Yongding Tolou

Yongding Earth Buildings were first built in the Tang dynasty in Fujian Province. They are the unique residential buildings in the world, which are located in the mountainous areas in southern and western Fujian and constructed of rammed earth. They are praised as an extraordinary architectural work of village house in the world for their long history. The main styles of Yongding Tulou are square and round with thick walls and various functions, such as, defending against the enemies, quakeproof, fire prevention, guarding against wild animals and good ventilation and lighting. here are more than 20000 still standing today. Zhencheng Building is the most famous round building, which is called as “the prince of earth building”. It is built in 1912 and cost 5 years to finish. The building covers an area of 5000 square meters and cost 80 thousand silver dollars. Zhencheng Building is made up of two circles: the outside one is earth structure and the inside one is brick structure. The outer circle has four floors. Kitchens and dining rooms are on the first floor, warehouses are on the second floor, bedrooms are on the third and the fourth floor. There are 218 bedrooms here, now more than 40 families are living in the building. ince the wall is brick, it can prevent heat and keep warm in the Tulou, so that it’s warm in winter and cool in summer. The Zhencheng Tower is the best embodiment of “Integration of Heaven, Earth, and Man”. The earth tower is built up according to the Eight Diagrams.