Overview:

Fujian Tulou is a type of traditional Chinese communal housing originated in the mountainous areas of Fujian province. They are usually rectangular or circular in shape and consist of an external wall enclosing a central courtyard, formed with load-bearing rammed earth walls and richly decorated with clay carvings, ceramics, and other decorative elements. Constructed from the 14th century to the early 1950s, they have been used as housing for multi-generational families, ranging in size from two to hundred of families. The Chinese Government has designated some of them as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. Earthen Construction: The Fujian Tulou are built from earth, which gives them their distinctive look and strength. 2. Unique Designs: Most Fujian Tulou have a distinctive circular shape, with an enclosed outer wall and a single entrance. 3. Large Size: These traditional dwellings can range from 40 meters to over 100 meters in diameter, making them one of the largest vernacular architectural forms in the world. 4. Structural Strength: The walls of Fujian Tulou can be up to several meters thick and are further strengthened by having multiple layers of compacted soil. 5. Defensive Purposes: In addition to being a place for people to live, the Fujian Tulou were also used as defensive fortifications against the raiding bandits that roamed the area. 6. Houses Within Houses: Most Fujian Tulou have up to six stories containing individual living units, known as siheyuan. 7. Ceramic Decorations: Colorful ceramic decorations adorn the roof ridges of Fujian Tulou, making them even more striking. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Fujian Tulou are fortified earth buildings or earthen buildings located in the mountainous areas of Fujian Province in south-east China. Built from the 12th to the 20th century, they are commonly known as "King of the Architecture". The Tulou were designed to be self-contained residences, housing up to 80 families and a fortification meant to keep out those from the outside. The Tulou were built in many designs, from circular to oval and sometimes including multiple stories. The Fujian Tulou were initially constructed as fortified strongholds for the Hakka (a people who migrated to south-eastern China in the 11th century). They served as a defense against bandits and armies. The walls and buildings were often constructed using rammed earth and were built to be strong enough to withstand attack. Most of the Fujian Tulou were built in a region known as Yongding in Fujian Province in South-Eastern China. The architecture was highly influential in the design of similar buildings that were built in South-Eastern China, Taiwan, and even as far away as Thailand and Indonesia (though with different designs). The most well-known of the Fujian Tulou are the Yunshuiyao, Tianluokeng and Gaobei villages. These Tulou villages are now considered UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Fujian Tulou are an important part of the Chinese cultural heritage. They are considered a symbol of the Hakka character and are admired for their unique architectural style. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Fujian Tulou are residential complexes found in the mountainous areas of southeastern Fujian province, China. They range from simple one-story structures to complex five-story structures made from rammed earth. 2. The earthen dwellings are round or square and mostly have an enclosed courtyard. The walls are usually thick and insulated from the heat. 3. The traditional tulou usually had no windows, but air vents in the walls allow for air circulation. In later years, some have added wooden-framed windows. 4. Most Fujian Tulou are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 5. These historic structures are thought to have been built as early as the 15th century and are still inhabited by collecting clans today. 6. Some of these residences can accommodate up to 800 people from the same clan! 7. Commonly found only in the mountains of Fujian, there are 4,000 of these fortified houses spread across the region. 8. Several of these unique residences have even served as the filming locations of famous Chinese television shows. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era