Ancient Chinese Heating System Could Revolutionize Modern Winter Warmth

Discover how a 2,000-year-old Chinese heating system could help reduce energy bills and keep homes warm in cold weather.

Editorial Desk

October 8, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Harbin, China — A centuries-old heating method used in northern China may offer modern solutions for staying warm without relying on expensive energy sources.

In Harbin, where winter temperatures can drop to -30°C, the author recalls waking up on a heated platform known as a ‘kang.’ This traditional system, made of earth bricks and connected to a kitchen stove, has been used for over two millennia to provide warmth without the need for central heating.

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The kang works by channeling hot air beneath its surface, warming it gradually and allowing it to retain heat for hours. Unlike modern radiators, only the bed area is heated, making it an efficient way to stay warm while conserving fuel. Similar methods, like Korea’s ondol and Japan’s kotatsu, also focus on localized heating, offering lessons for today’s energy-conscious world.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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Editorial Desk

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