Chengdu, Sichuan

46. Chinese Vegetable Free Market

This is the farmer's vegetable market. The farmers in the surrounding area get up at the crack of dawn to pick the ripe vegetables and fruit and bring it by back or cart to the city to sell. As you can see, most of the sellers are women so the men can stay at home to work in the fields. In 1984 few homes had refrigerators so you must get fresh food daily for your family. Good wives get up early to go to this area to get the best vegetables for their families. Prices are extremely low by American standards but so are wages. Monthly wages in 1984 were about $15 US for our Chinese Scientists. Housing cost them perhaps $1 US a month including utilities.