Farmers' Caves (Yaodong)

Farners'' caves in Shaanxi
 Farmers' Caves Pictures
A type of dwelling that exists only in China, farmers’ caves (Yaodong in Chinese) are still to be found in Turpan and Kashgar in Xinjiang; Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Pingliang and Gannan in Gansu; Yinchuan in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Municipality; Qianxian and Yan’an in Shaanxi; and Linfen and Taiyuan in Shanxi. Among them, the caves in Shaanxi province, especially in Northern Shaanxi like Yan'an and Yulin, are unique travel destinations. According to official statistics, there are still 40 million people living in such dwellings in China. 
 

Long History Dating Back to Neolithic Age

As early as the Neolithic Age (about 18,000 years ago), using a wooden framework, grass, and soil, clans inhabiting the middle reaches of the Yellow River built simple shallow caves in natural earth holes in the mountains. Later, over 4,000 years ago, the real caves started to be constructed, which can be attributed to the natural surroundings. In the areas that are popular with such dwellings, there are very thick loess layers. People made full use of the loess layers to create the original farmers’ caves. Such dwellings were originally built into the mountain cliffs of the loess plateau and were the typical troglodytism. Living in a Yaodong was a practice handed down to descendants. Today, some have even become hotels featuring modern facilities for visitors to enjoy. 
 

Appearance and Features

A cave is usually 6-8 meters (around 20-26 feet) long, around 3 meters (9.8 feet) wide and around 3 meters (9.8 feet) high. From the outside, it appears in the shape of an arc, which presents the ancient opinion of “Heaven is round and ground is square”. It has a semicircular door of fieldstone and windows with exquisite sash bars set like fan ribs, the most beautiful and dainty parts sometimes decorated by the family with folk paper cuttings.

The most important and unique characteristic of a Yaodong is that inside it is cool in summer and warm in winter. Generally, the temperature in the room remains between 10C (50F ) to 22C (72F) and the relative humidity is 30% - 75%. The comfortable temperature and humidity help keep the dwellers fit to some degree. The natural architectural features protect the cave dwellers from being affected by the changes of environment or weather. Besides, its creation does not damage the environment or usurp farmland. Another feature is that you will feel quite quiet inside.

In Yan’an in Northern Shaanxi, a family usually has 3 to 5 caves. The middle one is the principal residence, in which the grandparents or parents live. At the bottom right of each cave, people usually leave a small horizontal pass for their pets, such as cats or dogs, to go through. When constructing the gate for the whole yard, there is a traditional taboo that none of the caves should be in line with the gate. Otherwise, bad luck may fall upon this family.
Cave used for housing.
Cave used as a kitchen
Generally, Shaanxi’s farmers’ caves have three basic sorts: earth type, brick type and stone type.
 

Earth Cave

Earth ones are usually cut into the side of a mountain cliff. You can still see them at Wangjiaping, Yangjialing and Date Garden (Zaoyuan) areas in Yan’an, Shaanxi. In these residences are very simple furniture, such as a wooden table, wooden chairs, an earth sleeping platform (Kang) and other farmers’ things.
 

Brick Cave and Stone Cave

Brick and stone ones are most common in present Northern Shaanxi rural areas. Their overall framework is built with bricks or stones, while the door and window frameworks are mostly made of wood or aluminum alloy. People also add different patterns or statues like two pigeons at the front top of their dwellings when reconstructing the residences’ tops, which help the dwellings to be more delicate and modern. There is also a combination-style cave that is mainly constructed of earth but the front is made of stones or bricks.

Before 1949, the former collective leadership, including Chairman Mao and Chu Teh stayed in Yan’an for some time, living in these farmers’ caves. There are still some sites left in Pheonix Hill, Yangjialing and Date Garden areas. Nowadays, many visitors go there to see the residences in which the great leaders made their contributions to China’s foundation. During your stay in Shaanxi, a visit to the farmers’ caves is well worth adding to your list of things to see. 
- Last updated on Apr. 12, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Farmers\ Caves
Asked by Phil from ENGLAND | Jan. 24, 2016 11:03Reply
How do I get to the Farmers Caves?
Hey!

Sorry I can't seem to find the bit where it says how to get to the caves from Xi'an. Can someone help please?

Thank you!
Answers (2)
Answered by Emily from UNITED KINGDOM | Jan. 25, 2016 00:58
00Reply


You can find them in northern Shaanxi Province, such as Yan'an and Yulin. Especially you can see many such caves in Zaoyuan Township, Baota Dsitrict, YA. You can take a high speed train to YA from North Railway Station. The trains are scheduled at 8:35, 13:55, and 15:04, and the trip takes about 2-2.5 hours. Then take a taxi to Zaoyuan to see these dwellings.
Answered by Phil from ENGLAND | Jan. 25, 2016 08:55
00Reply


Big help, thanks!!
Asked by goedjn from USA | Mar. 08, 2015 16:43Reply
How does one prevent flooding if living in Farmers' Caves?
Are there drains, cisterns, or is the ground just porous enough that it's not a problem?
Answers (1)
Answered by Wendy from SINGAPORE | Mar. 08, 2015 21:12
11Reply


Hi, there is no drains nor cisterns in the caves, but they usually have high threshold. Therefore, when flood falls upon, the threshold keeps the water out. I lived in a beautiful cave for two weeks in Yulin.
Asked by Divya from INDIA | Oct. 09, 2014 07:36Reply
I want to know about their living styles when living in Farmers' Caves,
Also their cultural activities and what did the women do in free time
Answers (5)
Answered by Adele from CHINA | Oct. 14, 2014 21:13
41Reply


They are just farmers and the caves are their houses/home. That's it! They cook and sleep in the caves. More exactly, the living room, kitchen and the dining room are together.

In most times of a year, both men and women are busy on their farms for grains. In free time, the women sew clothing, curtains or quilts. Or a few women just seat on their bed, namely, earth Kang, to gossip.

By the way, I am a girl from Yan'an and my family live in the caves.
Answered by Divya from INDIA | Oct. 18, 2014 04:29
10Reply


That was helpful. Can you highlight any specialty that exists there. may be any food or naturally available material or any skill. Also what all problems they face. I read about people abandoning these caves to live in modern form of houses.
Actually i am an architecture student in India and i am working on the project for which i need to understand these caves and people, their rituals and culture. I'll appreciate if you could help me out a little more.
Answered by Adele from CHINA | Oct. 18, 2014 21:59
10Reply


I would like to help. I am proud of living in such caves and in my hometown, we still have many such residences. People don't wanna abandon them. For more info, I can tell you in private. Just tell me your contact.
Answered by Divya from INDIA | Oct. 19, 2014 12:10
20Reply


you can email me at divyadhiman01gmail.com
Answered by Divya from INDIA | Oct. 19, 2014 12:23
10Reply


Please mail me as soon as possible. :)
Asked by Bla Bla Bla Blabber | Nov. 28, 2013 03:47Reply
Yao dong literally means "cave" or cave house in this context. You mentions the brick and stone versions. Why would these qualify as a cave house?
Answers (1)
Answered by Luna from CHINA | Nov. 29, 2013 03:05
00Reply


Yes, they also use brick and stones to make a house in cave shape, which also has the advantages of regular cave houses.
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