Top 10 ancient towns and villages in China (4)
03/07/2012 - 17:33

7. Yongding in Southeast China's Fujian Province
Yongding, a county in Fujian Province, is the home of many Hakka families and is known for its unusual architecture called Tulou (Hakka Earthen Fortresses). These large, circular edifices were built by the Hakka, one ethnic group in China. The architectural art of Tulou enjoys great admiration among architects worldwide. The older examples of this style of construction consist of interior buildings enclosed by huge peripheral ones holding hundreds of rooms and dwellers. With all the halls, storehouses, wells and bedrooms inside, the huge towerlike building functions almost as a small fortified city.

Most earthen castles are not tourist traps. People really live and work here, and invariably, when you show up on their doorstep they will grin and say, "You've come! Have some tea!"

8. Tongli in east China's Jiangsu Province
Tongli is an ancient water town in east China's Jiangsu Provinceb. A short drive from Suzhou, Tongli offers a step back in time. Crisscrossed by rivers and canals. Tongli enjoys fame across China for its beautiful rivers, historic bridges and opulent court yard homes. Tongli has 49 stone bridges and many gardens, temples. Because of the landscape, almost all of the buildings are constructed along the waterfront. The water also creates reflections of the town's arched roofs, lofty gables and stone bridges while green willows also line the banks can. This creates a truly poetic atmosphere.


Source: China.org.cn

 

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