Fujian province
First mistaken by the western world as UFOs when they were “discovered”, the earthen homes in Fujian Province are exceptional examples of building tradition and function that offer shelter, safety and community to large families. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, the earthen buildings or “tulou” are a set of buildings constructed of earth and sand in Fujian that are occupied by clan groups. The mud walls are complemented with tiled roofs with overhanging eaves. There are currently more than 20,000 of these structures in existence in the mountainous regions of southeastern China. Built between the 15th and 20th centuries, these earthy structures are hidden amongst beautiful rice and tea terraced fields. Originally constructed for large families and for defence purposes, tulou’s are built inward looking with a single entrance and windows to the outside only passed the first floor.
It’s amazing that these structures have withstood hostile weather, earthquakes and warfare over so many centuries and are still inhabited by large families today. Today, tulou’s have been designated as World Heritage sites and farmers depending on subsistence living are taking good care of their rich cultural heritage homes while depending on sustainable agricultural practices in the tulou communities. What's great about these homes is that they're cool during the summer and warm during the winter and with they keep generations of families together by promoting communnal living.
First mistaken by the western world as UFOs when they were “discovered”, the earthen homes in Fujian Province are exceptional examples of building tradition and function that offer shelter, safety and community to large families. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, the earthen buildings or “tulou” are a set of buildings constructed of earth and sand in Fujian that are occupied by clan groups. The mud walls are complemented with tiled roofs with overhanging eaves. There are currently more than 20,000 of these structures in existence in the mountainous regions of southeastern China. Built between the 15th and 20th centuries, these earthy structures are hidden amongst beautiful rice and tea terraced fields. Originally constructed for large families and for defence purposes, tulou’s are built inward looking with a single entrance and windows to the outside only passed the first floor.
It’s amazing that these structures have withstood hostile weather, earthquakes and warfare over so many centuries and are still inhabited by large families today. Today, tulou’s have been designated as World Heritage sites and farmers depending on subsistence living are taking good care of their rich cultural heritage homes while depending on sustainable agricultural practices in the tulou communities. What's great about these homes is that they're cool during the summer and warm during the winter and with they keep generations of families together by promoting communnal living.
