zhencheng lou
Zhenchenglou, known as "the prince of tulou," is a remarkable example of the Fujian Tulou, the unique earthen buildings of the Hakka people in southeastern China. Constructed in 1912 by the descendants of a wealthy tobacco merchant, this architectural marvel is part of the Hongkeng Tulou cluster in Yongding County, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. These structures are renowned for their massive, fortified walls that encircle both communal living spaces and defensive areas, reflecting a harmonious blend of communal living and a self-sustained fortress. Zhenchenglou stands out for its double-ring structure, with an outer ring four stories high comprising 184 rooms, and an inner ring with two stories and 32 rooms.