Abstract: In accordance with passive solar energy strategies,the spatial form and thermal performance of traditional Qinghai Zhuangke dwellings have been qualitatively and quantitatively investigated in this work. Based on the studies of residential settlement,village pattern,courtyard form,plane layout,building material and ecologic advantages,Zhuangke dwellings are found to have excellent climate adaptability due to the spatial forms. The thermal performances of the envelopes are calculated. The heat resistance factor R₀,total index factor of thermal inertia ΣD,damping factor V₀ and time delay factor ξ₀ of Zhuangke dwellings are much larger than those of the rural modern brick house. Meanwhile,when the indoor-outdoor temperature difference is up to 10 ℃ in winter,the temperature amplitude of outer wall and roof of the Zhuangke dwellings are only 0.003 ℃ and 0.14 ℃,which is much smaller than those of the rural modern brick house. In summary,comparison results demonstrate that Zhuangke dwellings have excellent thermal insulation performance and thermal stability. Thus,Zhuangke dwellings have good climate adaptability conducted by spatial forms and thermal performances.