This structure is completely built from earth yet has been able to withstand wild beasts and prevent fires for hundreds of years.
If you travel to Fujian, China, you should not miss the solid earth castles that resemble impregnable fortresses.
These massive earth castles are also known as Fujian Tulou. They are earthen dwellings built by the Hakka people and other ethnic groups in the mountainous region of southeastern Fujian, China.
According to experts, when viewed from above, the Tulou resembles a rocket launch pad. However, when viewed from the front, they appear like gigantic fortresses. The question arises: who built the Tulou? More importantly, why were these enormous earthen structures constructed in the middle of the mountains?
Why did the ancients build Tulou in the mountains?
The Hakka people constructed the Tulou for several reasons.
Firstly, Fujian is a province located in the tropical monsoon region of Asia. Thus, the Hakka often faced floods and wild animals. To combat this, they built a layer of cobblestones at the base of the walls, elevated above the floodwaters to prevent the earthen walls from being washed away. Additionally, to deter wild beasts, the Hakka created a gate that is 20 cm thick with a rough, sturdy lock.
Secondly, besides the function of deterring wild animals, the Tulou also served to prevent banditry. This function is reflected in the design of the windows of these buildings. Specifically, the windows on the first floor are usually narrow and reinforced with iron bars. Meanwhile, the windows on the second floor are larger, and similarly, the windows on the third and fourth floors are further enlarged to allow more light in.
Moreover, to stop bandits from setting fire to the wooden gates, the Hakka also designed tiny holes that connect to the upper levels of the gate. This way, pouring water into these holes could extinguish any fire at the gate.
Chekeng Tulou.
Tulou architecture is also known as Hakka architecture, built by the Hakka. Its main purpose is as a “fortress” for protection, with only one entrance and no windows on the ground floor. The entrance of a Tulou is usually the most critical point, often reinforced with stone and iron.
Tulou were built to protect families from armed bandits in southern China from the 12th to the 19th century.
The earthen walls are made by compacting a mixture of soil, rocks, bamboo, and reeds, which can be nearly 2 meters thick, while the windows are made of thick wood, about 5-6 cm, with an exterior reinforced with iron plates.
These Tulou are as sturdy as impregnable fortresses. Evidence of this is from 1934 when a group of farmers captured a Tulou to resist military attacks. Nineteen shells were fired at the Tulou but only created a small dent.
Dianluo Qian Tulou. This building, known as “The King of Tulou,” features 384 rooms and was completed in 1708.
A typical Tulou is large, with 3 to 5 floors topped with tiles. Inside, the Tulou is divided into various rooms, including food storage, weapon storage, guest rooms, and ancestral halls. Furthermore, the top floor of the Tulou often features small observation areas designed with loopholes for shooting out.
Inside view of a Tulou.
Large Tulou can accommodate up to 800 people or serve as a living space for 80 families. Often at the center of the Tulou is a courtyard with a well – this serves as a place for ancestor worship and community activities such as funerals and weddings.
Jiqing Tulou.
Families living in the same Tulou typically experience little social or economic disparity; all apartments within the Tulou are built similarly. Common resources such as the well and fruit trees in the Tulou are often considered communal property rather than belonging to any specific family.
Yuxiang Tulou.
Inside Yuxiang Tulou.
Each Tulou can be seen as a small village or a “small kingdom” of an extended family. Contrary to the simple external structure, the interiors of each Tulou are often elaborately designed to be warm in winter and cool in summer. All rooms have ample light and good ventilation, and the entire building is constructed to withstand earthquakes.
Ancestral worship area inside Zhencheng Tulou.
Shengke Tulou complex.
Clearly, in the harsh living conditions, the Hakka have overcome difficulties to create unique homes in the mountainous regions. This is truly admirable.
Currently, there are over 20,000 Tulou scattered across the southeastern mountainous region of Fujian. Ten of them are over 600 years old, regarded as “living fossils” of ancient architectural construction in China.
A collection of 46 Tulou in Fujian was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in July 2008, collectively referred to as Fujian Tulou architecture.
