Yude Building

　　   Yude Building is located in Taxia Village, Shuyang Town, Nanjing County, Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. The front half of the building has four floors and looks just like any other tulou, but the strange part is the back half — it is only three stories high yet features just a single semicircular rammed earth wall, topped with protective roof tiles, and nothing else behind it. People vividly call it the “apron building.”

　　   The apron building was originally built in 1802 but was burned down by warlords in 1926. It was rebuilt in 1972 with funding from overseas Chinese and clan relative Zhang Qingzhong from Singapore. In front of the building flows an ever-moving stream — the “Taiji Stream.” This S-shaped stream runs through Taxia Village, nestled between mountain valleys, with 47 uniquely shaped Hakka earthen buildings — tulou — lining both sides. There is also a round tulou on each side of the village. In the evening, Yude Building takes on an especially classic, old-world charm when illuminated by bright red lanterns.

　　   Source: Fujian Provincial Tourism Development Commission