Hey everyone! 👋 Have you ever heard of houses made entirely of earth? In southeast China, there’s something really special called the Fujian Tulou (pronounced “too-low”), which means “earthen buildings”! 🏯
What Are Fujian Tulou?
These are huge, circular or square buildings made from packed earth, wood, and stones. They can be several stories high and house up to 80 families! That’s like your entire neighborhood living under one roof! 🏠💕
A Home for the Hakka People
The Hakka (pronounced “ha-ka”) are a group of people in China with their own unique culture and traditions. The Fujian Tulou were built by the Hakka over 700 years ago to protect themselves and their families. They are like giant fortresses with only one main gate and tiny windows high up to keep everyone safe. 🛡️
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Because of their amazing architecture and history, the Fujian Tulou were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. This means they are protected so people all over the world can learn about and enjoy them for many years to come! 🌍✨
Inspiring Movies and Imagination
These incredible buildings were the inspiration for the beautiful Chinese animated movie “Big Fish & Begonia.” They look like something out of a fairy tale, don’t they? Maybe they’ll inspire you to create your own stories or drawings! 🎬🎨
Why Are They So Cool?
- Eco-Friendly: Made from natural materials like earth and wood. 🌱
- Community Living: Families live together, sharing and caring for each other. 🤗
- Strong and Safe: Built to last and protect against enemies and even earthquakes! 💪
Fun Fact: Some of these buildings are so big that they have over 200 rooms! Can you imagine playing hide-and-seek there? 😄
Visit If You Can!
If you ever get the chance to visit China, make sure to check out the Fujian Tulou in Yongding County. They’re not just buildings; they’re a piece of living history! 🗺️❤️
Thanks for joining this adventure into the amazing world of the Fujian Tulou! What do you think life would be like living in one of these earth buildings? Let us know! 📝
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
