Caves in China - A Home to Over 30 Million Chinese

Unknown to many, most of the Chinese inhabitants are of the cave and addressing them as cavemen are not derogatory either. Although not a handful, these cavemen amount to a whopping 30 million people residing in caves in the most populated country of the world. It is said that the stats could reach 40 million anytime soon.

About The Chinese Caves

These caves aren't ordinary but sustainable ones. The caves are said to cause no harm to the environment and are energy efficient. Notable men, including Mao Zedong, is said to have lived in a cave. 

Where Are They Found?

It is comparatively easier to dig a cave from the Loess plateau’s porous, yellow soil. Thus, you can spot cave dwellings in China's Shaanxi province. 
A few are also to be found in the Henan Province. 

Official Report Statements
An inference from the 2007 report says that people living in the Henan province caves are mostly aged individuals and have been abandoned by the younger generation. 

How Are They Made? - Cave Architecture

Originally the caves were constructed with fewer building material. They have been around for aeons now and have been upgraded with modern amenities like phone service and plumbing. Tucked away in the hills, the cave homes use their surrounding landscape as natural insulation, thus making it more energy-efficient. Liu Jiaping, director of the Green Architecture Research Center in Xian, said, "It is energy efficient". He also added that "the farmers can save their arable land for planting if they build their houses in the slope.”

Architectural Highlights
The cave dwellings have a typical design. With each having a semicircular entrance flanked with a shield of rice paper or quilts, the doorways lead to a long vaulted room, dug sideways of the mountain. 

Want to Stay in a Cave? Here's How

LA Times Report suggested that each cave can be rented for USD 30 per month, which does not include the plumbing costs. The deluxe suite costs USD 46,000 inclusive of plumbing charges and three-bedroom accommodation space. 

However, some cave families are unwilling to part with their caves as they have been passed down as part of their legendary inheritance. These families aim to keep their dwellings safe and a part of their heritage space. 

What are your views on these cave dwellings? Let us know in the comments below!