User:Liao Dan
Stilted Building (Diaojiaolou)
1.Introduction
The stilted building(Chinese:吊脚楼；pinyin: Diaojiaolou), also known as a "hanging house," "raised dwelling," or "pile-dwelling" (ganlan-style architecture), is supported by thick wooden piles—its foundational stilts. It is a traditional residence of ethnic minorities in southern China, including the Tujia, Miao, Yao, Dong, and Buyi peoples, demonstrating their architectural ingenuity and cultural creativity.Stilted buildings are primarily distributed in northern Guangxi, western Hunan, western Hubei, southeastern Guizhou, and southeastern Chongqing. These regions have rugged terrain and a humid climate, prompting locals to follow the construction principle: "Build vertically rather than horizontally—adapting to the uneven terrain." Using locally sourced materials, they designed these structures with stepped layouts, intricate carvings, and a unique style that ensures ventilation, moisture resistance, summer cooling, and winter warmth (Huang Xin, 2024, (34):35).The most distinctive feature of stilted buildings is their elevation on wooden pillars. The ground level is typically left open or used for livestock and storage, while the living spaces are on the upper floors, protecting residents from dampness, wild animals, and floods.
2.The Name of the Stilted Building
The term "Diaojiaolou" (吊脚楼) vividly captures the structural essence of these stilted buildings. In Chinese, "diao" means "hanging", while "jiao" refers to the foundational wooden piles - the entire structure appears suspended in air. This distinctive nomenclature not only reflects its visual characteristics but embodies the vernacular wisdom in architectural naming.Historically known as "pile-dwellings (ganlan-style architecture)" across different regions, they are alternatively called "Ganlanwu" (干栏屋), where "gan" (干) in Zhuang language means "upper level" and "lan" (栏) signifies "dwelling", collectively translating to "the dwelling above". Other appellations include "raised dwellings" and "elevated houses". While terminologies vary, they uniformly describe dwellings with open ground levels and elevated living quarters (Yang Zhen, 2024, (06):45).
3.The History of the Stilted Building
The stilted building has a long history, with its origins traceable to ancient nest dwellings and the later developed ganlan-style architecture. Han Feizi's "Five Vermin" records China's "first cultural ancestor" Youchao Shi(有巢氏) constructing tree-top dwellings with branches to avoid predators, named "nest dwellings" for their resemblance to bird nests. Later, influenced by the southern natural conditions described as "no three consecutive sunny days, no three miles of flat land," people adapted this concept by developing elevated structures. Using wooden piles as foundations, they created raised building platforms through pile-binding techniques - erecting columns, beams, and roofs to form the characteristic ganlan-style architecture with open ground levels and elevated living quarters (Yang Zhen, 2024, (06):45). The earliest archaeological evidence comes from Hemudu Site in Yuyao, Zhejiang, where 7,000-year-old elevated wooden structures were discovered, considered prototypes of stilted buildings.Through historical development and population migration, stilted buildings became firmly established in southwestern China, evolving more complex forms. Particularly after Qin and Han dynasties, increased cultural exchange between southern ethnic groups and central plains civilizations led these structures to incorporate central Chinese architectural elements like dougong brackets, hanging ornaments, and wood carvings - blending functionality with aesthetics. During Ming and Qing dynasties, with the establishment of the Tusi system and stabilization of Miao territories, stilted buildings became the predominant residential form in ethnic minority regions and gradually standardized their architectural patterns.
4.Architectural Structure of the Stilted Building
The structural design of stilted buildings fully embodies harmonious coexistence with the natural environment. Typically constructed along riverbanks or hillsides, these buildings utilize elevation differences through cantilevered designs, employing suspended foundations and elevated structures to develop vertically, minimizing direct contact with uneven terrain. Furthermore, techniques like split-leveling and staggered flooring adapt to topographic variations, reducing environmental disruption while allowing the base structure to conform to land contours. This adaptive approach stems from an intuitive interpretation of natural conditions - the flexible supporting piles of stilted buildings neutralize terrain disadvantages, enabling construction unrestricted by mountainous landscapes.In regions where stilted buildings are prevalent - characterized by humid climates and historically frequent encounters with venomous snakes and wild animals - the elevated design not only enhances ventilation and moisture resistance but also improves residential safety (Wang J & Zakaria A S, 2025, 15(1):119).Regarding spatial configuration, stilted buildings are usually attached to main structures, occasionally extending from both sides. Supported by several wooden piles with elevated ground levels, the base may either remain open or be enclosed as storage spaces for provisions or livestock pens. The second floor serves as living quarters, traditionally housing unmarried family members - particularly daughters - functionally equivalent to the embroidered chambers (xiulou绣楼) in Han Chinese residential architecture (Gao Qi, 2011, (05):101).
5.Cultural Significance of the Stilted Building
Stilted buildings are not merely residential structures but living embodiment of cultural expression, carrying the rich spiritual world and social order of ethnic minorities.First, in settlements of the Miao, Dong, and other ethnic groups, stilted buildings are typically clustered by kinship, forming organic village networks. The small courtyards in front and open spaces beneath the buildings serve as play areas for children and vital communal spaces for neighborly interaction and festive gatherings. During traditional festivals like the Miao New Year, Lusheng Festival, and Dong New Year, people perform dances, antiphonal singing, and rituals around stilted buildings, making them living sites of cultural practice and transmission (Chao Chenglin, 2024, (07):125).Second, stilted buildings are important vessels of spiritual beliefs. For example, Tujia villages enshrine their common ancestors—Peng Shichou, Xiang Laoguanren, and Tian Haohan—as deities in their "Tuwang Shrines." These ancestor-gods represent both the spiritual faith and cultural identity of the Tujia people in western Hunan.Additionally, stilted buildings preserve ethnic crafts and oral traditions. Their construction, decoration, and daily use incorporate intangible cultural heritage such as carpentry techniques, brocade embroidery, traditional ballads, and folktales. For instance, the Dong Grand Song and Miao love songs performed in these structures exemplify the natural flow of oral traditions through architectural space.Today, many stilted buildings have been integrated into cultural tourism and heritage protection systems, becoming vital showcases of ethnic culture (Hu Ming & Meng Zimeng, 2022, (02):95).
Terms and Expressions
pile-dwelling (ganlan-style architecture) 干栏式建筑
raised dwelling 高脚屋
harmonious coexistence between humans and nature 人与自然和谐共生
nest dwellings 巢居
dougong brackets 斗拱
Tusi system 土司制度
Miao territories 苗疆地区
cantilevered structure 悬挑结构
embroidered chambers (xiulou) 绣楼闺房
Lusheng Festival 芦笙节
antiphonal singing 对歌
Tuwang Shrine 土王祠
carpentry techniques 木工技艺
brocade embroidery 织锦刺绣
Questions
1.What are the alternative names for stilted buildings?
2.In which regions are stilted buildings primarily distributed?
3.What are the most distinctive features of stilted buildings? 4.What is the typical use of the ground level?
4.How does the architectural design of stilted buildings reflect harmonious coexistence with the natural environment?
5.What roles do stilted buildings play in the settlements of the Miao, Dong, and other ethnic groups?
6.What was the developmental status of stilted buildings during the Ming and Qing dynasties?
7.What are the main reasons for adopting cantilevered structures and elevated designs in stilted buildings?
8.Apart from stilted buildings, can you name other distinctive architectural styles?
9.What are the similarities and differences between stilted buildings and central plains architecture?
Answers
1.Stilted buildings are alternatively known as "hanging houses," "raised dwellings," "pile-dwellings (ganlan-style architecture)," "ganlan houses," or "elevated structures."
2.These structures are primarily distributed in northern Guangxi, western Hunan, western Hubei, southeastern Guizhou, and southeastern Chongqing.
3.Their most distinctive feature is the elevation of the structure on wooden piles, with the ground level typically left open or utilized for livestock pens and storage purposes.
4.The architectural design of stilted buildings adapts to terrain variations through cantilevered constructions, elevated frameworks, and split-level techniques, minimizing topographical disruption while ensuring ventilation, moisture resistance, and enhanced safety.
5.In settlements of the Miao, Dong, and other ethnic groups, stilted buildings serve as crucial communal spaces for neighborhood interaction and festive gatherings, while also functioning as vessels for cultural transmission and religious practices.
6.During the Ming and Qing dynasties, stilted buildings became the predominant residential form in ethnic minority regions and gradually developed standardized architectural patterns.
7.This design principally addresses three needs: adaptation to rugged terrain, ventilation and humidity control, and protection against wild animals and floods.
8.Certainly. Notable examples include Fujian tulou (earthen buildings), Beijing siheyuan (courtyard houses), Mongolian yurts, and yaodong (cave dwellings).
9.Similarities: Incorporation of central plains architectural elements such as dougong bracket systems, hanging ornaments, and wood carvings. Differences: Stilted buildings employ elevated structures suited for mountainous and humid environments, whereas central plains architecture predominantly features ground-level constructions with symmetrical layouts.
References
[1]Wang J ,Zakaria A S .Morphological Characteristics and Sustainable Adaptive Reuse Strategies of Regional Cultural Architecture: A Case Study of Fenghuang Ancient Town, Xiangxi, China [J].Buildings, 2025,15(1):119-119.
[2]Huang Xin黄信.(2024)鄂西土家族吊脚楼建筑艺术特色研究——以蒋家花园为例[A Study on the Architectural Artistic Features of Tujia Stilted Buildings in Western Hubei: A Case Study of Jiang Family Garden].[J].新楚文化New Chu Culture,(34):34-36.
[3]Yang Zhen杨振.(2024)吊脚楼,山水间的民族智慧[Stilted Buildings: Ethnic Wisdom in Mountainous Landscapes].[J].光明少年Bright Youth,(06):44-46.
[4]Gao Qi高琦.(2011)解读湘西传统民居所承载的文化内涵——以凤凰古城为例[Interpreting the Cultural Connotations of Traditional Dwellings in Western Hunan: A Case Study of Fenghuang Ancient Town].[J].建筑与文化Architecture & Culture,(05):99-103.
[5]Hu Ming,Meng ZiMeng胡明,孟子萌.(2022)湘西土家族吊脚楼建筑的文化内涵[The Cultural Significance of Tujia Stilted Buildings in Western Hunan].[J].艺海Arts Sea,(02):94-96.
[6]Chao ChengLin晁成林.(2024)《土家族吊脚楼建筑艺术与文化》:土家族吊脚楼建筑文化的艺术人类学阐释[Tujia Stilted Building Architecture and Culture: An Anthropological Interpretation of Tujia Stilted Building Culture].[J].建筑学报Architectural Journal,(07):125.
AI Usage Statement:
I hereby acknowledge the use of AI tools in completing this paper. During the writing process, I utilized ChatGPT and DeepSeek for research and composition support. Initially, with limited prior knowledge of stilted buildings (diaojiaolou), I employed ChatGPT to gather information on their geographical distribution, architectural features, and structural characteristics, which enhanced my understanding. This preliminary research, combined with literature reviewed on CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), formed the basis for my original writing. Subsequently, I used DeepSeek to refine sentence structures and optimize language expression - for instance, specifically instructing it to "reorganize the first two sentences about architectural features for better coherence." Finally, I utilized DeepSeek for initial English translation followed by meticulous manual editing to ensure terminological accuracy (e.g., consistent use of "stilted buildings" and proper handling of "ganlan-style architecture"). While these tools significantly improved research efficiency and writing quality, all analytical perspectives, content selection, and final interpretations were independently developed and verified against primary sources. This statement is made to transparently disclose my methodology while affirming the originality of my scholarly work.
吊脚楼
1.介绍
吊脚楼又称“吊楼”“高脚屋”或“干栏式建筑”，“脚”其实是几根支撑楼体的粗大木桩。吊脚楼是土家族、苗族、瑶族、侗族、布依族等中国南方少数民族的传统民居，其独特的建筑风格和布局方式充分展示了民族智慧和创造力。吊脚楼主要分布在桂北、湘西、鄂西、黔东南及渝东南等地区。这些地方地势崎岖，气候潮湿，当地居民秉持“借天不借地，天平地不平”的营造理念，就地取材、因地制宜，建造出一栋栋布局错落有致、雕刻装饰精美、建筑风格独特且通风防潮、避暑御寒的吊脚楼。(黄信，2024，(34):35)其最显著的特点是用数根立柱将楼房架起，底层通常空置或作为牲畜圈养和储物空间，而人居部分设置于二层及以上，以避潮湿、野兽和洪水之害。
2.吊脚楼的名字
“吊脚楼”这一名称，形象地揭示了这种建筑的结构特征。汉语中的“吊”意指悬空，“脚”则是指建筑所依赖的木柱支撑，整个“楼”仿佛“吊”在空中一般。这种独特的称呼不仅来自外观特征，更深层次地体现了民族民间对这种建筑的命名智慧。从古至今，在不同方言区或民族语言中，吊脚楼也称作“干栏屋”，“干栏”一词用壮族的语言翻译，“干”有“上面”的意思，“栏”是“房屋”的意思，合起来就是“上面的房子”。另外，其还有“高脚屋”“架空房”等不同称呼，虽名称有异，但所指之物大体一致，皆指楼下架空、楼上人居的民居样式。(杨振，2024，(06):45)
3.吊脚楼的历史
吊脚楼的历史由来已久，其起源可追溯到古代的巢居以及后期形成的干栏式建筑。《韩非子·五蠹》中曾记载华夏“第一人文始祖”有巢氏在树木上用树枝搭架而居以避禽兽虫害的情景，因其类似飞禽动物的筑巢故名“巢居”。后来，南方地区的人们受“天无三日晴，地无三里平”的自然条件影响，继承和发展了巢居的理念，以桩木为基础，建造高于地面的建筑基座，以桩柱绑扎的方式立柱、架梁、盖顶，营造出底层架空、上层住人的建筑，这就是干栏式建筑，即吊脚楼。(杨振，2024，(06):45)最早的考古证据来自浙江余姚的河姆渡遗址，该地发现了距今7000年的高架木结构住宅，这被认为是吊脚楼原始形态的雏形。随着历史的发展和人口迁徙的演变，吊脚楼逐渐在中国西南部扎根，并演化出更为复杂多样的建筑形式。特别是在秦汉之后，南方民族与中原王朝的交流日益频繁，吊脚楼在保持原有实用性的同时，也开始吸收中原建筑的一些元素，如斗拱、挂落、木雕装饰等，使其兼具功能性与审美性。明清时期，随着土司制度的确立和苗疆地区的基本稳定，吊脚楼成为少数民族聚居区的普遍住宅形式，并逐渐定型。
4.吊脚楼的建筑结构
吊脚楼的建筑结构设计充分考虑了其与自然环境的和谐共生。吊脚楼通常建在河边或山坡上，利用地形的高低差，采用悬挑结构设计，通过吊脚、架空等方式，尽量向上部、空中发展，以减少与起伏地面的直接接触。此外，还采用错层、掉层等手法，顺应地势变化，减少对地形的破坏，建筑底部也会随地形起伏做相应调整。这样的结构源于对自然条件的本能解读，吊脚楼通过自身灵活的支脚来化解地形上的不利条件，使房屋建设不受山势限制，灵活多变。此外，吊脚楼建筑分布的地区多气候湿润，且过去常有毒蛇、猛兽出没，因此房屋架空设计不仅有利于通风防潮，也提高了居住的安全性。(Wang J , Zakaria A S，2025,15(1):119)在布局方面，吊脚楼多建于正屋一侧，少数情况下则在两侧同时出挑建楼。吊脚楼由几根木柱支撑而起，底层架空，或砌墙围合成仓库、储藏室，也可用来堆放粮草或圈养牛羊；二层为居住空间，多为家中未婚者居住，尤其是未婚女儿，相当于汉族传统民居中的绣楼闺房。(高琦，2011，(05):101)
5.吊脚楼的文化内涵
吊脚楼不仅是一种民居建筑，更是一种活态的文化表达载体，承载着少数民族丰富的精神世界与社会秩序。首先，在苗族、侗族等民族聚落中，吊脚楼常常聚族而建，形成自然的村落网络。楼前的小坪、楼下的空地，既是儿童嬉戏的场所，也是邻里交流、节庆集会的重要场域。在传统节日如苗年、芦笙节、侗年节中，人们会在吊脚楼周围举行舞蹈、对歌、祭祀等仪式，使吊脚楼成为民族文化的发生地与传承地。(晁成林，2024,(07):125)其次，吊脚楼也是精神信仰的重要载体。例如土家族各寨的土王祠都供奉着土家族的共祖彭士愁、向老官人和田好汉，他们已成为神灵的祖先。湘西土家族把它们视为神来供奉；它们既是土家族的精神信仰，也是民族文化的承载。此外，吊脚楼还是民族手工艺和口头传统的保存地。在其建造、装饰与使用过程中，包含了木工技艺、织锦刺绣、传统歌谣、民间故事等多种非物质文化遗产。例如，在吊脚楼中举行的“侗族大歌”“苗族情歌”等，便是口头传统在空间中的自然流转。如今，许多吊脚楼已被纳入文旅开发与文化遗产保护体系，成为展示民族文化的重要窗口。(胡明、孟子萌，2022，(02):95)
术语与表达
干栏式建筑
高脚屋
人与自然和谐共生
巢居
斗拱
土司制度
苗疆地区
悬挑结构
绣楼闺房
芦笙节
对歌
土王祠
木工技艺
织锦刺绣
问题
1.吊脚楼有哪些别称？
2.吊脚楼主要分布在哪些地区？
3.吊脚楼的显著特点是什么？底层通常有什么用途？
4.吊脚楼的建筑结构设计如何体现与自然环境的和谐共生？
5.在苗族、侗族等民族聚落中，吊脚楼有什么作用？
6.明清时期，吊脚楼的发展状况如何？
7.吊脚楼采用悬挑结构和架空设计的主要原因是什么？
8.除了吊脚楼，你能否说出其他有特色的建筑?
9.吊脚楼与中原建筑有什么相同和不同之处?
答案
1.吊脚楼的别称有“吊楼”“高脚屋”“干栏式建筑”“干栏屋”“架空房”。
2.吊脚楼主要分布在桂北、湘西、鄂西、黔东南及渝东南等地区。
3.其显著特点是用数根立柱将楼房架起，底层通常空置或作为牲畜圈养和储物空间。
4.吊脚楼的建筑结构设计顺应地势变化，采用悬挑、架空、错层等手法，减少对地形的破坏，同时通风防潮、提高安全性。
5.在苗族、侗族等民族聚落中，吊脚楼是邻里交流、节庆集会的重要场域，也是民族文化传承和信仰活动的载体。
6.明清时期，吊脚楼成为少数民族聚居区的普遍住宅形式，并逐渐定型。
7.主要原因是适应崎岖地形、通风防潮、防御野兽和洪水。
8.可以，比如福建土楼、北京四合院、蒙古包、窑洞等。
9.相同之处：吸收了中原建筑元素，如斗拱、挂落、木雕装饰。不同之处：吊脚楼采用架空结构，适应山地潮湿环境，而中原建筑多为平地建造，注重对称布局。
参考文献
[1]Wang J ,Zakaria A S .Morphological Characteristics and Sustainable Adaptive Reuse Strategies of Regional Cultural Architecture: A Case Study of Fenghuang Ancient Town, Xiangxi, China[J].Buildings,2025,15(1):119-119.
[2]黄信.鄂西土家族吊脚楼建筑艺术特色研究——以蒋家花园为例[J].新楚文化,2024,(34):34-36.DOI:10.20133/j.cnki.CN42-1932/G1.2024.34.009.
[3]杨振.吊脚楼,山水间的民族智慧[J].光明少年,2024,(06):44-46.
[4]高琦.解读湘西传统民居所承载的文化内涵——以凤凰古城为例[J].建筑与文化,2011,(05):99-103.
[5]胡明,孟子萌.湘西土家族吊脚楼建筑的文化内涵[J].艺海,2022,(02):94-96.
[6]晁成林.《土家族吊脚楼建筑艺术与文化》:土家族吊脚楼建筑文化的艺术人类学阐释[J].建筑学报,2024,(07):125.
AI使用说明
本人承认自己在完成此论文时使用了AI，在本次论文撰写过程中，我使用了ChatGPT和Deepseek，首先，在写这篇论文之前，我对吊脚楼的了解还不深，所以我让ChatGPT向我提供吊脚楼的分布地区、建筑特色以及结构，这使我对吊脚楼的理解更加深刻，加上我在中国知网上查阅的文献，我开始慢慢写自己的论文。其次，我让Deepseek帮我调整句子语序，优化论文的语言表达，确保不出现错别字和语病，比如在吊脚楼的建筑结构这一段，我对Deepseek说:请调整一下第1、2句的语序，使其更加通顺有逻辑。最后，我要求Deepseek帮我翻译中文论文内容为英文，完成这一步之后，我自己再对英文内容进行逐句译后编辑，修改AI生成的不准确之处，确保准确性。这些工具在提升论文质量方面提供了有益帮助，但所有观点与内容均由本人独立思考、筛选与整合，特此诚恳说明。