Tulou | 土樓
Earthen Fortresses, Communal Harmony & UNESCO Heritage
What is a Tulou?
The term "tulou" almost always evokes the classical roundhouses which abound in the mountainous region of northwestern Fujian province, especially tulou in Yongding (永定) county which have been popularized by their UNESCO designation as a world heritage site[cite: 6].
However, tulou means simply "earth building" and should comprise not only round buildings but also buildings of other shapes or footprints as long as they are made mainly from earth[cite: 6].
Construction Era & Architectural Variants
Constructed between the 12th and 20th centuries by the Hakkas, tulou are a unique type of rural dwelling found in southern Chinese counties like Fujian, where 46 of them were declared as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2008[cite: 6].
🏢 Wufenglou (Five-Phoenix House)
The square version - the Wufenglou - is found in the plains of southern Guangdong province[cite: 6].
🐉 Weilongwu (圍龍屋 - Dragon House)
Weilongwu is another type of Hakka tulou found in large numbers in Meixian (梅縣) and Gannan (贛南)[cite: 6]. Weilongwu are usually oval shaped with a semi-round pond in front of the main entrance[cite: 6].
A tulou can accommodate multiple families and is multi-generational[cite: 6].
Geomancy, Fengshui & Spiritual Philosophy
Geomancy plays an important role in the lives of the Hakkas[cite: 6]. The concept of fengshui on which a tulou is built preserves the classical oriental philosophy that insists on harmony between man and his surroundings[cite: 6].
The round house can be seen as generally reflecting spiritual (Daoist) values, with the square courtyard house seen as reflecting social (Confucian) values for the most part[cite: 6].
At a Glance: Tulou Architecture
- 🏗️ Literal Meaning: "Earth Building" (土樓)[cite: 6].
- 🗓️ Era Built: 12th to 20th Centuries[cite: 6].
- 📍 Key Regions: Yongding (Fujian), Meixian (Guangdong), and Gannan (Jiangxi)[cite: 6].
- 🏛️ UNESCO Status: 46 Fujian Tulou inscribed as World Heritage sites in 2008[cite: 6].
- 🛖 Key Variants: Round Tulou, Square Wufenglou, and Oval Weilongwu (with front semi-round pond)[cite: 6].
- 👨👩👧👦 Capacity: Multi-family, multi-generational communal living[cite: 6].
- ☯️ Philosophy: Harmonizes Daoist spiritual (round) and Confucian social (square) values[cite: 6].