The Fascinating Tulou Clusters

I visited the Tulou Cluster which is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It comprises of large, circular, and rectangular fortified buildings made of earth and reinforced with wood or bamboo. These ancient structures have withstood natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons for centuries. I found out that these buildings were designed to house multiple families and also serve as defense against raids by bandits in ancient times. The Tulou matched the residents' social structure and function. I also learnt that there are about 46 Tulou clusters in Fujian Province, and the cluster I visited is the biggest cluster called the Chuxi Tulou Cluster. I compared the architectural design of the Tulou with other Chinese buildings I have visited, and I marvelled at the advanced and the innovative technology used.