Brief introduction of ship-type residence

Hainan Province is located at the southernmost tip of China, and there are many islands and reefs in the vast waters of the South China Sea to the south and east of Hainan Island. The ethnic minorities living in Hainan are mainly Li and Miao, and most of them live in Wuzhishan in the middle. The primitive residence of the Li nationality is said to be an ancient overhead boathouse, which is also called by the locals because of its shape like a canopy.

With the migration of Han nationality to Hainan and the improvement of productivity, the boat-shaped houses of Li nationality have gradually changed, from elevated to low-framed, and the roof extends obliquely to the ground. Literature records: "Li people live in two eaves buildings." Adjacent to the Han people, the eaves are opened and the doors are opened, and wood is woven as a wall, coated with mud, such as a canopy. "Later, the roof was changed, and the herringbone roof was adopted to heighten the hut. Because of the hot weather in Hainan, people like outdoor activities, so they like to build porches in front of and behind their houses. It is not only a sideline production place, but also a place to enjoy the cool at night.

Miao's houses are generally similar to Li's, and most of them use boathouses. Locals like the circular arch, because it helps to resist typhoons; The overhead structure also has the functions of moistureproof, moistureproof and rainproof; The thatched roof also has good moisture-proof and heat-insulation functions; Moreover, local materials can be used, and the demolition and construction are also very convenient. It is precisely because of these advantages that it has been passed down from generation to generation.