Fujian tulou: inside a house as large as a village

In the Chinese province of Fujian, among the fields and hills you can see unusual houses made of rammed earth. Some are round, others are square; the discreet outer wall often conceals an open courtyard and several floors of wooden galleries.

Home for the community

Tulou was created as common housing for large family communities. The outer walls helped protect the inhabitants, and the courtyard served as a common space. UNESCO identifies a group of 46 such buildings created between the 15th and 20th centuries.

What to notice inside

Look at the relationship between the massive earthen wall and the timber structures, the shared staircases and galleries, and the arrangement of rooms around the courtyard. Different tulou have their own history and structure, so you should not consider all buildings the same.

How to behave in a living space

Some tulou remain home to local residents. Follow local rules, don't go into private rooms, and ask permission before filming people. Before your trip, check which buildings are open to visitors and how to get to them.