YANGSHUO - KUMQUATS

Our journey into the "highlands" of Yangshuo brings us to the kumquat orchards. Literally, there are hundreds of orchards in this area with the orchardists growing numerous trees on their allotments. The Chinese lady at one orchard allows Sophia, Mr Joe, Frances and self to wander amongst the trees . We note that many trees are protected from hungry birds by covering the trees with white netting. The lady orchardist  gives us permission to pick her very large kumquats. She produces baskets for us to hold our pickings. Mr Joe enjoys snapping our antics with my camera. We are astounded by the size and taste of the fruit which prove to be absolutely delicious. Sophia and Frances gorge themselves on these large juicy kumquats, while I am urged to fill the basket! I give the lady 20Yuan for the large bag of kumquats we managed to collect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YANGSHUO - RICE PADDIES.

Sophia and Mr Joe drove us into rural China to visit farming in rice paddies. As our visit happened in early spring we were fortunate to witness farmers preparing soil or planting rice for the coming growing period. Rice is grown here mainly in the river valleys but we also witnessed terraced farming.


A view from the hill tops (Karsts) of the rice paddies in the valley

A concrete road between the paddies leading to the village.

Rice paddies having been prepared for planting are now flooded.

A farmer using water buffalo to plough the field.

A view of the many fields stretching along the valley.

The water buffalo strains to pull the plough through the soil.

Rice seedlings have been planted on the left while the right side
of the field awaits planting.

The various stages of rice growing in this area. 

The changing face of rural China as electrical power towers
cross the rice paddies.

Rice seed has been planted in the plastic tunnels.
and now awaits transplanting in the paddy.

The plastic tunnels have been removed , so the young rice seedlings
are ready to be transplanted in the paddy.

An irrigation channel dug by the farmer.

A permanent concrete channel used for irrigation.

Sometimes farmers are able to purchase motorised ploughs.

Farming is a full-on occupation.

A young water buffalo.

One of the local villagers tending the young buffalo.

FULI MARKETS - TUCKER TIME

Fuli Markets provide "morning tea" and lunch. Just roam the food sites to view the food on offer and make a decision. What to buy? Where to eat? Whose company you wish to enjoy? There are even cooking tables around which to sit and have your meal cooked on the spot! And when you are all done, you may as well head home - even with the help of a stick!
 

 

 

 

 

 

FULI MARKETS- WHAT'S IN THE BAG?

The markets offer a range of goods. We were often wondering what delicacy was contained in the bags.


Oodles of noodles.

And more noodles!

A tiring morning!

What can you identify?

Seeds!

The price is Peanuts!

Guess what?

Let's rummage!

Tobacco - leaf or shredded.

Weighing tobacco leaf.

Bags and baskets to go!

Shovels? Dust Pans? Trays?

Hats!