Hakka Earth Buildings of Yongding
Fujian Sheng
The Hakka Earth Buildings of Yongding, known as Fujian Tulou, are unique rural dwellings constructed primarily from rammed earth, stone, bamboo, and wood. Built between the 12th and 20th centuries, these large, enclosed, fortified structures are often circular or rectangular, rising three to five stories high and housing up to 800 people. Their thick earth walls, up to 1.8 meters thick, provide excellent insulation and defense, featuring a single main gate with reinforced wooden doors and gun holes on the upper levels. These buildings enclose smaller interior structures such as halls, storehouses, wells, and living spaces, resembling small fortified cities designed for communal family living and protection against bandits and wild animals. The Yongding area hosts several famous tulou clusters, including Gaobei, Hongkeng, and Chuxi, each with distinctive architectural styles like round, square, and the rare five-phoenix shaped buildings. Recognized by UNESCO in 2008 as World Heritage Sites, these earth buildings represent an exceptional example of traditional Chinese communal living, blending harmoniously with their mountainous environment. Visitors can explore historic tulou such as the 600-year-old Jiqing Lou and the architecturally complex Chengqi Lou, gaining insight into Hakka culture and traditional construction techniques that emphasize sustainability and community cohesion.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to explore the tulou clusters during spring and autumn for pleasant weather and clearer views. Purchasing tickets in advance for popular sites like the Gaobei and Hongkeng clusters is recommended to avoid queues. Guided tours provide valuable cultural context and access to interior courtyards. Discounts are often available for students and seniors. Wear comfortable walking shoes as some tulou require navigating uneven terrain. Respect local customs and privacy, as many tulou remain inhabited. Photography is generally allowed but check for restrictions inside private dwellings.
Faits intéressants
- •Some tulou can house up to 800 people, functioning as self-contained fortified villages.
- •The walls of tulou are up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) thick, made from rammed earth reinforced with bamboo and wood.
- •The Chengqi Lou in Gaobei is known as the 'King of Tulou' and features four concentric rings enclosing a central ancestral hall.
- •Five-phoenix shaped tulou resemble ancient Chinese brush racks and are unique to the region.
- •The construction technique includes mixing earth with sticky rice soup, lime, and other materials for strength and water resistance.
Histoire
The Hakka Earth Buildings originated between the late Tang and early Song dynasties, flourishing especially during the Ming and Qing periods as Hakka migrants settled in southeastern China.
These structures evolved as defensive communal homes designed to protect large extended families from bandits and wild animals amid periods of social unrest and migration.
Over centuries, the architectural style developed into distinctive forms such as circular, square, and five-phoenix shaped tulou.
The construction techniques, using locally sourced materials like rammed earth mixed with bamboo and wood, were refined to create durable, earthquake-resistant buildings.
In modern times, the tulou gained international recognition, culminating in their inscription as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008, preserving their cultural and architectural significance.
Guide du lieu
Chengqi Lou (King of Tulou)1709
Located in the Gaobei cluster, Chengqi Lou is the largest and most famous tulou, built in 1709. It features four concentric circular rings with 400 rooms, housing numerous families. The innermost ring encloses the ancestral hall, symbolizing family unity. Its design maximizes defense and communal living.
Jiqing Lou1419
A historic round tulou in the Chuxi cluster, Jiqing Lou was built in 1419 during the Ming dynasty. It consists of two concentric rings with 72 individual units, each with its own staircase, providing privacy within communal living. It exemplifies early tulou architecture and defensive design.
Hongkeng Tulou Cluster
This cluster contains over 40 tulou, including the famous Zhencheng Lou and Rujing Lou, showcasing a variety of architectural styles such as round and square forms. The cluster reflects the rich cultural heritage of Hakka people and their adaptations to local geography and defense needs.
Tulou Construction Techniques
Traditional methods involve using local red clay mixed with bamboo strips, lime, sticky rice soup, and other natural materials to create thick, durable walls. The construction requires precise layering and drying to ensure strength and water resistance, making the buildings earthquake-proof and thermally efficient.
Contact
Téléphone: 0597 583 0397