Secret Life in an Underground Village

As I explored Yaodong Village in the Shanxi Province, I discovered a unique way of life where the villagers lived in underground cave houses to stay warm in winter and cool in the summer. The houses were carved out by hand from the clay soil over a century ago and have been passed down through generations. The villagers are known for their hospitality and welcomed me with a warm meal prepared with organic produce from their own farms. They shared stories of their ancestors who once had to hide underground during wars and invasions. I compared this underground life with the above ground modern city living that I had previously observed in Shanghai.