Various Traditional Houses from China, from Palace-Like Structures to Caves, Are Actually Exist!
China is a country with the world's largest population. The diverse population in this country leads to a wide variety of architectural styles. There are 56 ethnic groups in the country, and as a result, there are many different types of traditional houses in various regions. These are not modern houses or multi-story buildings but houses with a distinct and traditional Chinese style. They are typically constructed using natural materials such as stone, bamboo, wood, and mud. Here are some examples of traditional Chinese architectural styles.
1. Siheyuan: The Chinese Dream House
Siheyuan, often imagined as the quintessential traditional Chinese house, is a traditional Han-style home dating back to the Zhou Dynasty. It is designed within a closed courtyard and consists of multiple buildings.
2. Hakka House
Hakka houses, also known as "Tulou," are traditional homes of the Hakka ethnic group in Fujian, Guangdong, and Guangxi provinces. These homes are known for their high security, with only one entrance and no windows on the ground floor. They are circular in design, with the ground floor serving as the kitchen and utilities area, while the upper floors are used for living.
3. Water house of Jiang Nan
Houses in the Jiang Nan region are designed to be close to water sources like lakes, rivers, canals, etc. These houses have a simple design, often featuring neutral colors such as white walls and black tiles, reflecting the humility of the local people.
4. Wooden House of the South
Diaojiaolou, or wooden houses, are commonly found in southwestern China. These houses are not only made of wood but also serve as densely populated homes for ethnic minorities. They are built in mountainous or riverside areas and have a unique structure with wooden pillars as the main support, without foundations.
5. Castle of Qiang Village
In contrast to the predominantly wooden architecture in China, the Qiang Village features stone buildings that resemble a fortress. These stone structures date back to the Ming Dynasty and are a testament to the engineering skills of that era. The landmark of this village is a 30-meter-tall observation tower, designed to protect the village and store food and wood.
6. Mongolian Yurt
The Mongolian yurt is a circular, portable dwelling commonly used by nomadic tribes. These homes are easy to design and construct, consisting of a wooden frame tied together with ropes and belts. They require only two materials: wood and fabric.
7. Xianjiang House
Xianjiang houses, also known as Ayiwang, feature a front hall with a skylight, known as the summer room, and a rear part used as a bedroom, known as the winter room, which lacks windows. These houses have flexible designs, with all rooms connected to the courtyard. The architecture is influenced walls.
8. Cave dwellings
Cave dwellings are common in the dry climate of northwestern China. There are three types of cave houses: cliffside caves, independent caves, and underground caves. Each type is built in a different location depending on the local conditions.
9. Bamboo House of Wa Ethnic
Bamboo houses, also known as Wa houses, are traditional dwellings of the Wa ethnic group. Each house stands alone and has a conical construction. Their simple structure, ease of construction, and low cost make them environmentally friendly homes.
10. Stone chamber Tibet
Tibetan-style houses are popular in Tibet and some parts of Mongolia. They are designed to be compact and functional, with skylights and ventilation for comfort. These houses are not only comfortable but also feature attractive designs with various decorations and colors, reflecting a sense of enjoyment in their design.
These traditional Chinese houses showcase the rich diversity of architectural styles across the country, each influenced by local cultures, climates, and materials.
source: chinese traditional house
