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Fujian Tulou (Yongding Tulou)

A type of traditional communal earthen building in Fujian, China, known for its unique circular and square designs and Hakka heritage.

fujiantulou

Written by James Jiang • 2025-08-14

Image from Jerry Sun, Fujian (Yongding) Tulou

永定土楼是许多海外闽人的故乡,有深厚的历史底蕴。个人认为:土楼的核心价值在于村民仍在其中生活,是与其他文化遗产不同的一点也是很独特的价值,但过度旅游化正挤压居住空间。

以下为几点建议:

1. 赋权村民:成立由楼长、乡贤组成的共治委员会,对商业开发拥有一票否决权;

2. 现代管理赋能:引入“权责清单”制度,明确村民在修缮、分红、游客管理中的主体地位;

让居民从“被管理者”转为“主导者”,才是活态遗产真正存续的关键。闽人治闽!

Yongding Tulou, home to many overseas Fujianese, boasts a rich history. I believe the core value of these buildings lies in the continued existence of local residents, despite a unique value that sets them apart from other cultural heritage sites. However, excessive tourism is squeezing out living space.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Empower villagers: Establish a co-governance committee composed of building managers and village elders, which will have a veto over commercial development;

2. Modern management empowerment: Introducing a "power and responsibility list" system to clarify the villagers' dominant position in repairs, dividends, and tourist management;

Transforming residents from being "managed" to "leaders" is the key to the true survival of living heritage. Fujian people govern Fujian!