China’s economy is booming, with skyscrapers popping up in major cities, so it might sound strange to hear that an estimated 30 million residents are still living in caves.
But it’s true, and it’s a lifestyle that dates back centuries.
The caves aren’t quite something out of The Flintstones, but rather homes with high, curved ceilings; large windows; tiled floors; a heating system; along with running electricity and water – the modern comforts of home.
Get daily National news
The exterior of the structure resembles a multi-car garage (or multiple housing units) reinforced with bricks, with each “garage door” replaced by windows, and a regular-sized door. Some of the entrances even have blankets hanging in the doorway.
Wu Li has been living in his cave for more than 10 years, and he’s not complaining. It’s more comfortable than you might think, Li adds. He told Global National Asia correspondent Paul Johnson that the cave keeps cool in the summer, but is warm in the winter.
Despite the number of skyscrapers sprouting in China’s major cities, don’t expect cave dwellers to move anytime soon. While they’d like to live in an apartment, they simply can’t afford it.
Many caves are owner-occupied, passed down through the generations.
Even the new head of China’s Communist Party, Xi Jinping, lived in a cave for seven years when he was a teen.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.