Step into a real-life Minecraft village 🏰 – but way cooler! Fujian's tulou (earthen buildings) are the OG sustainable communes, housing entire Hakka communities in fortress-like structures that could give modern architects serious envy. Built between the 12th and 20th centuries, these circular or rectangular giants rise 3-5 stories tall without using a single nail! 💡
Why should you care? 🤔 These UNESCO World Heritage sites are:
🌪️ Windproof and 🌀 earthquake-resistant
🔥 Climate control masters with natural ventilation
🏘️ Designed for 100+ people to live as one big family
The Hakka people didn't just build houses – they created micro-cities promoting equality. Each family gets identical living quarters circling a massive central courtyard perfect for festivals and fire-breathing dragon dances 🐉 (yes, really!).
Travel tip ✈️: Many tulou still function as homes today. Visitors can experience authentic Hakka tea ceremonies and hear century-old stories echoing through the rammed earth walls. It's history you can literally touch!
