In the southeastern province of Fujian in China, nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, lies a collection of extraordinary architectural wonders known as the Fujian Tulou. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are revered for their unique design, rich history, and their embodiment of communal living.
The Fujian Tulou were large earthen buildings constructed by the Hakka people, an ethnic group with a distinct heritage and migratory history. These remarkable structures emerged during the 12th century and reached their zenith during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Not unlike European castles, the Tulou are unique in China not only for their massive scale and immense beauty, but also for the fact that they are vernacular - they were constructed not with the mighty resources of the state or its volumes of academic tradition but by a community based on their needs.
As with all great architecture, buildings embody a culture, and reveal its traditions. The Tulou for example, are built around the concept of ‘feng shui’ which rejects the idea of sharp lines and introduces the concept of a “closed outside” and an “open inside”. As such, the towering walls of the Tulou, are built in circular shapes and the “feng” is allowed to flow into it through their courtyard. Beyond tradition and its aesthetic quality, these walls are also cleverly designed to incline toward the centre providing stability as it uses the natural force of gravity to push the walls together. Moreover, the walls - constructed from layers of mud and stone - allow it to serve as a defensive fortress against bandits and foreign invaders. Often several stories high, these fortified walls were dotted with small windows and gun holes to shoot out of and the singular entrances created bottlenecks for any invaders.
But whilst the stark walls of the ‘closed outside’ were built for defence, the ‘open inside’ is an intricate mosaic of vibrancy; multiple floors of living quarters, communal areas, ancestral halls, and even spaces for livestock surround a communal courtyard at its heart. The contrast between intricate woodwork and fortified walls, showcases a harmonious union between human craftsmanship and the surrounding natural landscapes. Indeed, these expansive structures, built using rammed earth, stone, and wood, boast not only durability but also a deep respect for the environment. Their shapes as well - though imposing and impressive - blend harmoniously with the natural landscapes, making the structure appear as if they were an integral part of the earth itself. With sloping roofs to withstand torrential rain and ingenious ventilation systems to ensure comfort amidst tropical heat, the tulou stands as a beacon of sustainable architecture.
Moreover, unlike the royal castles of Tibet or the feudal fortresses of Europe, the design philosophy of the Fujian Tulou was built around the idea of communal living - it was a building not for a ruler but for a people and its community. Almost like apartments, the often hundreds of rooms in these buildings were intended to house large extended families or clans, fostering a sense of unity, cooperation, and social harmony. Shared spaces in the central courtyard of the tulou are also used for community activities, festivals, and important ceremonies, further strengthening the bonds between its inhabitants.
The Fujian Tulous stand as a testament to the under-appreciated ingenuity, unity, and rich cultural heritage of the Hakka people. It is through these architectural wonders that this rich cultural heritage is etched into the very fabric of Fujian, painting a delightful picture of resilience, creativity, community and a profound bond with nature.