It cannot be denied that Hakka earth buildings, or Kejia tulou, are totally different to traditional architectural styles both in China and abroad
Beyond their giant size, earth buildings are unique for their robust(坚固的)architecture. The multi-storey buildings were built with a mixture of earth, sand, glutinous rice , bamboo and wood chips, solidly tamped(夯实)into walls up to two metres thick. Each building could shelter hundreds of people——all sharing the same surname. If danger approached, the doors would be swiftly bolted(闩上)shut. Weapons would then be distributed among the men. Food would be stockpiled in advance and water drawn from the wells located within the building.
Though sometimes called roundhouses, not all earth buildings are doughnut-shaped. Oval square and rectangular ones can be found as well. Some earth buildings bunch up in picturesque clusters, but many stand alone
While some of the oldest existing earth buildings date back to the 12th century, the most recent examples were built in the last century. In a typical earth building, rooms are arranged in a ring-like formation, which face onto a circular central courtyard.
For anyone numbed by the impersonal nature of modern Chinese apartment blocks or the rapid pace of urban China, the earth buildings are charming reminders of what communal village life was like in the past. The Chinese frequently say, “A nearby neighbour is better than a distant relative.” The earth-building-living Hakka have the best of both worlds, as neighbours are also relatives.
Despite their sturdy defences, the earth buildings are falling victim to a gradual hollowing out from within. Like so many villages across China, grandparents and grandchildren can be found playing together, but there is often less and less indication of the presence of the labouring generation between the two. The young and the middle-aged have left to earn money in the country’s cities and towns, leaving many earth buildings largely depopulated.
【小题1】According to the article, which of the following statements about Hakka earth buildings is true?| A．Most earth buildings are round—shaped. |
| B．Most earth buildings are built to be the same size. |
| C．The first earth building was built in the 12th century. |
| D．A typical earth building is occupied by one large family clan of the same surname. |
| A．close neighborhood ties | B．scenery of the countryside |
| C．vast living space | D．communal way of life |
| A．Because fewer and fewer babies are being born in the villages |
| B．Because they have to make way for modern apartment blocks. |
| C．Because they have been worn down by the years without repair. |
| D．Because more and more people are moving into the cities and towns. |
