I have not posted for a while and have stopped the 365 blog but I want to add this post about another place that will be unknown to many outside of China.

It is a small city located in the middle of China and south of Hubei Province. Honghu is known for its large number of Lakes and is named after its biggest lake - Hong Lake.

A boat on Honghu Lake

Due to Honghu being my wife’s hometown, I have been able to visit there a number of times. I have also been able to see parts of Honghu that many would not get to see.

I was taken on a trip by a family friend where they were bringing in the snails nets

Due to the large amounts of lakes, Honghu produces forty kinds of fish and an abundance of plants, such as lotus, reed and a type of black algae. Lotus Root is the traditional food of Honghu.

A young boy so at ease on the lakes where he has grown up

Fishing is just part of life for most Honghu locals. From an early age they are brought up to live, fish and work on the lake. I visited a family who live on their boat and went out to see what they were fishing for.

Chinese men fishing

Being a small rural place with not many famous tourist locations, it would never see many western workers or tourists. Being a westerner and maybe one of only a few that have ever been there was definitely noticeable and I had constant stares (even had photos taken with some brave enough to ask). I was always treated as the most important guest and I couldn’t go toilet without being escorted and always had the best table seat and drink poured first (Chinese custom signs of respect at meals).

This house was one of a group of family houses (no one really lives in this one though)

Honghu is located in the middle of China so summer is hot and winter is not too cold but cold enough. There is no central heating in middle to south China and it can get pretty cold inside so its common to see coats, hats and gloves worn inside.

Drying of Meat - This is a common sight. The meat is drying in the blazing sun. This may look unhealthy but the sausage is homemade and one of my favorite foods in China (which is saying something)

More drying

There are not many public cemeteries in China. In Honghu, relatives who pass away are buried on their own land. We all paid our respects to my wife's grandfather by saying a few words, burning paper money (seen as a way of sending gifts to heaven) and setting off fireworks

Fireworks at grave

I will leave it there. I hope it was an interesting look at China. I will try to post more soon.

Thanks for reading

Wes