The Unique Fortresses of Fujian
The Tulou or Earthen Fortresses were unique fort like buildings that encompassed both apartments and fortified settlements. Due to their unique design, they were suspected of housing nuclear missiles by Western nations during the cold war. However, they are relics and important historical buildings famous to the Fujian Province and are a part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites since 2008.
So, let’s delve deeper into these historic buildings and see which one of these should be a part of your next visit when in China.
History
Constant conflicts with neighbouring clans forced the people of Hakka Han to construct fort-like housing as the walled villages were not providing the needed protection the people so sorely needed. These buildings played a significant role in protecting the Hakka clan from land hungry neighbours as the residents could easily defend the fortress, and any vulnerabilities were heavily fortified.
The Tulou were developed to perform two functions. The first function was to act as a defence and protect the residents from foreign attackers. The second function was to act as communal living area where each earthen building could hold large families of a Hakka clan. An interesting aspect of these units were that they provided equality and unity among families as the areas were of the same size and communal areas were shared under one roof.
The fortresses now act as one of Fujian’s major tourist destinations, with most residents working in the tourism industry rather than agriculture industry.
Locations
These buildings are located in Fujian as the Hakka only built Tulou here. There are different assortment of Tulou with the Yongding ones being mainly around Nanjing, Hua’an and Yongding County. The buildings come in two types. Most were round but there are a few square ones.
The most famous round type is the Chengqi buildings which encompasses 4 floors and has a whopping 400 rooms. While the most famous square type, which are mostly in Yongding, is the Kuiju.
There is another type, though not as famous as the other two, which is the Fuyuu Five Phoenix style tulou. This tulou has a stepped style with the main building at the uppermost part of the building.
The Best Tulou to Visit
There many great tulou dotted around Fujian, but these two areas are the places I would recommend: Yongding and Nanjing.
The Nanjing Area is close and not far from Xiamen. So if you decide to venture out further, you can take a trip to Xiamen if you so wish.
The Yongding area is further away from Fujian but houses the largest tulou in the Fujian area. Great if you want to see the biggest or best in the region.
Be warned these can get quite busy and if you are looking for area on the quieter side, its best to head out towards the Hua’an area. It isn’t as popular and as such less commercial so you won’t be sold or heckled to buy as much, and it gives you the chance to experience an original tulou.
Anyway, if you do decide to visit this beautiful province be sure to check out the tulou among the many other areas of wonder Fujian has to offer.
