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Take a look inside China's historical houses, where families lived in giant, donut-shaped forts that were designed to keep invaders out

Take a look inside China's historical houses, where families lived in giant, donut-shaped forts that were designed to keep invaders out

Amanda Goh

Part of the interior of a Fujian tulou is seen in Nanjing countySheng Li/Reuters

The Fujian tulou, which translates to "earthen building," are historical homes that were primarily built from wood and mud.
In 2008, 46 tulous were added onto the UNESCO World Heritage list.

In the Fujian province of southeast China, giant fort-like structures stand among the mountains.

Aerial view of Tianluokeng Tulou cluster in Fujian, China Jui-Chi Chan/Getty Images

Also called tulou, which translates to "earthen building," these ancient structures are communal homes that once housed up to 800 people each, per National Geographic.

Usually three to four stories high and constructed from materials like wood and mud, these homes are traditionally associated with the Hakka people.

They were constructed between the 15th and 20th centuries. The buildings were designed to face inwards towards a central courtyard, per UNESCO.

Their design is, above all, practical: In the event of a conflict, these massive communal houses could double as forts.

Exterior shot of a Hakka tulou in Fujian, China. fototrav/Getty Images

The Hakka people, who migrated to provinces in South China from northern areas, often faced conflict with the natives.

To protect against hostile forces, the walls of the tulou could be built up to five feet thick. They were also fortified with iron gates, underground escape tunnels, and weapon slits to allow residents to defend their homes in case of a siege.

"The door openings are typically constructed out of granite frames with timber door panels. As there is only one entrance, it made the building easier to defend," Yeo Kang Shua, an associate professor of architectural history, theory, and criticism at the Singapore University of Technology and Design told Insider.

"Window openings are typically on the higher levels, making access from windows difficult too," he added.

Unlike their imposing exteriors, the interiors of the homes are designed for communal living.

Interior view of the courtyard of a tulou. Sheng Li/Reuters

The main courtyard is where residents can convene for activities such as religious ceremonies, festivals, and weddings.

Each of the rooms is identical in layout and design.

Interior view of a tulou, where the individual rooms of the building can be seen. REDA&CO/Getty Images

Each tulou functions like a self-contained village. Sections of the building are divided between families of the same clan.

Corridors linking individual rooms on each floor were meant to encourage neighborly interactions among the residents.

While most of these houses are donut-shaped, they can also feature a square floor plan.

Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster In China Future Publishing/Getty Images

"As a defensive structure, having a circular plan meant that there will be no blind corners or spots," Yeo told Insider.

In 2008, 46 of these homes were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Interior view of a corridor in a tulou in Fujian, China. REDA&CO/Getty Images

According to the UNESCO website, these tulous are an "outstanding example of human settlement."

Despite being open to tourists, many elderly residents still call these buildings home.

Elderly lady washing vegetables inside a tulou in Fujian, China. Sheng Li/Reuters

The number of people living in tulous has been decreasing for years, as more and more of the younger generation move into cities for better work and education opportunities.

A boost in tourism in the area has given these historical homes a new lease of life by sustaining local businesses.