Tobacco Building

In the early days of tobacco farming in Taiwan, harvesting tobacco was an extremely taxing process. As tobacco fetched a higher price than other crops, however, many Hakka families chose to plant tobacco. Tobacco season took place between late autumn and the following spring, and farmers often spent the Chinese New Year holiday flue-curing tobacco leaves. Over time, tobacco buildings have become an identifying marker of Hakka villages.

Water wheels were simple, practical, and didn't require power or fuel. They were low-cost, didn't produce pollutants, and were considered a scientific irrigation tool. During peak farming season, water wheels seemed to be spinning tales of the intelligent, industrious, and environmental spirit of the Hakka people.