The villages of Pianguan, Shanxi
For this village outside Pianguan, Shanxi, most of its farmland is located on top of a mound of considerable size. Some villages on the opposite mounds, though visible, are not very easily accessible.
With a rock outcrop nearby, many dwellings are made out of rocks instead of mud. A farmer proudly shows off his newly acquired 3-wheel lorry, which he uses for running a transportation business. With increase use of vehicles, many of the remote villages are now served by scheduled bus lines (with vans).
Picture source: George Leung (1999)