Farmers' Caves (Yaodong)
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Long History Dating Back to Neolithic Age
Appearance and Features
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 10




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.
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Earth Cave
Brick Cave and Stone Cave
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 11:03
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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!
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
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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
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Big help, thanks!!
Asked by goedjn from USA | Mar. 08, 2015 16:43
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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
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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 07:36
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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
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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.
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
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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.
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
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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
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you can email me at divyadhiman01
gmail.com

Answered by Divya from INDIA | Oct. 19, 2014 12:23
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Please mail me as soon as possible. :)
Asked by Bla Bla Bla Blabber | Nov. 28, 2013 03:47
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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?
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Answered by Luna from CHINA | Nov. 29, 2013 03:05
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Yes, they also use brick and stones to make a house in cave shape, which also has the advantages of regular cave houses.