Photos from my travels: Hakka Earthen Buildings.
'The unadorned tu lou are either round or square, and huge (10-17 meters' high); and were designed as a fortress and apartment building in one. The structures typically had only one entranceway and no windows at ground level. Each floor served a different function - the first hosts a well and livestock, the second is for food storage and the third and higher floors contain living spaces.
'Hakka people still live in the houses, you can see the everyday scene of the residents: elderly and children alike, full of life: chicken, ducks and dogs, and people cooking, washing clothes and working in the houses. The houses are nestled in beautiful villages and landscape (rivers, rich trees and blossom and very pleasant weather.' - China Culture Centre
