Fujian Tulou

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Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) are distributed across the Fujian (福建) and Guangdong (广东) provinces, with notable examples in Longyan City (龙岩市), particularly in Yongding District (永定区), and Zhangzhou City (漳州市), which includes the Nanjing Tulou (南靖土楼), Hua’an Tulou (华安土楼), Pinghe Tulou (平和土楼), Zhao’an Tulou (诏安土楼), Yunxiao Tulou (云霄土楼), Zhangpu Tulou (漳浦土楼), and Quanzhou Tulou (泉州土楼).

The origins of the Fujian Tulou can be traced back to the Song (宋) and Yuan (元) dynasties, reaching full maturity during the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties, and further into the Republic of China (民国) period. These earth buildings are primarily constructed with stone foundations and rammed earth walls, interspersed with bamboo and wood framing, featuring cross-sectional intersections that stabilize the structure. The most common shapes are round and square, with the round ones being the dominant style, dotting the picturesque landscapes of Southwest Fujian (闽西南) like pearls scattered across the green hills.

The Fujian Tulou reflect the Eastern philosophical concept of “Unity of Heaven and Man” (天人合一), utilizing local materials, carefully selecting sites either nestled among mountains or along streams. Their architectural style is both ancient and rustic, yet graceful and unique, blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment, creating a living space that fosters unity between humans and nature.

Recognition as World Heritage

On July 6, 2008, the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼), including the Chuxi Tulou Cluster (初溪土楼群), Hongkeng Tulou Cluster (洪坑土楼群), Gaobei Tulou Cluster (高北土楼群), Yanxiang Lou (衍香楼), Zhenfu Lou (振福楼), Tianluo Pit Tulou Cluster (田螺坑土楼群), Hekeng Tulou Cluster (河坑土楼群), Huaiyuan Lou (怀远楼), He Gui Lou (和贵楼), and Dadi Tulou Cluster (大地土楼群), were officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (世界文化遗产名录).

Historical Development

Origin of the Tulou

The Fujian Tulou originated during the Song (宋) and Yuan (元) dynasties as the Hakka people (客家人) migrated and developed ancient building techniques that created a “world architectural miracle.” The early Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) were modest in scale, with simple structures and no stone foundations. Their decoration was rudimentary, and they were primarily square or rectangular in shape.

The first mention of the term “Tulou” was recorded in the “Zhongxiu Qiantai Zhi” (重修虔台志), a government decree from the Ming Dynasty (明) in 1559, which documented the construction of a Tulou at the border of Yong’an (永安) and Liancheng (连城) in Western Fujian (闽西).

Ming and Qing Dynasties

During the Ming Dynasty (明) and Qing Dynasty (清), economic and cultural advancements prompted the Hakka people to emphasize education and establish academies. As a result, many wealthy families constructed larger and more elaborate Tulous, often reflecting the architectural principles of Central Plains (中原) cities. The Tulous evolved in form, becoming more diverse, and their functions expanded to accommodate larger populations.

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, particularly during the period of Zheng Chenggong (郑成功), also known as Koxinga, who led resistance against the Qing (清) army in the Southern Fujian (闽南) region, many more Tulous and stone houses were built for safety and to protect the local population from external threats.

The Republic of China Period and Beyond

In the early 20th century, the Republic of China (民国) saw a significant rise in economic development in the Yongding (永定) region, with booming industries such as tobacco and tea production. This growth, coupled with a better understanding of ecological sustainability, led to increased demand for more spacious and secure housing. As a result, the Hakka people began to build larger and more complex Tulous that could accommodate large extended families, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. This period also saw a diversification in the architectural styles of the Tulous, with some reflecting external cultural influences.

After the 1950s, the construction of Tulous continued, though they became more utilitarian, with simpler designs and fewer decorative elements. Despite this, the Tulous remained a vital part of Hakka identity and culture.

Major Architectural Groups

Yongding Tulou (永定土楼)

The Yongding Tulou (永定土楼) is a famous collection of Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) located in Yongding District (永定区), Longyan City (龙岩市). Among the various Tulou clusters, the Chuxi Tulou Cluster (初溪土楼群), Hongkeng Tulou Cluster (洪坑土楼群), and Gaobei Tulou Cluster (高北土楼群) stand out as significant examples.

Hongkeng Tulou Cluster (洪坑土楼群)

Located in the northeast of Hukeng Town (湖坑镇), Hongkeng Village (洪坑村), the Hongkeng Tulou Cluster is a renowned architectural site. The cluster includes Yu Cheng Lou (玉成楼), Qing Cheng Lou (庆成楼), Zhen Cheng Lou (振成楼), Yong Yuan Lou (永源楼), Fu Xing Lou (福兴楼), Jing Yang Lou (景阳楼), Yang Lin Lou (阳临楼), Chao Yang Lou (朝阳楼), Qing Fu Lou (庆福楼), Guang Yu Lou (光裕楼), Jiu Sheng Lou (九盛楼), Fu Yu Lou (福裕楼), Kui Ju Lou (奎聚楼), Ru Sheng Lou (如升楼), Wan Sheng Lou (万盛楼), Shang De Lou (尚德楼), Hui E Lou (辉萼楼), Qing Yi Lou (庆宜楼), Yong Chang Lou (永昌楼), Yong Cheng Lou (永成楼), and Ji Yuan Lou (集源楼).

The Hongkeng Tulou includes Zhen Cheng Lou (振成楼), Fu Yu Lou (福裕楼), and Kui Ju Lou (奎聚楼), which were designated as National Key Cultural Heritage Sites by the State Council (国务院) in May 2001.

Chuxi Tulou Cluster (初溪土楼群)

The Chuxi Tulou Cluster is located in Chuxi Village (初溪村), Xiaoyang Town (下洋镇), Yongding District (永定区). This cluster consists of five round-shaped Tulous and numerous square ones. Among them, Ji Qing Lou (集庆楼), built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), is one of the oldest round Tulous in Fujian (福建). Its distinctive design includes 72 stairs, each serving one household.

Gaobei Tulou Cluster (高北土楼群)

Located in Gaobei Village (高北村), Gaotou Township (高头乡), the Gaobei Tulou Cluster features numerous Tulous built on the mountainside, with diverse shapes and sizes. The oldest among them, Wu Yun Lou (五云楼), was built during the Ming Dynasty (明朝). Cheng Qi Lou (承启楼) is the most famous Tulous here, standing four stories tall, with a unique fire prevention system.

Qiao Fu Lou (侨福楼), known as the “Doctor’s Tower” because it produced 11 PhDs, is famous for its educational success.

Nanjing Tulou (南靖土楼)

Tianluo Pit Tulou Cluster (田螺坑土楼群)

Located in Shuyang Shangban Village (书洋上坂村), Tianluo Pit Tulou (田螺坑土楼群) is a remarkable site in Nanjing County (南靖县), Fujian Province (福建省). Situated at an altitude of 787.8 meters, the cluster is home to the Huang Clan (黄氏家族). It consists of one square Tulou, three round Tulous, and one oval-shaped Tulou. The design reflects the natural slope of the mountain, making it an architectural marvel.

Hekeng Tulou Cluster (河坑土楼群)

The Hekeng Tulou Cluster is located in Hekeng Village (河坑村), Shuyang Town (书洋镇), Nanjing County (南靖县), about 58 kilometers from Nanjing County (南靖县). This cluster includes seven square Tulous and six round Tulous, arranged in a way that creates a spectacular formation resembling the Big Dipper (北斗七星). The construction of the Hekeng Tulou spans from the Ming Dynasty (明朝) to the Republic of China (民国) period, showcasing the evolution of Tulou construction.

Hua’an Tulou (华安土楼)

Qi Yun Lou (齐云楼) – “Mother of the Tulou”

Qi Yun Lou (齐云楼) in Dai Mountain Village (岱山村), Hua’an County (华安县), is regarded as the “Mother of the Tulou” for its early construction in the Ming Dynasty (明朝), dating back to 1371. It is an elliptical structure with a distinctive shape, standing as a historic symbol of the Fujian Tulou.

Er Yi Lou (二宜楼) – “The King of Tulou”

Er Yi Lou (二宜楼), located in Dadi Village (大地村), Xian Du Town (仙都镇), Hua’an County (华安县), is a significant example of the round Tulou design, known as the “King of Tulou” (土楼之王) and is listed in the book “Chinese Famous Plaques” (中华名匾). Built in 1740, Er Yi Lou is an outstanding round Tulou, with two concentric circular walls, 16 units, and 213 rooms. It contains exquisite artwork, including murals, wood carvings, and couplets, making it a valuable cultural artifact.

Pinghe Tulou (平和土楼)

Pinghe County (平和县) is home to 476 Tulous built during the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties. Among them, the Seven-Star Tulou Cluster (七星土楼群) is famous for its unique arrangement of seven Tulous in the shape of the Big Dipper.

Seven-Star Tulou Cluster (七星土楼群)

The Seven-Star Tulou Cluster is located in Ban Zai Town (坂仔镇), Pinghe County (平和县). The seven Tulous are arranged in a star-like pattern along the Tongxi River (铜溪), creating a celestial architectural phenomenon. These Tulous, built over an 80-year span, are an important part of the Pinghe Tulou heritage.

Sheng Wu Lou (绳武楼)

Sheng Wu Lou (绳武楼) is a compact round Tulou located in Lüxi Town (芦溪镇), Pinghe County (平和县). Built in the Qing Dynasty (清朝), it is a fine example of the small yet practical Tulou design, constructed by the Ye Clan (叶氏). This three-story structure is designed with both aesthetic and defensive qualities.

Zhao’an Tulou (诏安土楼)

The Zhao’an Tulou (诏安土楼) are scattered throughout Zhao’an County (诏安县), including Shuimei Lou (水美楼), Shima Lou (石马楼), Yutian Lou (玉田楼), Yufeng Lou (玉峰楼), Anbian Lou (庵边楼), Tianxia Lou (田下楼), Xincheng Lou (新城楼), Longtou Lou (龙头楼), Fengshan Lou (凤山楼), Yan Yi Lou (燕翼楼), Fengming Lou (凤鸣楼), and Guangyu Lou (光裕楼). These Tulous vary in size and shape, with the largest being Zaitian Lou (在田楼), which is recognized as the largest Tulou in the world.

These structures reflect the local culture, the strategic use of available materials, and the communal living patterns of the Hakka people (客家人).

Architectural Features

Appearance

Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) are traditional, collective buildings made from rammed earth, typically in circular, semi-circular, square, four-cornered, pentagonal, saddle-shaped, and other unique forms. These structures have distinct characteristics, and they are built with solid walls of earth, offering both functionality and protection. Early Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) were primarily square in shape, with various architectural styles like palace and mansion designs. The shape is not only unusual but also offers a sense of mystery, creating a strong and secure environment. The buildings were initially used for storing grains, raising livestock, and even providing water wells.

As time passed, the Hakka people (客家人) created round-shaped Tulou, which offered better lighting and ventilation, in response to the limitations of the square structures. The circular Tulou, often called Round Lou (圆楼) or Round Zhai (圆寨), became the most iconic of the Fujian Tulou.

Structure

Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) have various structural types, one of which is the three-hall layout (三堂制), where three halls are arranged along the central axis: the lower hall (下堂) serves as the entrance, the middle hall (中堂) is used for family gatherings and guest receptions, and the upper hall (上堂) is dedicated to ancestor worship.

The architectural details, including windowsills, doorways, and eaves, are considered unique in Chinese domestic architecture (中国民居建筑). This layout allowed for excellent defense and community cohesion. The Tulou (土楼) were built to withstand external threats like invaders or wars while ensuring family unity and collective safety.

Materials and Construction

The Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) are constructed with materials such as earth, sand, stone, bamboo, wood, and even rice and red sugar for binding. The thick earth walls, ranging from 1 to 2 meters, are strong enough to resist attacks from wild animals or thieves. They also offer great insulation, keeping the interiors warm in winter and cool in summer. The walls are built in layers, starting with a deep trench filled with large stones as the base. The rammed earth is mixed with local red clay, small stones, and lime to form a substance known as “cooked earth.” In some cases, sticky rice or red sugar is added to increase the bonding strength.

The structure also incorporates wooden branches or bamboo as “wall bones” (墙骨) to enhance the tensile strength of the walls, resulting in a solid, almost concrete-like material. The Tulou (土楼) are then coated with a layer of lime to protect against the weather, making them incredibly strong and resilient against storms and earthquakes.

Famous Examples

• Zhen Cheng Lou (振成楼) in Yongding District (永定区), Longyan City (龙岩市) is designed according to the Bagua (八卦) pattern, symbolizing a mystical structure admired worldwide.

• Er Yi Lou (二宜楼) in Hua’an County (华安县) is known as the “King of Tulou” (土楼之王), regarded as the highest-value single building in Fujian Tulou (福建土楼). It was one of the first to be included as a National Key Cultural Heritage Site (全国重点文物保护单位).

• The Tianluo Pit Tulou Cluster (田螺坑土楼群) in Nanjing County (南靖县) consists of five Tulou, resembling flying saucers falling from the sky, creating a stunning visual effect.

• The Hekeng Tulou Cluster (河坑土楼群) consists of 13 Tulous distributed in valleys and riverbeds, forming a breathtaking scene of harmony between man and nature.

Cultural Heritage and Preservation

As of 2018, there were approximately 23,000 Tulous (土楼) in Yongding District (永定区), scattered across villages. Around a third of them date back to the Qing Dynasty (清朝), with over 360 round Tulous and nearly 3,000 representative Tulou still standing. These Tulous, particularly in the mountainous regions of Nanjing (南靖), Hua’an (华安), Pinghe (平和), Zhao’an (诏安), Yunxiao (云霄), and Zhangpu (漳浦), number in the thousands. Nanjing County (南靖县) alone boasts over 1,000 Tulous.

In Hua’an County (华安县), the Dadi Tulou Cluster (大地土楼群) is home to Er Yi Lou (二宜楼), Nan Yang Lou (南阳楼), and Dong Yang Lou (东阳楼), all integral parts of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼). Similarly, Quanzhou (泉州) has 63 Tulous spread across several towns, including Anxi (安溪), Nan’an (南安), Yongchun (永春), Dehua (德化), Luojiang (洛江), Shishi (石狮), and Quangang (泉港), with Anxi (安溪) accounting for nearly half of them.

These Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) are not just architectural marvels but also cultural symbols. They represent the communal spirit of the Hakka people (客家人), embodying the wisdom and historical continuity of the region.

History and Culture

Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Fujian Tulou (福建土楼), also known as the Hakka Tulou (客家土楼), is a collective building created by the Hakka people (客家人) over 1,000 years ago during the Song (宋) and Yuan (元) Dynasties. The architecture was primarily developed by the Hakka people (客家人) who migrated to Fujian (福建). These structures, known as “the museum of Hakka culture without a door” (没有大门的中国客家博物馆), embody both the communal living and defensive needs of the people while blending human accomplishment with the natural environment.

Fujian Tulou were designed to support the Hakka people’s (客家人) family-centric lifestyle, combining the elements of ancestral worship, defense, and living in a confined space. This architectural form displays characteristics such as centripetal design (向心性), symmetry, and a sloping structure (前低后高), and it reflects the Hakka people’s (客家人) deep respect for traditional Central Plain culture (中原传统文化). Inside these Tulous, only male residents of the same surname, related by close blood ties, lived together. The ancestral hall (祖堂), placed in the heart of the Tulou, is the focal point of worship and religious activities, symbolizing the unity of the family lineage.

Folklore and Anecdotes

In the 1960s during the Cold War, the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) were mistakenly identified by the United States as nuclear missile silos. Despite 20 years of research and numerous spy satellite images, no one could figure out the “secrets” behind the 1,500 “missile silos.” Only in the 1980s did it become clear that these were not military installations, but residential buildings (土楼) where Fujian’s southern residents (福建南部居民) had lived for generations.

Cultural Events and Celebrations

In recent years, the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) has been the focus of various cultural festivals:

• The First Yongding Hakka Tulou Cultural Festival (永定客家土楼文化观光节) was held in November 1995.

• The China Fujian Tulou Architecture Culture Forum (中国·福建土楼建筑文化论坛) took place in Hua’an County (华安县) in June 2007.

• The First Fujian Tulou (Nanjing) Culture Festival (福建土楼（南靖）文化节) took place in Nanjing County (南靖县) on July 9, 2008, and it was followed by celebrations in Yongding (永定) in the same year.

In 2009, Nanjing County (南靖县) hosted the second edition of the Fujian Tulou (Nanjing) Culture Festival (福建土楼（南靖）文化节), and in 2011, the Mazu Cultural Festival (妈祖文化节) was held in Meilin Town (梅林镇), Nanjing County (南靖县). These events celebrate the rich cultural heritage and unique architecture of the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼).

The Memory of a Nation

In December 2018, the Shengwu Lou (绳武楼) tourism and Lixi Red Wine Culture Festival (芦溪红酒文化节) took place in Hua’an County (华安县), further promoting the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) and local cultural products.

Cultural and Architectural Value

The Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) embody the concept of “Heaven and Man as One” (天人合一), an ancient Eastern philosophy that harmonizes human architecture with the natural environment. The Tulou buildings are harmoniously situated in the mountains or alongside streams, with a rustic and ancient style that beautifully integrates into the surrounding landscape. Their design features round, octagonal, and domed forms, representing one of the five traditional Chinese residential styles (汉族五大传统样式住宅) along with Beijing’s courtyard houses (北京四合院), Shaanxi’s cave dwellings (陕西窑洞), Guangxi’s “banister style” (广西“栏杆式”), and Yunnan’s “one-tree print” (云南“一颗印”).

The walls of the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) are generally 1 to 2 meters thick at the base, gradually becoming thinner toward the top. This structure provides stability and resistance to external forces such as earthquakes and fires. The exterior walls are designed to be almost impenetrable, with narrow windows and the addition of loopholes for defense against invaders. These defensive features not only served practical purposes but also added to the mystery and intrigue of the Tulou.

Preservation and Protection

Efforts to preserve the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) began in the late 20th century. In November 1996, Er Yi Lou (二宜楼) was designated a National Key Cultural Heritage Site (全国重点文物保护单位). In 1998, the Yongding County (永定县) government established a special organization to promote the Tulou for World Heritage status (世界遗产名录). By 2000, the Hua’an County (华安县) government had also launched its campaign to include the Dadi Tulou Cluster (大地土楼群) in the World Heritage list.

On July 6, 2008, the Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) were officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (世界遗产名录) during the 32nd World Heritage Committee meeting in Quebec City, Canada.

Efforts to protect and maintain these architectural marvels continue:

• In 2009, Yongding County (永定县) began preparations for the Fujian Tulou (Yongding) National 5A Tourist Scenic Area (福建土楼永定景区国家5A级旅游景区).

• In 2011, the Yongding County (永定县) government implemented a five-year renovation plan (五年维修计划) to repair and preserve 23 Tulou designated as World Heritage Sites.

The preservation of these Fujian Tulou (福建土楼) remains crucial not only for their architectural and historical value but also for their significance in the cultural identity of the Hakka people (客家人).