Chuxi Tulou Cluster, Earthen communal dwellings in Yongding County, China
Chuxi Tulou Cluster is a group of communal dwellings built from rammed earth with circular and rectangular designs rising to five stories high. The complex sits on hilly terrain and includes multiple interconnected structures arranged around central courtyards.
Construction of the cluster began during the Ming Dynasty in the 1400s and continued over centuries as families expanded and modified the structures. The site developed gradually through multiple generations rather than being built all at once.
These structures reflect how Hakka families lived together as large groups, with multiple generations sharing enclosed courtyards and common spaces. Walking through them today shows how daily life revolved around these shared central areas and tight family bonds.
The site is best reached by bus from nearby cities like Xiamen or Fuzhou, with the journey taking several hours. Local guides are available on-site to show you the buildings and explain how they are arranged.
During the 1960s, American satellites photographed these circular structures and analysts mistook them for military installations or missile sites. The confusion reveals how unfamiliar their design was to people outside China.
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