Zhongdong, located in Guizhou Province, is known as China’s cave village. Despite governmental attempts to relocate them and offer improved opportunities, villagers have declined to leave their traditional way of life.
It is situated at a height of 1800 meters (approximately 6000 feet) above sea level. This poses a significant problem for the residents. In 2008, the village met with a setback when the government decided to shut schools, citing, “China is not a society of cavemen.” Consequently, children have to travel two hours, trekking back and forth to attend school located outside the village.
In 2008, the Chinese government decided to shut down the village school, citing cultural differences with cave dwellings. Initially lacking proper infrastructure and recreational amenities, the village transformed with government efforts.
Due to the increasing number of tourists, a road is also being constructed in the village to improve connectivity. Though some residents have left, there are still those who reside in the village. Alongside, students who pursue higher education outside the village make weekly visits to meet their families.
Luo Dengguang, a resident of Zhongdong reflecting on village life, admits to the hardships. “Life’s tough, he acknowledges. But the cave protects us from the bitter winter cold and sweltering summer heat”. Despite government officials making repeated visits, the villagers stand unwavering in their determination to stay.”
Luo explains that villagers shifted to the cave back in 1949, near the end of the Chinese Civil War, to hide from bandits. The majority of homes in the village are constructed from wood and bamboo and are located near the cave’s entrance.
Electricity wasn’t available until the early 2000s. An American tourist discovered the cave during a hike and funded the construction of a school inside it for the children living there.
Situated high at 7,000 feet, the cave is a 40-minute walk, moving along a small mountain. Additionally, it’s an hour’s drive away from the nearest urban area, the county seat of Ziyun.
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