Everyone dreams of building their dream home in an affluent land, filled with lush green trees and blooming orchards but did you know, that there is a tribe in China that lives entirely on the sea?
This is the only floating settlement in the world. The people of this community are called Tankas or Tanka People and are 7000 in number.
They were sometimes termed as ‘sea gypsies’ by the Chinese and the British.
Their homes are floating on the sea. These boats are equipped with living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms. Everything starting from weddings to funerals are held on these boats. The whole life of the people of the Tanka tribe revolves around water and fish.
People of this tribe are mostly involved in the fishing trade. While many work in the salt industry some dive into the sea for pearl fishery.
It is believed that the Tanka people have not set their feet on land for 1300 years.
PNN/Agencies