Effective strongholds for defense Fujian Tulou

the king of tulou--chengqilou



entrance gate granite frame



gun port of chengqilou



a firearm defence against enemies

from 12th century 19th century, armed bandits plagued southern china. people of southern fujian first built strongholds on top of mountains defence. these strongholds later evolved fujian tulou.

the thick (two metres @ bottom, tapered 1 metre on top) outer walls of tulous immune arrows , gunfire. lower one- two-metre section of outer wall built granite blocks or large river cobbles. granite or cobble section immune digging, since outer layer of cobbles purposely laid smaller ends pointing outwards—it futile attacker dig out such cobbles. digging tunnel under wall not possible either, because cobble section wall extended deep down more 1 metre.

the earth wall section built rammed earth lime-sand-clay mixture , reinforced horizontal bamboo strips lateral binding. solid castle. in 1934, group of uprising peasants of yongding county occupied tulou resist assault of army, fired 19 cannon shots @ tulou, made small dent on outside wall.

the weak link in walled system gate. gate of fujian tulou specially designed defense. door frame built large solid block of granite; double doors built fire-resistant solid wood boards 13 cm thick, reinforced thick iron armour plates. main gate door barred several horizontal , vertical strong wood posts inserted holes in granite. guard against enemy destroying front doors fire, doors equipped water tanks on top quench fires set enemy.

fujian tulou residents used firearms active defense, shooting @ enemies gun ports @ top level of building. fujian tulou constructed circular corridor along inside

wall facilitate movement of armed men , ammunition.