Another feature of the earth building is that the structure is extremely standardized, and the rooms are all the same size. Most earth buildings have only one gate for access, and they all have patios, which can store food for more than half a year. Just like a solid castle, it is easy to guard against theft and bandits (in the old days, Hakkas were often attacked by bandits, so tall earth walls were built to prevent accidents). Because the wall is tall and thick, it can not only prevent moisture and keep warm, but also insulate the heat and enjoy the cool, which has many benefits. When Hakka people build earth buildings, they build chimneys into the earth walls, so that the kitchen is clean without black smoke pollution. The construction of tulou is also a manifestation of Hakka people's belief in geomantic omen in the old days. Superstition says that there is a "road evil spirit" on the road, a "stream evil spirit" on the stream and a "concave evil spirit" at the exit. When building a square building, they think that one corner of the building will encounter "Shaqi", so they carve the words "Taishan Shi Gandang" on the cornerstone of the corner of the building to ward off evil spirits, or nail the corner of the building with wooden boards with gossip and words to ward off evil spirits. Circular buildings have no edges and corners, and it is said that "Shaqi" can run away, so in order to avoid "Shaqi", earth buildings after the Qing Dynasty are mostly circular buildings. Generally speaking, it is obvious to emphasize the effectiveness of tulou.
Tulou, as a proud architectural form of Hakka people in Fujian, is a treasure in Fujian folk houses. At the same time, it also incorporates human factors, which can be called the epitome of the combination of heaven, earth and people. Dozens of families and hundreds of people go to the first floor together, which embodies the family tradition of Hakka people living in harmony. Therefore, a tulou history is a rural family history. Descendants of Tulou often can tell the origin of Kan Kan family without genealogy. In addition, the use of local materials and the most common soil materials to build tall castles, turning ordinary into magic, reflecting the unique creation of Hakka people in the process of conquering nature.
Big family, small society
A tulou, where people live together, usually has hundreds of people, whether square or round, which is a "big family, small society".
In this "small society", the perfection of various hardware facilities ensures the convenience, comfort and safety of people's lives, and there are no natural disasters such as siege, water shortage, flood, earthquake and house collapse.
In this "big family", there is a decision-making ruling class composed of chiefs. Although there are young and old, generations live in harmony, respect the old and love the young, unite and help each other, and enjoy each other.
Yongding people have such a favorite: in the early 1960 s, satellite photos found something similar to a nuclear reactor in the mountains of western Fujian, which caused panic in the White House. It was not until China's reform and opening up that the mystery was solved. It turned out to be the image of a tulou. Since then, the earth building that has existed for thousands of years has suddenly attracted the attention of the world. Speaking of it, Tulou is really grateful to this satellite. It was mistakenly broken into the "nuclear reactor" before it left the "boudoir" and became a world celebrity.