What are the traditional dwellings of the Loess Plateau?

The traditional dwelling on the Loess Plateau is the kiln.

On the Loess Plateau, the water permeability of loess is relatively poor, so the construction of the kiln takes advantage of this feature, this kind of kiln saves a lot of labor, usually built on the hillside, can overcome the wind and sand on the Loess Plateau. Kiln construction is sturdy and durable, saves money, warm in winter and cool in summer.

Wind-blocking and soundproofing, anti-vibration and anti-seismic characteristics. The temperature inside the kiln in winter is above 100C, and in summer it stays at about 200C, and you have to cover yourself with a quilt to rest in the middle of the day and at night. An ancient form of residence for the inhabitants of the Loess Plateau in northwestern China, the history of this "cave-like" dwelling can be traced back more than 4,000 years.

Characteristics of Loess Plateau Kilns:

Kilns are widely distributed on the Loess Plateau in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Gansu and Ningxia provinces. In the Shaanxi, Gansu and Ningxia regions of China, the loess layer is very thick, some as thick as dozens of kilometers, and the Chinese people make creative use of the favorable topography of the plateau, cutting holes and living.

By the cliff type kiln has a mountain type and along the ditch type, the kiln often shows a curve or zigzag type arrangement, there is a harmonious and beautiful architectural art effect. In the case of the height of the hillside allows, sometimes arranged several layers of terrace type kiln, similar to the building. Sunken kiln is the underground kiln, mainly distributed in loess plateau area - no hillside.

Reference: People's Daily Online - About 30 million people in China's Loess Plateau live in various types of kilns