Tu ethnic architecture

Tu ethnic architecture

Tu ethnic architecture

The architectural culture of the Tu people is distinctive and unique in character. In rural areas, people typically live in villages, most of which are located at the foot of mountains, with houses built against the hills and near water sources. Each household has its own courtyard, with animal pens inside and toilets, vegetable gardens, and threshing grounds outside. The houses have flat roofs that can be used to store fodder and grain. Most homes consist of three rooms in a unit, with the central room serving as the main hall, one side room as the bedroom, and the other as a shrine. The heated kang bed in the bedroom is connected to the stove, so the heat from cooking also warms the bed. The beams and doors/windows of the houses are often carved or painted with colorful patterns symbolizing strong livestock and abundant harvests, creating a bright and beautiful effect. Some ancient structures in Tu-inhabited areas, such as Youning Monastery, the Bell and Drum Tower in Huzhu County, and Wufeng Temple, embody the essence of the architectural arts of the Tu, Tibetan, and Han peoples. In particular, Youning Monastery is a complete architectural complex made up of numerous halls, scripture chambers, and monks’ quarters. It follows the contours of the mountain, with buildings of varying heights clustered closely together and stretching over several miles, presenting a majestic and spectacular sight. It incorporates features of both Tibetan and Han architectural styles, as well as the artistry of “Hezhou brick carving.” The decorations are exquisitely crafted, with layers of intricate wood carvings and richly detailed reliefs. The clay statues of Buddhas, each uniquely shaped and lifelike, fully demonstrate the high level of architectural and sculptural artistry of the Tu people.