fujian tulou

The Fujian tulou (also known as earthen building) are rural dwellings in the mountainous areas in China. They were constructed between the 12th and the 20th centuries, and unique to the Hakka. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fujian Province is in southeast China, north of Guangdong Province. The Hakka only built tulou in Fujian. A tulou is a large building, constructed with load-bearing rammed earth walls. It is used as a residence by a group of families. Tulous have three or four floors: the first floor for kitchens and dining rooms; the second floor for grain stores; and the third and fourth floors for bedrooms. In the past, tulous played a significant role in protecting the Hakka from attacks. Residents could easily mount an all-round defense, and the vulnerable entrances were strongly reinforced.