Fodor's Expert Review Hakka Roundhouses

Legend has it that, when these huge doughnut-shape residential structures were first spotted by the American military, fear spread that they were silos for some massive unknown missile site. Many were created centuries ago by the Hakka, an offshoot of the Han Chinese who settled all over southeastern China. Peppering the countryside of Yong Ding, 225 km (140 miles) northwest of Xiamen, these beautiful examples of Hakka architecture are made of raw earth, sand, brown sugar and glutinous rice, reinforced with bamboo and wood. Joining a tour group or hiring a private car is your best option for getting to one.