Top 10 folk houses in China

A rich history filled with natural and social treasures created the perfect environment for a variety of unique Chinese folk houses. Such houses display local economic and social development and the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.

Among these historic treasures are the intriguing Fujian Tulou, gorgeous Xidi and Hongcun Villages, which give us an idea of how people can live together with nature. Locations such as the Courtyard of Family Qiao and Kang Baiwan's Manor offer a glimpse into the beauty of wealthy families' homes.

Let's take a look at these charming and unforgettable houses!

Fujian Tulou

Fujian Tulou [Photo/Xinhua]

Fujian Tulou is a type of Chinese rural dwellings of the Hakka and Minnan people in Fujian. Because Hakka people like to live together in remote mountainous and forested regions, they built fortified houses to defend themselves against fierce animals and thieves. Built on a stone base, the Tulou's thick walls were packed with dirt and internally fortified with wood. The first Tulou appeared during the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), and the building style developed over the following dynasties until reaching its current form as found during the period of the Republic of China (1912 - 1949). Its design incorporates the traditions of Feng shui, showing a perfect combination of unique traditional architecture with picturesque scenery.

Travel tips:

- Hours: 8 am - 10 pm

- Admission: Nanjing Tulou: 100 yuan/person;

Yongding Tulou: 90 yuan/person;

Hua'an Tulou Cluster: 90 yuan/person;

- How to get there: take the railway from Guangzhou City to Zhangzhou City, Yongding County and then take a bus to Tulou (less than 25 yuan/person);