Tu Nationality Architecture

　　The architectural culture of the Tu people is distinctive and unique. In rural areas, people generally live in villages, most of which are located at the foot of mountains, with houses built against the hills and near water. Each household has a courtyard, with animal sheds inside and toilets, vegetable gardens, and threshing grounds outside. The houses have flat roofs that can be used to store grain and fodder. Most homes consist of three rooms in a unit: the central room serves as the main hall, one side room is for sleeping, and the other side room functions as a Buddhist shrine. The sleeping room has a heated kang (a traditional bed-stove), which is connected to the stove so that the heat from cooking also warms the bed. The beams and doors/windows of the residences are often carved or painted with colorful patterns symbolizing strong livestock and abundant harvests, creating a bright and beautiful aesthetic. Some ancient buildings 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 consisting of many halls, scripture chambers, and monks' quarters. It follows the contours of the mountain, with buildings of varying heights clustered closely together and stretching for miles. Majestic and spectacular, 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 layered and richly detailed wood carvings. The clay Buddha statues come in diverse forms and are strikingly lifelike, fully demonstrating the architectural and sculptural artistry of the Tu people.