Year of the Dragon celebration showcases ancient underground dwellings

A lantern fair is held in the underground dwellings in the Shanzhou district of Sanmenxia city, Henan province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Shanzhou district of Sanmenxia, Henan province, hosted a Year of the Dragon celebration showcasing a scenic area of ancient underground dwellings.

The underground dwellings date back to the Yangshao Culture, which developed from around 5000 BC to 3000 BC during the Neolithic period. They have been an integral part of the region's architectural heritage.

The dwellings are dug into the ground and connected by a network of corridors. This style allows them to supply warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer. They are considered one of China's four unique ancient residential building types.

Visitors to the Shanzhou district of Sanmenxia have the opportunity to explore the historical, architectural and cultural significance of this traditional form of housing.

In 2011, these dwellings were listed as a national intangible cultural heritage due to their design and layout, which reflect the cultural traditions and lifestyle of the locals.

Qi Xin in Zhengzhou contributed to this story.