Tulou - The Architectural Heritage of the Hakka and the Phenomenon of Collective Identity

Tulou, the distinctive circular or rectangular structures built by the Hakka people in Fujian Province, China, offer a unique lens into architectural innovation and collective identity. These multi-story buildings, characterized by sealed outer walls and continuous balconies, served both practical and defensive purposes, fostering tight-knit communities centered around shared courtyards. Beyond their architectural significance, Tulou represent a cultural phenomenon where communal living shapes strong group identities, making them a focal point for ethnological study. This article explores the lives of Tulou inhabitants, their challenges, and future prospects, providing insights into how these structures both reflect and reinforce Hakka cultural identity.

Makharadze, A. (2025). თულოუ – ხაკას არქიტექტურული მემკვიდრეობა და კოლექტიური იდენტობის ფენომენი. Georgian International University GIU the Interdisciplinary Science Journal, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.61950/giu.1.2025.9299