Imagine living in a giant circular fortress made entirely of earth and wood—welcome to the world of Hakka Tulou, UNESCO-listed architectural marvels in Fujian, the Chinese mainland. At 18, Xu Songsheng from Longyan began mastering their construction, and 30+ years later, he swears one skill stands above the rest: tiling 🧱✨.
Why Tiling? It’s All About Survival
\"Without perfect tiles, the Tulou collapses,\" Xu explains. These iconic clay roof tiles—handcrafted, sun-dried, and layered like dragon scales—shield the structures from Fujian’s typhoon seasons. Think of it as nature’s ultimate stress test 💨⛈️.
From Apprentice to Master
Xu’s journey mirrors a Marvel origin story: starting as a teen hauling clay, he now trains younger builders. \"Each tile carries our ancestors’ wisdom,\" he says, highlighting how Tulou blends practicality with artistry. Today, his work preserves not just buildings, but a 1,000-year-old cultural legacy 🌏📜.
More Than Just Buildings
Once housing entire clans, Tulou now attract global travelers and inspire #cottagecore dreams. For the Asian diaspora, they’re a tangible link to heritage. Xu’s mission? Ensuring these \"earth castles\" stand tall for generations—one tile at a time 🏯❤️.
