During the Jiangnan plum rain season, moisture seems to drip from the air itself; deep within northern cellars, cold seeps 

through dampness into the very bones. While modern people simply press a button on a dehumidifier, our ancestors developed 

a sophisticated system of wisdom to battle humidity over centuries without modern technology.

These methods permeated architectural layouts, material choices, and daily routines, forming a unique philosophy of living. 

From China's charcoal and lime to Europe's fireplace designs, from Japan's elevated structures to the ventilated courtyards 

of the Mediterranean, ancient people achieved a delicate balance with dampness through the simplest means.

01 Architectural Wisdom: The First Line of Defense Against Dampness

In ancient times, the primary strategy against humidity focused on the buildings themselves, embedding moisture-proofing into 

the very structure. These architectural techniques were not only practical but also reflected a deep understanding of natural laws.

Ancient Chinese invented the “raised platform” construction method. By building houses on platforms elevated above the 

ground, they effectively blocked underground dampness. Visitors to the Forbidden City will note that its palaces rest on towering 

white marble bases—a design that not only signifies grandeur but also serves the practical purpose of moisture prevention.

In the humid southern regions, stilted structures like the Dai people's bamboo houses and the Miao people's stilted dwellings 

were common. With their ground floors elevated, air could circulate freely, carrying away moisture while residents lived 

comfortably on the upper levels.

The raised flooring in traditional Japanese architecture similarly embodies this wisdom. Even the storage spaces beneath 

tatami mats feature ventilation openings, creating a natural air circulation system.

The stone wall ventilation designs and fireplace systems in European castles served not only for heating but also as effective 

means to dispel moisture. The hot air from combustion creates air currents indoors, carrying away moisture from walls and furniture.

Mediterranean courtyard-style architecture utilizes central atriums to create a natural ventilation shaft effect, preventing coastal 

humidity from accumulating indoors.

These architectural techniques demonstrate the ancient principle of moisture control: rather than confronting dampness head-on, 

it is skillfully redirected.

02 Natural Materials: Ancient Humidity Guardians

When altering building structures proved impractical, ancient people discovered the moisture-absorbing properties of 

various natural materials, incorporating them extensively into daily life.

Charcoal was the most commonly used moisture-absorbing material. Its porous structure grants charcoal exceptional 

adsorption capabilities. Archaeological findings reveal layers of charcoal were often placed in ancient Chinese tombs 

to prevent dampness and decay.

In the Mawangdui Han Tombs, charcoal layers reached 15 centimeters thick—a design that preserved artifacts within 

the burial chambers intact for two millennia.

In folk practices, people placed bamboo charcoal pouches in room corners, hung charcoal bags in wardrobes, and even 

placed charcoal blocks under bedding. These charcoals not only absorbed moisture but also purified the air, achieving 

dual benefits.

Lime served as another widely used moisture-proofing material. Ancient people discovered that quicklime (calcium oxide) 

reacts with water to form slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), a chemical process that effectively reduces ambient humidity.

In southern China, people often spread a layer of lime on basement and warehouse floors; European wine cellar walls 

were coated with lime; and traditional Japanese earthen walls incorporated lime to enhance moisture resistance.

Beyond charcoal and lime, ancient people skillfully utilized other natural materials. Wood ash was scattered on damp 

ground; shell ash was packed into wall foundations; dried grass was laid between roofs and floors; and Sichuan pepper 

was placed in bookcases to repel insects and moisture—ancient people even discovered its special efficacy.

These materials, sourced from nature and returning to nature, formed the second line of defense against dampness 

for ancient people.

03 Life Wisdom: The Art of Coexisting with Dampness

Beyond architecture and materials, ancient people accumulated rich practical knowledge, employing everyday techniques 

to tackle humidity.

Strategic use of fire was a key moisture-proofing method. Whether in Chinese stoves, European fireplaces, or Japanese 

irori hearths, sustained combustion not only raised indoor temperatures but directly lowered relative humidity.

In northern China, the heated bed design was particularly ingenious—it served not only as a bed but as a whole-house 

dehumidification system. The smoke and fire within the bed cavity provided warmth while simultaneously drawing moisture 

from the air, keeping the entire room dry.

Storage techniques also reflected ancient wisdom in moisture control. Precious items were wrapped in oiled cloth, food 

was stored in clay jars, and a layer of lime or wood ash was placed at the bottom of these jars.

The tradition of sun-drying books has deep historical roots. Records from the Eastern Han Dynasty mention “drying 

scriptures and garments on the seventh day of the seventh month.” During the Song Dynasty, Sima Guang, whose study 

housed ten thousand volumes, would select sunny days annually to air his books.

The Water Margin also depicts Liangshan heroes “drying armor on the sixth day of the sixth month,” revealing how 

sun-drying had become a cultural custom.

Dietary practices adapted to local conditions also served as a defense against dampness. Sichuanese consume chili peppers, 

Hunanese eat ginger, and Cantonese drink herbal teas—all dietary habits linked to their humid climates. These customs 

regulate bodily functions through food, enhancing resistance to dampness.

Ancient wisdom against dampness permeated every aspect of daily life. Though seemingly simple, these methods embody 

a profound understanding and skillful application of natural laws.

In an era without hygrometers, they judged humidity through bodily sensations and observing animal and plant behavior. 

Without power tools, they built “breathing” structures with their bare hands.

This wisdom transcends time, offering enduring lessons: sometimes the most brilliant technology isn't about fighting nature, 

but harmonizing with it.

In some old residences of Jiangnan today, people still follow moisture-proofing methods passed down by their ancestors—

repairing lime walls before the rainy season, placing bamboo charcoal bags in corners, and airing clothes and bedding during sunny weather.

These ancient wisdoms, tested by time, continue to work silently, narrating the eternal theme of human symbiosis with nature.