs. However, most of the population prefers the old setting, and why shouldn’t they? After all, those high ceilings and a nice front yard where you can stretch, feel the cool breeze and soak in the sunlight sounds like a dream for an urban dweller!
Types of Yaodongs
You can find two types of cave houses here, both beautiful and functional. The first type is dug into cliffs, thus known as cliffside Yaodong. This is the most popular type because it sits on the Loess slope and has a front open space for natural light and ventilation.
The architectural brilliance shines even brighter on the Sunken Yaodong, the second type of Yaodong. This cave is unlike any you’ve ever seen. In the summer, this cave acts as a heat sink, and in the winter, it acts as a heat source. All credits go to the farmers who cleverly took advantage of the features of the Loess plateau to create a square pit in the ground. They then created the cave by removing soil from the underground courtyard’s walls. There are rooms on all of the courtyard’s insides.
A third type of cave house also exists in regions where excavations were impossible. These standalone buildings are called Hoop Yaodong.