Tulous are typical residential buildings of indigenous tribes in Fujian Province. These round structures are mainly constructed from earth and clay. A small Tulou has a diameter of 17 meters, while the largest measures an impressive 90 meters in diameter. The walls of such round buildings can be up to 3 meters thick. Tulous resemble fortresses and can accommodate several hundred residents. There are over 30,000 Tulous in Fujian Province alone.
Despite the humid and rainy climate in Fujian, these round buildings have remained stable and sturdy over the centuries. Tulous are built on a foundation made of a mixture of stone, mud, and pine wood. Because pine wood is rich in resin, the foundation does not rot. Several layers of a mixture of mud, small stones, clay, and tree branches are applied on top of the foundation. Sometimes, syrup from brown sugar or sticky rice is added to strengthen the structure.
The location of Tulous reflects people's ideal living environment. Most Tulous are situated on mountain slopes with rivers rushing in front of them. The surroundings of Tulous form a well-functioning ecosystem. A Tulou fortress is often inhabited by several generations of a large clan. Centuries ago, war refugees from central China moved to Fujian Province and established their second home here.
Today, young people work in big cities and only return to their families in the Tulous for important festivals. The residents of Tulous today are mostly elderly people and children.
The best-preserved Tulou fortresses are found in Yongding, Nanjing, and Huaan counties.
