Fujian Tulou sites, Communal fortified structures in Fujian, China
Fujian Tulou are circular or rectangular earthen buildings with thick loam walls and multiple levels arranged around central courtyards. Each structure accommodates hundreds of residents and contains living quarters, storage spaces, and communal areas distributed across its floors.
The Hakka people constructed these earthen buildings from the 12th century onward, gradually perfecting construction techniques over generations. They refined their designs to better provide security and space as their families expanded.
The buildings show how extended families traditionally lived and worked as a single household unit. The central ancestral shrine connects all the residents spatially and spiritually as one community.
Wear sturdy shoes because floors are uneven and interior staircases are steep in many places. Plan to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and have time to explore the courtyards and upper levels at a comfortable pace.
The walls reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) thick and were specifically designed to shield residents from raids while families worked in distant fields. This sturdy construction was a practical defense system that allowed generations to coexist safely within a single structure.
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