In a Chinese dictionary, the kang is described as a “heatable brick bed.” While this doesn’t convey your comfort, it does describe this heated sleeping pad accurately. Kang, pronounced “kahng” and written 炕, is prevalent in northern China, where winters are fierce and long.
What exactly is the Kang?
The kang is a platform made of bricks or other earthworks that occupy a large part of the room. Inside the brick deck there is an area for heat carried from a furnace (traditionally charcoal). A canal chimney leads to the outside for the exhaust. The heat is maintained throughout the day and night, allowing you to perform comfortable activities during the day and sleep comfortably.
Traditionally, bedding (similar to Japanese futons) is put away during the day so that family activities can take place here. Bedding is removed at night and the whole family sleeps on the platform floor.
Family sleeping in the Kang
If you are traveling with a family and you are booking a hotel with a kang, consider the construction if you have young children. For families with young children, kang can be a great and cozy way to sleep, but you need to make sure that your child doesn’t step off the platform! For families with older children who may not want to share a deck, no matter how cozy, with Mom and Dad, be sure to reserve a separate room. Kangs in no way promotes family privacy.
Are Kangs comfortable?
Yes, a lot, as long as you don’t mind sleeping on the floor, even if it’s a raised floor. Bedding is usually very thick and comfortable. The heat from the channel within the kang rises and ensures warmth during very cold nights in northern China.
The first time I came into contact with a Kang-style bed was during a spring visit to Pingyao. We visited the ancient city with my three year old son and bedding for him was always a challenge in the smaller hotels. So the idea of us all sleeping together in the kang bed was great. We were there in the warm spring so there was no need to warm up the kang, but it was a fun place for my son to play during the day.
