Fujian Tulou, China

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Zhenchenglou.JPG
Author: Gisling


Tulou are communal houses built by the Hakka, particularly in Fujian Province. Today there are still some 46 earthen tulou in Fujian. They were built between the 15th to the 20th century. These Hakka earthern houses are characterized by their circular and some times square floor plan. They are several storeys tall, and face inward to a central courtyard or quadrangle. These earthen homes are called Tulou.

The Fujian Tulou are set in the middle of rice, tea or tobacco fields. Their style of architecture reflect the need for community defence. The Tulou is often home to a single large, extended family, or clan, that may number as many as 800 people of the Hakka ethnic group. They are accessed through a single entrance. There are no windows facing the outside on the ground level, thus preventing intrusion by bandits.

The most elaborate Tulou were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. While the exterior appears plain, the interior of the Tulou are often elaborate, comfortable, and richly decorated.

Fujian Tulou, China