Yaodongs, the earliest Chinese cave dwellings, date back to the Bronze Age. Over 2 million people still live in caves in China, many in Shaanxi Province. Most caves are passed down through generations and are popular due to the easy excavation of the porous soil. Some caves have modern amenities.
The earliest type of Chinese cave dwelling, called a yaodong, was an underground dwelling that dates back to the 2nd millennium BC, China’s Bronze Age. Today it is estimated that more than 2 million people still live in caves in China, many of them dug into the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi Province. Around Yanan, a 30-square-foot (750-square-meter) cave with three rooms and a bathroom can sell for $70 USD, if you can find one for sale. Or, if you just want to rent, you can move into a simple one-room cave for around $46,000 USD a month.
Welcome to our cave:
However, most Chinese caves are not sold or leased. They are handed down from generation to generation.
The outcrops on the Loess Plateau are popular with cave builders because the porous soil makes excavation relatively easy.
The high-end caves are reinforced with masonry and are often laterally connected to accommodate larger families. Some even have electricity and running water.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
