Zhenchenglou, Communal fortress residence in Hongkeng village, China.
Zhenchenglou is a circular fortress residence in Hongkeng with a double ring structure consisting of 184 rooms across four stories on the outside and 32 rooms on two levels inside. The rammed earth walls are reinforced with bamboo, creating a strong construction that has endured for over a century.
Built in 1912 by descendants of a tobacco merchant, the tulou combines Chinese Fengshui principles with Western architectural elements such as Greek columns. This blend reflects China's gradual opening to foreign influences during that period.
The building reflects traditional Hakka community life, where multiple families lived together while keeping their private spaces separate. Visitors can see the shared courtyards that brought residents together for daily activities and gatherings.
The structure is well-preserved and navigable, with staircases and pathways connecting the inner areas. It helps to arrive early in the day when fewer visitors are present and light reaches the indoor spaces more clearly.
The building's layout follows the eight trigrams of Bagua, a principle from Chinese philosophy that divides the outer ring into four distinct areas. Each section served different family and craft functions, creating a purposeful design.
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