Shanxi cave has experienced the development process from crypt type to semi-crypt type and then to ground type. In the Neolithic Age, various types of caves and ground buildings have appeared in southern Shanxi, including horizontal caves, vertical caves, semi-underground caves, single rooms and double rooms, and some have formed residential communities.

From the development process, first, the horizontal cave-style rooms, then the crypt-style and semi-crypt-style rooms, and finally the ground buildings. But at the same time, several types often coexist, and more perfect new buildings can not completely replace the old architectural forms.

In particular, horizontal cave houses are easy to dig and build, save building materials, warm in winter and cool in summer, and have good heatstroke prevention and cold protection performance. Therefore, cave dwelling has become a unique type of Shanxi folk houses.

Shanxi caves have many advantages, which are incomparable to other residential forms. In severe winter, the temperature in the cave is 10 to 12 degrees, and the humidity is 30% to 75%. Cooking with fire every day and discharging fireworks through the warm kang can raise the room temperature.

Cave dwellings also have the advantages of simple construction and low cost. Not only that, caves also have the characteristics of not destroying the landform prototype and not occupying cultivated land, which is conducive to maintaining ecological balance.

Because the cave is underground and surrounded by thick soil layers, it has the function of fire prevention and wind prevention. Because of so many advantages, the cave is called "Shenxian Cave" by the local people, which is "warm in winter and cool in summer".