Living in the Earth: The Origins, Forms and Renewal of China’s Yaodong Cave Dwellings

Thursday 7 May 2026, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Venue

COS - County South D72 - View Map

Open to

All Lancaster University (non-partner) students, Alumni, Applicants, External Organisations, Postgraduates, Prospective International Students, Prospective Postgraduate Students, Prospective Undergraduate Students, Public, Staff, Undergraduates

Registration

Registration not required - just turn up

Event Details

How can living within the earth inspire a more sustainable future? This presentation investigates the traditional Chinese Yaodong cave dwellings, from their historical origins to their diverse forms and spatial qualities.

Naturally integrated with the landscape, Yaodong demonstrates ecological intelligence and low-impact living. The talk also explores their potential for sustainable renewal in a modern context.

Speaker

Lihua Shi

Lancaster University

Lihua Shi is a lecturer in Environmental Design at the School of Art, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, and visiting scholar at the School of Arts, Lancaster University. She holds a PhD in Landscape Architecture. Her research focuses on vernacular architecture in Northwest China, sustainable landscapes, and ecological wisdom. She has authored two monographs: Construction Techniques of Traditional Chinese Vernacular Dwellings: Yaodong and Ecological Wisdom in Landscape Construction

Contact Details

Name Confucius Institute
Email

ci@lancaster.ac.uk

Website

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/confucius-institute/

Directions to COS - County South D72

The venue is located on D floor of the County South building.