The Architectural Marvel of the Hakka People — Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster in Nanjing, Fujian

🐸 Living in the AI era, it might be hard for us to understand why, thousands of years ago, people who migrated from the Central Plains to the mountains of Lingnan built such large and sturdy tulou clusters in a foreign land? 👉 Since the Song Dynasty, frequent wars in the Central Plains forced many scholars and civilians to migrate south. ⛳ Unable to return to their homeland, they had to settle in Lingnan. These migrants not only brought the cultural traditions of the Central Plains but also possessed more advanced construction techniques than the indigenous people. ⛺ Just like people today who move to Beijing or Shanghai hoping to "settle down," they urgently needed a stable place to live. So, they used local materials—mountain stones, wood, and red earth—to build tulou among the mountains. 😇 Why were the tulou built to be so solid? The local guide’s explanation is practical: ✅ First, to resist bandit raids; ✅ Second, to prevent conflicts with the indigenous people; ✅ Third, to defend against wild animals in the mountains; ✅ Fourth, Lingnan is rainy and humid, so the thick earth walls also prevent moisture and resist mountain floods, protecting the clan’s safety. 🐉 The Hakka people were originally "guests" relative to the indigenous people of Lingnan. 😊 Standing in front of the Tianluokeng Tulou today, it’s easy to imagine how many generations of Hakka people worked hard to establish roots in a foreign land. ❤ The tulou are not only defensive fortresses but also clan bonds for "living together" — often, a single tulou houses families of the same surname, preserving the spiritual roots of the Hakka people. 📍 Address: Tianluokeng Natural Village, Shangban Village, Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, Fujian 👌 Ticket: 90 RMB/person (half price for students, teachers, and seniors over 60) 📌 Transportation tips: Yongding Tulou Scenic Area and Nanjing Scenic Area are about 20 kilometers apart with complex mountain roads. It is recommended to drive, rent a car, or join a tour group.