China's Ancient Underground Village: Baishe's Pit Homes

In this episode, we travel to Baishe Village, where hundreds of pit homes are scattered across the landscape. Some have housed families for over a century, while others have been reclaimed by nature. We meet locals who share what it’s like to live underground, explaining how these homes bring them closer to nature, provide fresher air, and offer a simpler, more down-to-earth way of life compared to towering high-rises. Yaodong, or cave dwellings, have shaped life on the Loess Plateau for over 4,000 years. When discussing the history of pit homes we’re exploring today, some see them as an architectural evolution from primitive cave living. However, rather than focusing solely on their ancient origins, I believe they were primarily a practical solution born out of necessity and the limited resources of this land. With that said, let’s explore how these homes were once carved into the earth and why, over time, people left them behind for houses above ground.