Research on the Construction and Sustainable Development of Cave Dwellings in Mogou Village, Mengzhou City

Abstract

Cave dwellings in the Loess Plateau and western Henan region are ancient architectural forms that offer significant potential for rural revitalization and cultural heritage preservation. This study examines their role in Mogou Village through field surveys and mathematical analysis, highlighting their contributions to urban–rural integration, rural tourism, and cultural sustainability. Key findings include the mean radiant temperature (MRT) in cave dwellings remaining stable between 22.7–25.9 °C, facilitating lower indoor temperatures in summer. These dwellings maintain an APMV within the Class I thermal environment (−0.5 ≤ APMV ≤ 0.5), achieving a 90% satisfaction rate for thermal comfort. Despite excellent thermal insulation, improvements in ventilation design are necessary. Moreover, cave dwellings attract urban residents, fostering urban–rural integration and rural tourism development. They also preserve cultural heritage through traditional construction techniques and philosophical thought. Preserving local characteristics while protecting traditions is essential for social harmony, economic development, and cultural inheritance, supporting sustainable urban–rural integration.

1. Introduction

Cultural heritage is an important carrier of China’s excellent traditional culture. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that “Cultural relics and cultural heritage carry the genes and bloodline of the Chinese nation and are non-renewable and irreplaceable resources of excellent Chinese civilization [1]”. Outstanding cultural heritage enhances national pride and identity. It helps preserve cultural independence and uniqueness in a world of diverse and intermingling cultures [2,3]. Traditional dwellings, as key parts of historical and cultural heritage, hold villagers’ historical memories, production and life wisdom, artistic achievements, and regional characteristics [4]. Often built with local materials, these dwellings adapt well to their environment. They are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and land-saving. In particular, the materials used have good insulation and heat resistance, effectively reducing building energy consumption. They are of great value to sustainable urbanization [5,6].

Cave dwellings are a unique type of residential architecture found worldwide. They have attracted extensive research from both domestic and international scholars. For example, Dr. Mark from the United States conducted field investigations in places like Shaanxi and Shanxi, examining the structure, function, and decoration of cave dwellings and writing ‘Chinese Cave Dwelling Culture’. This work has greatly promoted cultural exchanges between China and other countries. Similarly, Professors Aoki Shiro, Miyano Akihiko, and Chagawa Masayoshi from the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan have visited China multiple times to investigate the loess cave dwellings in the Yellow River basin. Their comparative studies, covering architectural technology, living culture, and environmental adaptability, have broadened the research horizons for traditional dwellings in East Asia and provided diverse ideas for the protection and inheritance of cave dwellings [7,8,9].

Domestic scholars have also been continuously researching traditional dwellings and cave dwellings. Associate Researcher Wang Tianyi from Sichuan University has conducted an in-depth study on the classification, spatial and temporal distribution, and technological evolution of pre-Qin cave dwellings in the Loess Plateau [10]. Professor Hou Jiyao has discussed the value of cave dwellings in the field of cultural folklore. This includes aspects such as village morphology and decorative characteristics. He has proposed strategies for protection and reuse, exploring sustainable development paths [11].

In modern society, cave dwellings have enhanced their value and vitality. They have achieved this by improving the environment, upgrading facilities, and integrating with tourism development. This allows their traditional characteristics to blend organically with modern life [12,13]. This study conducts experiments on the indoor environment of Mogou Village. It aims to reveal the value of cave dwellings in thermal insulation and in providing a comfortable thermal environment for residents. It also explores the important role of the rational development of cave dwellings in increasing the income of local residents, promoting rural revitalization, and advancing sustainable urbanization.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Experimental Principles and Framework

This study employed a combination of on-site monitoring and questionnaire surveys to evaluate the energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality of the cave dwellings in Mogou Village. To collect indoor environmental data, temperature and humidity sensors (Beijing Huaxia Risheng Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, China), air quality monitors (Hangzhou Polytech Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China), and light sensors (Chengdu Xinxin Electronics Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu, China) were installed within the cave dwellings. One traditional cave dwelling and one conventional brick-and-concrete residence were selected as research subjects, with the sample size determined based on the results of a preliminary experiment and statistical requirements to ensure the reliability and generalizability of the study findings. The monitoring period lasted for one week in mid-July 2024, during which a continuous 24 h period covering both daytime and nighttime was chosen to fully evaluate the thermal performance of the cave dwellings under different temperature conditions. To ensure the accuracy of the sensor data, all sensors were subjected to a simple calibration before installation: temperature sensors were compared with a standard thermometer and adjusted to match the readings at room temperature; humidity sensors were compared with a standard hygrometer and adjusted in the indoor environment; air quality sensors were tested with standard gases and adjusted to match the standard values, with each sensor being calibrated three times and the average value being taken. To ensure the reliability of the data, the following straightforward and feasible data validation methods were employed in this study: eliminating obviously abnormal data points (such as values exceeding the sensor range or significantly differing from surrounding data) to ensure data rationality and conducting multiple measurements (at least three times) for each sensor to ensure that the readings remained consistent within a reasonable error range. The mean radiant temperature (MRT) calculation formula, as shown in Equation (1), was used to process the data, with the results presented in graphical form to illustrate the differences in indoor and outdoor temperature variations between cave dwellings and conventional houses.

$$MRT={{\displaystyle \sum }}_{i=1}^n{A}_i{T}_i∕{{\displaystyle \sum }}_{i=1}^n{A}_i$$

(1)

where $A_i$ is the visible area of each surface (m²) and $T_i$ is the temperature of that surface (°C).

This study employs the Predicted Adaptation Mean Vote (APMV) to assess the indoor thermal environment of rural residences on the Loess Plateau during the summer season, as indicated in Equation (2).

$$APMV=PMV∕\left(1+\lambda PMV\right)$$

(2)

where $APMV$ is the Predicted Adaptation Mean Vote and $\lambda$ is the adaptive coefficient. For residential buildings in cold regions, when $PMV$ ≥ 0, $\lambda$ = 0.24; when $PMV$ < 0, $\lambda$ = −0.5.

PMV is the Predicted Mean Vote, which is determined based on the actual clothing and living habits surveyed. The metabolic rate is taken as 1.0 met, the clothing thermal resistance in summer is taken as 0.5 clo, and the indoor air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and mean radiant temperature (MRT) are obtained from the tests.

Additionally, to gather comprehensive feedback on living comfort, a structured questionnaire was designed and administered to residents of Mogou Village. The questionnaire included both closed-ended and open-ended questions to capture detailed insights into residents’ experiences and perceptions of their living conditions. The questionnaire was divided into several sections: Demographic Information, Living Comfort, Facilities and Services, and Tourism Impact. A stratified random sampling approach was employed to ensure representation across different types of cave dwellings (traditional, homestays, and libraries) and various demographic groups. A total of 150 households were selected for the survey, with a response rate of 85%, resulting in 128 completed questionnaires. In addition to the questionnaire surveys, field visits were conducted to observe local tourism development projects such as the commercial street and children’s amusement park. Interviews with local officials and business owners provided reliable data on the income of the local original residents. These qualitative insights were triangulated with the quantitative data from the questionnaires to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of tourism on the local community.

2.2. Study Area

Mogou Village is located in the northwest of Henan Province (Figure 1).

The figure indicates that the village is situated in the transitional zone between the Taihang Mountains’ foothills and the Yellow River Plain. It is bordered by the Taihang Mountains to the north and the Yellow River to the south. The village’s terrain is higher in the north and lower in the south, surrounded by gullies on three sides, with the Shunjian Reservoir to the rear and the Wen River flowing through the west (Figure 2a). It is a typical concentration of the southern Taihang cave dwelling culture [14]. DEM stands for Digital Elevation Model, which is used to illustrate the topographical conditions of the area. It shows that the local terrain is suitable for the construction of cave dwellings by the original residents (Figure 2b). The village is situated in a steep loess hilly area with deep soil layers, primarily composed of loess parent material. Below this, there are uneven layers of sand, which typically exhibit a columnar structure and are loose in texture, with weak resistance to erosion. This leads to severe soil erosion in the area, resulting in varying degrees of residual loess tablelands, crisscrossing gullies, and depths reaching over 30 m [15]. The climate is classified as a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, with distinct seasons: warm springs, hot and rainy summers, cool autumns, and cold, dry winters.

Cave dwellings are ingeniously excavated along the sides of mountains and gullies according to the terrain and topography. The typical dimensions of these dwellings are a depth of 7–8 m, a height of over 3 m, and a width of about 3 m (Figure 3). The cave dwellings are closely arranged, stacked in layers, and arranged in a harmonious and orderly manner (Figure 4b). To date, Mogou Village has a total of 183 cave dwellings, of which 131 can be traced back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (Figure 4a). These dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties were primarily used as residences by local inhabitants, as well as for storing goods and raising livestock. With a history of several hundred years, they hold significant value for studying the living and housing conditions of people at that time. As historical heritage, their rational development can also add much vitality to the tourism industry.

The village was once a typical traditional agricultural planting village. With the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, Mogou Village has developed ecological agriculture and tourism by establishing the “Mogou Village Ecological Agriculture Development Co., Ltd.”. This has led to the development of a tourism industry based on the village’s rich historical and cultural heritage and well-preserved cave dwellings, focusing on “ecological sightseeing, leisure vacations, and health and wellness”. As a result, the villagers’ production and living standards have been improved, and the village’s economic development and cultural heritage have been strengthened.

3. Results

Energy efficiency in buildings is a primary objective of energy policies at the regional, national, and international levels [16]. Cave dwellings are a unique form of architecture that embodies the profound cultural heritage and ecological wisdom of the Loess Plateau region [17]. They serve not only as living spaces but also as models of harmonious coexistence with the natural environment, highlighting energy conservation and environmental protection.

Cave dwellings are characterized by durability, economic efficiency, energy conservation, and environmental protection, as well as land conservation [18]. A local folk song vividly depicts the living experience of cave dwellings: “When esteemed guests visit my home, do not mock the absence of tile-roofed houses, for the earthen caves are like divine caves, warm in winter and cool in summer”. This not only reflects the comfort of living in cave dwellings but also the local residents’ affection and praise, as well as their deep emotional attachment to cave dwelling culture.

3.1. Energy-Saving and Environmental Protection Characteristics

Firstly, the design of the cave dwelling’s shape is also an important reflection of its energy-saving and environmentally friendly characteristics. The arched structure is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides excellent insulation. The arched structure effectively reduces the flow of warm air, slowing down the internal air circulation of the cave dwelling, thereby reducing heat loss [19]. Additionally, the arched structure can resist external pressure to a certain extent, enhancing the stability of the building (Figure 5). The arched structure depicted in the figure is a unique architectural hallmark of the Loess Plateau region, closely related to the local loess soil. The characteristics of loess enable the excavation of arched cave dwellings to better withstand the pressure from above, ensuring the stability of the dwellings.

Secondly, cave dwellings fully utilize locally available materials, especially loess soil, for construction. The particle structure of loess soil provides excellent thermal insulation, effectively reducing heat transfer through the walls and thus offering superior insulation performance [20,21]. In winter, the insulation properties of loess help maintain indoor warmth, reducing the need for heating; in summer, they slow down the rise of indoor temperature, reducing the use of air conditioning [22]. This natural insulation is due to the high porosity and moderate pore size of loess, which allows the interior of cave dwellings to form an effective thermal buffer layer. And during the construction process, the interior of cave dwellings is filled with materials such as loess soil and straw, which provide excellent insulation (Figure 6). The straw and other fillers illustrated in the figure form an insulating layer [23], reducing direct heat conduction and convection, thereby further enhancing the thermal insulation performance of the cave dwellings.

Radiative heat transfer between room surfaces and the human body has a significant impact on the sensation of warmth or cold. In Mogou Village, the mean radiant temperature (MRT) of cliff-side cave dwellings ranges from 22.7 °C to 25.9 °C throughout the day. The narrow variation range of MRT values within the cave dwellings contributes to maintaining a stable indoor temperature. Specifically, the average MRT of the cave dwellings is 24.3 °C, with a standard deviation of 0.94 °C. Furthermore, the results indicate that the MRT of cave dwellings is consistently lower than the indoor air temperature throughout the day, with a difference of no more than 0.4 °C. This characteristic plays a significant role in reducing indoor temperatures during the summer months. In contrast, the MRT of traditional dwellings ranges from 25.8 °C to 28.5 °C throughout the day (Figure 7) [24], with an average of 27.2 °C and a standard deviation of 0.85 °C. Although the variation range is also small, the MRT is not always lower than the indoor air temperature. During the daytime when temperatures are higher, the MRT exceeds the indoor air temperature, leading to an increase in indoor temperature. The stability of cave dwellings is attributed to their thick outer walls, which significantly diminish the impact of outdoor temperatures. As mentioned above, cave dwellings utilize loess and straw as building materials, which possess excellent heat storage properties and a high volumetric heat capacity. When there are drastic changes in outdoor temperature, the heat transfer between them and the covering structure is slowed. By storing heat themselves, they reduce the amount of heat transferred to the interior during the day, achieving indoor cooling.

For the cliff-side cave dwellings and the sample residential buildings in Mogou Village, the variation curves were derived through Equation (2) (Figure 8). A value of 0 signifies the optimal thermal comfort condition indoors. The findings indicate that the majority of cliff-side cave dwellings in the village are situated within a Class I thermal environment (−0.5 ≤ APMV ≤ 0.5) [25], with an average value of −0.08 and a standard deviation of 0.16, corresponding to a satisfaction rate of 90%, thereby essentially satisfying the requirements for thermal comfort. In contrast, the sample residential buildings exhibit values within the −0.5 to 0.5 range only between 7:00 and 13:00, adhering to the Class I thermal and humidity environment standard. During other periods, the values fall outside this range, into the Class II standard (greater than 0.25 or less than −0.5), resulting in a slightly warm thermal sensation and suboptimal indoor thermal comfort in the absence of auxiliary cooling measures. The average for the sample residential buildings was found to be 0.49, with a standard deviation of 0.16, indicating higher variability and less consistent thermal comfort compared to cave dwellings. Compared to brick-and-concrete rural houses, cave dwellings demonstrate smaller fluctuations, enabling a more consistent human thermal sensation throughout the day. These results highlight the thermal efficiency and comfort provided by cave dwellings compared to traditional residential buildings, emphasizing the potential for integrating traditional architectural wisdom into modern sustainable building practices.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. The study’s findings are based on a specific geographical location, Mogou Village, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Additionally, the environmental monitoring was conducted over a short period, which may not capture long-term trends or seasonal variations. The potential impact of these factors on the thermal performance should be considered when interpreting the results. Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the thermal efficiency of cave dwellings compared to traditional residential buildings, emphasizing the potential for integrating traditional architectural wisdom into modern sustainable building practices.

The study involved on-site monitoring of the indoor environmental quality of cave dwellings in Mogou Village. The results indicate that cave dwellings maintain a more stable indoor temperature compared to ordinary brick-concrete residences. The indoor thermal environment essentially meets the comfort requirements of residents, and the human thermal sensation can be kept at a consistent standard. Additionally, on non-rainy days, the indoor illuminance can reach 300–500 lux during the day, eliminating the need for additional lighting. However, radon concentration monitoring results show that some cave dwellings have slight radon exceedances.

Overall, cave dwellings maintain their energy-saving and environmentally friendly characteristics through various aspects such as building materials and structural design. These features enable cave dwellings to adapt to the climate of the Loess Plateau region and also provide valuable concepts for modern architectural design. With the increasing severity of global climate change and energy crises, the advantages of cave dwellings are expected to gain wider recognition and application, setting an example for energy conservation and environmental protection efforts. Compared to modern building standards, the ventilation system design of cave dwellings is relatively simple and cannot meet the high requirements of modern buildings for air quality. Therefore, it is recommended to introduce modern ventilation technologies, such as fresh air systems, in the renovation of cave dwellings to improve indoor air quality.

3.2. The Efficient Utilization of Land Resources

Integrating locally available building materials and bioclimatic design principles derived from existing vernacular residences into the renovation of modern residential buildings will enhance awareness of strategies for reducing energy consumption [26]. Cave dwellings make full use of the terrain and the characteristics of loess soil, efficiently utilizing land resources while adapting to the climate environment, demonstrating great efficiency and wisdom. This unique form of architecture not only cleverly utilizes the geographical features of the Loess Plateau but also makes significant contributions to the conservation and protection of land resources.

The disturbance to the ground during the construction of cave dwellings and traditional residences is different (Figure 9). As shown in the figure, firstly, the construction process of cave dwellings has minimal disturbance to the land. Traditional above-ground construction involves land leveling and clearing to accommodate foundation requirements. In contrast, cave dwellings, being underground or semi-underground, minimize land occupation. Their construction avoids extensive land disturbance and vegetation destruction. This results in more surface space being left intact [27]. Consequently, cave dwellings conserve land resources and provide conditions conducive to vegetation growth, thereby supporting ecological balance.

Secondly, the construction materials for cave dwellings are sourced from locally available loess soil. Loess is the primary building material for cave dwellings. It is not only easily accessible but also cost-effective. Using loess as a construction material reduces reliance on external building materials such as timber and stone, as well as lowering transportation costs and energy consumption. This approach of sourcing materials locally not only stimulates local economic development but also minimizes environmental impact.

Thirdly, when constructing cave dwellings, certain ecological principles are typically followed, such as minimizing impact on underground water sources, avoiding disruption of the water table, and protecting the surrounding environment. This respect and protection of land resources make cave dwellings not just a living space but also an ecological architecture that coexists harmoniously with the land, ensuring its sustainable use.

In summary, cave dwellings not only conserve land and reduce dependence on external resources, but also protect the ecological environment, embodying the concept of harmony between humans and nature. This sustainable approach to land use holds significant practical meaning and exemplary value for the green development philosophy advocated in today’s society.

3.3. Cultural Characteristics of Cave Dwelling Architecture

Designated as a provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2006 and a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008, cave dwellings are not merely simple living spaces but also historical witnesses that carry profound cultural connotations [28]. Originating from the long-term interaction between the local people and the natural environment, this unique architectural method reflects the ancient humans’ reverence for nature and their deep affection for the land. The construction and living practices of cave dwellings are rich in cultural content, including architectural techniques, lifestyles, and folk customs, which together form the unique cultural landscape of the Loess Plateau region [29].

Firstly, the spatial organization of cave dwellings profoundly reflects their unique and rich cultural characteristics. From the perspective of family culture, cave dwellings often take the form of courtyards (Figure 10a), with multiple caves surrounding the courtyard, allowing family members to live closely together. This layout strictly adheres to the principle of seniority, reinforcing the family’s hierarchical concepts and emotional bonds. It embodies the traditional family culture’s respect for family order and gathers deep family emotions.

Secondly, in terms of functional organization, cave dwellings are practical and economical. Their functional layout is compact and efficient, skillfully integrating basic living functions such as sleeping, living, and dining. A single cave dwelling often serves as a bedroom, living room, and dining area. The placement of simple furniture like beds and tables is compact and rational. The kang (a traditional heated brick bed) can be used for sitting and resting during the day and as a warm bed at night, making full use of the limited space (Figure 10b). This reflects the local residents’ frugal and simple lifestyle, where everything is used to its fullest extent, meeting practical living needs and positively adapting to a challenging living environment.

Thirdly, cave dwellings have symbolic expressions with positive connotations. Traditional wood carvings on the doors and windows represent the wish for smooth and prosperous lives, while meander patterns symbolize continuity and a long history. These symbols carry the family’s memories and the ancestors’ aspirations for a better life, ensuring that cave dwelling culture continues through time and reflecting the residents’ commitment to preserving and inheriting traditional culture (Figure 11) [30]. In Figure 11a, people arrange wooden strips into the shapes of flowers or orderly patterns. In Figure 11b, the doors and windows of the cave dwellings are carved into double-happiness patterns, symbolizing the auspicious meaning of “double happiness arriving together”. These features reflect the aesthetic exploration and pursuit of beauty during the construction of cave dwellings. Many designs of cave dwellings are inspired by nature. The natural yellow color of the cave dwellings blends with the surrounding loess environment, symbolizing nature itself. In the decoration of cave dwellings, there are many symbols of natural elements, such as patterns of flowers, birds, fish, and insects, reflecting their lifestyle of close contact with nature and expressing a cultural concept of adapting to and respecting nature.

4. Discussion

In the context of rapid urbanization and the integration of urban and rural development, various traditional cultures face the risk of homogenization. The protection and inheritance of cave dwellings should be regarded as a cultural awareness to resist cultural homogenization and maintain the uniqueness of regional culture. The protection, inheritance, and utilization of cave dwellings not only have significant academic value for the study of traditional Chinese architecture, lifestyles adapted to regional environments, and folk cultures [31], but also provide strong momentum for promoting the integration of culture and tourism, as well as the development of agritourism.

4.1. Promote Further Integration of Urban–Rural Relations

The cave dwellings in Mogou Village have played a unique role in promoting urban–rural integration and have driven local urbanization and sustainable economic development. In the process of improving the living conditions of villagers, these dwellings have provided a more energy-efficient and comfortable living environment. The harmonious coexistence of cave dwellings with the natural environment has further enhanced the villagers’ sense of belonging and happiness. In recent years, Mogou Village has developed the “Old Home Mogou Scenic Area”, integrating traditional cave dwellings with modern tourism to create a destination for leisure, sightseeing, and experiential activities. With the growth of the local tourism industry, the village’s reputation has been enhanced, attracting an increasing number of visitors who come to explore and experience the local culture. Visits to the cave dwellings allow tourists to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s history and culture and to experience traditional agricultural life. This, in turn, has stimulated the development of related industries such as catering, accommodation, and transportation, further fueling the local economic boom.

Cave dwellings have become a significant factor attracting urban populations to rural areas. Over the past three years, Mogou Village has received an average of over 550,000 visitors annually. Additionally, with the rise of the tourism industry, more than ten urban residents have opened shops in the area. This indicates that the development of tourism has had a positive impact on local population movement and economic activities. As living standards improve, some urban residents may choose to relocate to more picturesque rural areas to experience the charm of nature. This has led to a concentrated development model, promoting the flow of urban–rural elements, achieving integration between urban and rural areas, and driving rural revitalization.

4.2. Promote the Rapid Development of Rural Tourism

Rural tourism is an experiential activity that provides opportunities for sightseeing, leisure, vacationing, experiencing, entertainment, and fitness, based on the natural environment and pastoral landscapes of rural areas. Cave dwellings are hailed as the “fossils of agrarian loess culture” and “breathing architecture”, making them an important attraction for tourists. Their warm winters and cool summers offer a unique living experience for visitors. Before the development of local cave dwellings and the promotion of rural characteristic tourism in Mogou Village, the village relied on traditional arable land cultivation for subsistence, which generated meager income. Young people left their hometown to seek employment elsewhere, leaving behind mostly the elderly and children of school age. This led to severe population loss and an accelerated aging population within the village. However, since the village seized the local feature of “cave dwellings” to develop rural tourism, the situation has gradually improved: since 2023, the “Old Home Mogou” scenic area has received a cumulative total of 528,300 visitors, with a comprehensive tourism revenue of 7.5054 million CNY, and the average dividend per villager has reached 1700 CNY (Figure 12). The income of local residents has significantly increased, and the village has also attracted young people to work here, promoting the revitalization of the original agricultural village.

Today, the cave dwellings in Mogou Village have been transformed into several uniquely styled boutique cave hotels, such as Wangshu Homestay, Hejia Courtyard, Tinghu Shangyuan, and Yanan. These cave hotels retain their traditional advantages of being warm in winter and cool in summer, while undergoing modernization and upgrades. They have installed new air circulation systems and other equipment to ensure fresh air, providing a comfortable living experience for tourists. Additionally, they offer a comprehensive experience by utilizing the local unique cuisine and ethnic culture, which in turn encourages surrounding villages to participate and stimulates economic development.

Mogou Village also actively develops cultural experience projects using cave dwellings. A deserted cave dwelling was renovated into the Laomiao Cave Library, which includes various functional areas such as Han Yu’s Study, an adult reading room, a children’s reading room, and an electronic reading room. The library has a rich collection of books covering various fields, including party building, science and technology, education, literature, children’s books, planting, and breeding. It serves not only as a spiritual home for the villagers but also as a “must-visit” spot for rural tourism, attracting numerous visitors for reading and sightseeing.

It has become an important vehicle for protecting traditional dwellings and inheriting local culture, providing valuable insights for the development of rural tourism in China.

4.3. Promote the Protection and Inheritance of Outstanding Culture

The inheritance of construction techniques. The construction techniques of cave dwellings, characterized by their unique adaptability to local conditions and eco-friendly nature, involve distinct processes and methods [31]. Figure 13 illustrates the construction of different types of cave dwellings, such as cliff-side, sunken, and independent styles, each with its own skills and characteristics. For instance, various stages of construction, including site selection, excavation, reinforcement, drainage, and ventilation, are the outcomes of the long-term practices of our ancestors. Building dwellings into cliffs not only reflects the wisdom and creativity of ancient people but also provides inspiration for modern architectural design. When combined with modern building materials and technologies, it creates architectural works that possess regional characteristics and cultural connotations.

Cultural Heritage. Cave dwellings have witnessed the evolution of human habitation from cave dwelling to semi-cave dwelling and then to above-ground structures. The study and preservation of cave dwellings provide insights into the lifestyles, social organization, and economic activities of ancient humans, offering tangible evidence for historical research [32]. Cave dwellings are closely linked to local historical events and revolutionary history, bearing witness to the arduous journey and great victories of the Chinese revolution. These cave dwellings have become significant red cultural heritage sites, carrying people’s historical memories and revolutionary spirit [33]. They play an important role in passing on the red gene and conducting patriotism education.

Philosophical Thought. Cave dwellings make full use of local loess resources and terrain, integrating with the natural environment without disrupting the ecological balance, reflecting the “unity of heaven and man” philosophy [34]. This concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature offers important lessons for the construction of ecological civilization in today’s society, reminding people to respect and protect the environment for sustainable development [35].

4.4. Effective Inheritance of Architectural Functional Organization

Further improvement of cave dwelling lighting and ventilation. Skylights or transparent tiles can be installed on the roof to allow sunlight to pass through. Polycarbonate boards, which are used as transparent roof materials, have excellent light transmission and weather resistance, effectively increasing the amount of light entering the cave dwelling. Additionally, an attached sunroom can be added to the light-receiving side of the cave dwelling (Figure 14a) [36]. The figure illustrates how enhancing the light transmission coefficient of the window structure can facilitate the concentration and reflection of natural light, allowing it to enter the interior more effectively. For ventilation issues, ventilation openings can be set on both side walls of the cave dwelling to promote air circulation, and ventilation openings can also be installed on the roof. By utilizing the principle of hot air rising and cold air descending, natural convection is formed (Figure 14b) [37].

In the tourism development of Mogou Village, the concept of “sunrooms” has been incorporated. Specifically, the exteriors are constructed using masonry structures to replicate the characteristics of cave dwellings, with a significant amount of glass installed. There is a certain gap between these additions and the original cave dwellings, which functions as a sunroom. These cave dwellings with added sunrooms are being developed into specialty shops or homestays.

Furthermore, to meet the functional demands of modern life, the layout of the cave dwelling rooms is optimized. While ensuring thermal insulation, the dimensions along the north–south axis are reasonably reduced, and the dimensions along the east–west axis are increased to enlarge the area of south-facing windows, facilitating better lighting in the rear of the cave dwelling. The multifunctional spaces of traditional cave dwellings are divided reasonably, with separate living rooms and dining areas provided for family interactions, entertaining guests, and meals. To accommodate the placement of modern appliances and furniture, the internal spatial dimensions of the cave dwelling can be appropriately adjusted, such as widening the facade and raising the arch, to meet the requirements for large modular furniture.

At the same time, to enhance the indoor environmental quality of cave dwellings, it is recommended to install fresh air systems to improve ventilation conditions and reduce radon concentration. Meanwhile, it is also suggested to use environmentally friendly building materials, such as paints with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to reduce indoor pollution [38].

Lastly, the infrastructure has been improved. Complete ventilation and drainage facilities are installed in the bathroom and kitchen areas. Traditional dry toilets are transformed into flush toilets, enhancing the sanitary conditions of the bathrooms. In the kitchen, reasonable ventilation ducts and drainage systems are set up, and modern kitchen appliances are equipped to improve the convenience of kitchen use.

5. Conclusions

Cave dwellings in western Henan and the Loess Plateau region are not only traditional residences but also significant cultural and sustainable development assets. Their design, rooted in energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and optimal land use, integrates seamlessly with cultural values such as spatial harmony, functional practicality, and symbolic depth. These features position cave dwellings as quintessential examples of sustainable “green architecture”. However, to fully realize their potential, future efforts must address radon control and ventilation design, incorporating modern technologies and materials that enhance comfort and health without compromising traditional integrity.

The case of Mogou Village illustrates how the protection and development of cave dwellings can catalyze local economic growth and embody the concept of “rural civilization and ecological livability”. This approach not only safeguards historical heritage but also elevates living standards, cultural richness, and overall systemic integrity. It underscores the importance of balanced, sustainable development that respects both natural and cultural environments. This example also highlights the broader potential for regional development through the strategic use of local resources. By transforming traditional dwellings into cultural and economic assets, communities can foster cultural confidence, attract tourism and investment, and drive innovation in traditional crafts. This strategy is essential for rural revitalization and sustainable development, offering a model that balances heritage preservation with modern needs.