A tulou is usually a large, enclosed and fortified earth building, most commonly rectangular or circular in configuration, with very thick load-bearing rammed earth walls between three and five stories high and housing up to 800 people.

Fujian's Hakka Tulou ('Earth Buildings' 土楼 Tǔlóu /too-loh/) are unique, usually round, fort-like buildings, built with a mixture of clay and sandy soil.

Mar 29, 2022 · The Fujian tulou, which translates to "earthen building," are historical homes that were primarily built from wood and mud. In 2008, 46 tulous were added onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Nov 15, 2024 · In contrast to its stern and imposing exterior, the inside of the tulou was designed to function as a cozy village, completed with public wells and a spacious courtyard. It is primarily constructed of wood, often without a single nail, and features an …

Feb 18, 2024 · The Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster (田螺坑土楼群) cluster consists of five circular Hakka Tulou buildings arranged in a unique “Four Dishes and One Soup” formation, with four smaller Tulou surrounding a larger central Tulou.

Feb 21, 2023 · The layout of Fujian tulou according to Chinese dwelling tradition of “closed outside, open inside” is as follows: an enclosure wall with living quarters around the peripheral and a common courtyard at the center, exhibiting its unique characteristic as a model of community housing for equals.

Feb 23, 2024 · A three-story circular structure about 100 meters in diameter, Xinyunlou is a typical tulou (土楼, “earth building”), a fortified type of residence traditionally built by the Hakka community and others in southeastern China.

Dec 13, 2024 · The Fujian Tulou are remarkable architectural structures unique to the mountainous regions of Fujian Province in southeastern China. These traditional earthen buildings, primarily associated with the Hakka people, showcase ingenuity, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Aug 9, 2018 · The inhabitants of the tulou (土楼) in China’s Fujian Province – literally translated as ‘earth building’ – are no doubt familiar with this sensation. Constructed between the 12th and 20th centuries, these rectangular or circular architectural wonders can house up to 800 people within the confines of their thick walls.

Typical Fujian Tulou ancient house has three to five storeys, surrounded by thick earthen wall - thickness of up to 1.8 meters in most buildings. The only entrance was protected by a wooden door and 10 cm thick iron gates. At the roof level were arranged loopholes to repel enemy attacks.