Daofu Folk Houses: The Magnificent "Imperial Palaces" of the Folk World

The "Folk Palaces" of Kham

1.Located in Daofu: County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the Daofu Folk Houses represent the pinnacle of Tibetan architectural craftsmanship in the Kham region. Often ranked alongside the Danba Jiaju Tibetan Zhai and Yajiang Buzhu residences as one of the "Three Great Kangba Folk Houses," Daofu residences are distinguished by their sheer luxury and artistic grandeur. Unlike the primitive, fortress-like stone structures found elsewhere in the region, Daofu houses are celebrated for their "magnificent color paintings" and intricate woodwork, earning them the reputation of being "Imperial Palaces of the Folk" or "Miniature Potala Palaces" hidden in the mountains.

A Masterpiece of Wood and Stone

From the outside, a typical Daofu house is a stunning blend of strength and beauty. The structure utilizes a "Bengke" style—a unique log cabin construction technique where round logs are stacked horizontally to form walls, often reinforced with stone. The exterior walls are famously painted in striking white and brown, utilizing natural white clay and red earth, which creates a sharp, clean contrast against the blue highland sky. The wooden pillars and beams are exposed, revealing the massive scale of the timber used, which also makes these structures incredibly earthquake-resistant and warm in winter.

The World of Color Inside

The true shock awaits once you step inside. The interior of a Daofu folk house is a dazzling display of color and craftsmanship that contrasts sharply with the relatively modest exterior. The main hall is often spacious and lined with floor-to-ceiling wooden pillars that are carved and painted with exquisite details. Every inch of wood—from the beams to the window frames and furniture—is adorned with traditional Tibetan motifs such as the "Eight Auspicious Symbols," dragons, and lotus flowers, painted in vibrant golds, reds, and blues. A single room can take skilled artisans months to paint, and the cost of building and decorating such a home is often immense, reflecting the family's wealth and devotion to their culture.

A Living Museum

These houses are not merely museums; they are living homes where local Tibetans live, pray, and host guests. The layout typically functions with the ground floor serving as storage or livestock quarters, while the upper floors are for living spaces and the sacred scripture hall. The warm hospitality of the hosts, combined with the smell of butter tea and the visual feast of the interiors, offers visitors a profound connection to the "Highland Aesthetics" of the Kham people. Walking into a Daofu home is like stepping into a vibrant art gallery that celebrates the joy of life and the depth of Tibetan faith.