Monday, April 09, 2007

The Hakka Roundhouses

Two hours west of Long Yan are the ancient settlements of the Hakka people who live in distinctive communal roundhouses made out of earth which we went to visit.



After another very Chinese breakfast - noodles, rice, congee etc - we set off through the beautiful mountainous countryside. Saw lots of paddy fields and passed through a number of small towns on the way.


The roundhouses still have families living in them, although they're now open to visitors. They're really peaceful buildings with courtyards and sloping roofs. The kind of place where the fight scenes took place in 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon'.We probably had our best lunch so far. Lots of fresh tofu, bamboo shoots, preserved vegetables and of course rice and noodles which the kids loved. Fujian is famous for its oolong tea which I've really enjoyed. Must try and and drink more of it when we're back in the UK.


It was great being in the countryside. A real contrast to the motorbikes and the buildings in the city. Last time we were in China it was full of bicycles. So far we've seen hardly any.

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