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community Scmp World 2026-04-25

7,000-Year History of China's Stilted Houses Showcases Ingenuity

Stilted houses, known as ganlan, are a defining element of East Asian architecture, tracing a 7,000-year history. Visitors can experience this unique cultural heritage in places like Tai O on Hong Kong's Lantau Island.


With sturdy wooden columns supporting a wide walkway that leads into a living space, stilted houses – known as ganlan in Chinese – represent a quintessential element of East Asian architectural heritage, boasting a remarkable history that spans 7,000 years. A day trip to Tai O, a historic fishing village on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, fully immerses visitors in the enchanting aesthetics of ganlan, making the village a premier destination for both locals and tourists. β€œIn most Chinese regions...

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