Yaodong: Cave homes in harmony with nature

Yaodong, or cave dwellings, are a type of architecture common on the Loess Plateau in northern China.

In the Chinese language, yaodong literally means “cave building” and describes a series of buildings carved into the earth.

This video shows many cave dwellings in northern Shaanxi, Northwest China.

The region has a wide temperature range during the year, with cold and dry winters and hot summers, but the earth surrounding the interior spaces protects dwellers from extreme temperatures.

These buildings are renowned for being pleasantly cool during summer and comfortably warm during winter.

It has been suggested that these dwellings are the epitome of a key traditional Chinese concept: the harmonious relationship between human beings and nature.

In the vast Loess Plateau, these cave buildings are neatly arranged, forming a spectacular sight.

(Video source: Kuaishou; Compiled by Wang Xiaodong)