Characteristics of Cave Dwellings in Loess Plateau

The biggest feature of cave architecture is that it is warm in winter and cool in summer. The traditional cave space is arched in appearance. Although it is very common, in the monotonous loess background, the arc is more light and lively. This form originated from nature not only embodies the concept of circular place in traditional thought, but more importantly, the high circular arch and high windows at the door.

In winter, sunlight can further penetrate into the cave, making full use of solar radiation, and the inner space is arched, which increases the vertical space inside and makes people feel open and comfortable.

Generally, there are cliff caves, sunken caves and independent caves. Among them, the backer kiln is widely used. It is built on the hillside, and at the edge of the original soil, there are often several steps along the mountain. The top of the lower kiln is the upper vestibule, with a wide field of vision. Sinking cave dwelling is to dig a square pit on the spot, and then dig a cave dwelling on the inner wall to form an underground quadrangle.

Longdong Loess Plateau is the deepest loess place in the world, and Qingyang is located in the typical Longdong Loess Plateau, where there are the most densely populated caves. Dense layers of caves, row upon row, are described as: like caves in the clouds, like pearls embedded in the Loess Plateau.

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