Miao stilted houses

Miao stilted houses

Miao stilted houses

Miao stilted houses are built on slopes, where the land is cut into a "厂"-shaped earthen platform. The area beneath the platform is supported by long wooden pillars. A section of the platform, corresponding to its height, is fitted with beams and crossbeams, bringing it level with the ground. Stilted houses typically consist of four rows and three rooms per building, usually spanning three levels: the upper floor stores grain and can also be used for storing various items, the middle floor is for living, and the lower floor has railings around the base that serve as spaces for stacking miscellaneous items or housing livestock. The middle living level, connected to both the upper and lower floors by wooden stairs, features a backrest railing under the front eaves of the central room, known as the "Beauty’s Rest." The "Beauty’s Rest" is bright and comfortable, offering a great spot for enjoying views from above as well as resting and gathering. It is the most frequented area in each household—where men smoke and drink tea while chatting about the past and present; women wash, dye, and air-dry clothes or embroider skirts; and children read, study, and play.