Rural China

I am in the Chinese province. In this rural part of China's Hebei region, few foreigners come, and some small and large people look at me a bit bewildered. The houses are arranged so that all windows face an inner courtyard, which is surrounded either by a high wall or by the wall of the neighboring house. The houses themselves are very large and have many adjoining rooms with high ceilings. People sleep on high bunks that take up half the room and serve during the day as seating, reading nook, playground, and sofa. Some houses are also equipped with elegant furniture featuring carved ornaments. Particularly fascinating is a room divider with the dining area and a table with a rotating tabletop (see photo). However, many of these homesteads in the villages still lack connections to water and sewage networks, which is why there are still latrines located either in a corner of the yard or even outside. Modernity is often seen in solar thermal systems and solar panels on the roofs. Ornate gates lead into the courtyards of the homesteads and are usually guarded by depicted lion guardians. If space allows, there is a large wall with the huge Chinese character for happiness directly across from the gate on the other side of the street.
Those who have been abandoned by happiness and have reached the end of their lives are honored extensively. I was surprised by fireworks in August, but rockets are launched for three days in honor of a deceased person. The crackling also informs the other villagers about the death, allowing them to offer condolences to the family.
Overall, village life is very lively. Neighbors, friends, and family pay visits, and you can take the electric tuk-tuk to shop at the department store or the market or to play Mahjong with acquaintances. Rural life in China is a serene and happy life.