Scattered across the villages of Yongding in East China's Fujian province, predominantly along the Ting and Yongding Rivers, stand the remarkable Hakka Tulou — traditional earthen structures boasting rich cultural significance and unique architectural forms.

With over 20,000 preserved to this day, these buildings are predominantly square in shape, while the rarer circular variants cluster along the Jinfeng River basin.

These architectural marvels embody the harmonious unity of humanity and nature, combining defensive functionality with communal living and educational values. Their ingenious construction techniques showcase meticulous planning that optimize natural spaces — whether nestling against mountains or beside waterways, creating perfect harmony between dwelling and environment.

As living fossils of ancient construction methods, the Tulou preserve Central China's rammed earth techniques, while demonstrating the very essence of Hakka architectural culture.

However, modernization and changing lifestyles have led to the cessation of new Tulou construction. Many existing structures now face deterioration from a lack of maintenance and the traditional building techniques now risk being lost. Urgent government intervention and protective measures are needed to safeguard this invaluable cultural heritage.