Zhongdong, Ziyun County, Cave settlement in Ziyun County, China
Zhongdong is a cave settlement in Ziyun County built within a large limestone chamber that houses roughly 100 people. The natural cavity accommodates family homes made from bamboo, livestock pens, and small agricultural plots within its stone walls.
The community was established in 1949 when families sought refuge inside this cave following the Chinese Civil War. The location provided natural protection and became a permanent home for these residents.
The residents belong to the Miao ethnic group and maintain customs adapted to cave living over generations. Families use the natural stone walls for shelter and organization of their dwellings and animals.
Reaching the settlement requires a steep climb to an elevation of around 1,800 meters (5,900 feet), which demands physical effort and takes considerable time. Bring sturdy hiking boots and plan for a full journey, as the path is challenging and uneven.
Drinking water comes from natural mineral drips within the cave walls, which residents collect and store in concrete cisterns for dry months. This ingenious system has sustained the community without external water supply lines.
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